Music Modes and Scales in Blues Progressions

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Questions and Answers

Which mode is characterized by the formula 1,2,b3,4,5,6,b7?

Phrygian

Ionian

Dorian (correct)

Mixolydian

What relationship does the E Major Pentatonic have with C# Minor Pentatonic?

They cannot be used together.

They are the same scale.

They are enharmonically equivalent.

They are relative major and minor scales. (correct)

Over which type of chords does the Mixolydian mode work particularly well?

Minor chords only

Dominant 7th and 9th chords (correct)

Major chords only

Diminished chords

Which of the following scales can be used over all chords in the major key jam discussed?

Minor and Major Pentatonic scales Signup and view all the answers

How does the Dorian mode combine elements of both minor and major sound?

It includes both b3, b7 (minor) and 2, 6 (major). Signup and view all the answers

Which progression is highlighted as an example in the major key blues?

E7-A7-B7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the Dorian mode in music theory?

It is the second mode of any major scale. Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested practice when working with the E Dorian mode?

Use it over all chords in the progression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the root note for the Expanded I A minor pentatonic scale played at the fifth fret?

A Signup and view all the answers

Which finger should be used to play the root note on the low E string for the Expanded I scale?

Third finger Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following notes is NOT part of the Expanded I D minor pentatonic scale?

B Signup and view all the answers

What technique is recommended for pivoting on the G string?

Using the second finger Signup and view all the answers

How many notes are in the minor pentatonic scale referenced in the content?

5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic shape used to play the minor pentatonic scale on the guitar?

Box pattern Signup and view all the answers

What fret should you start on to play the Expanded I D minor pentatonic scale?

10th fret Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scales is defined as having the root on the low E string using the first finger?

Basic Box Position Minor Pentatonic Scale Signup and view all the answers

What is the Major Pentatonic scale primarily derived from?

The Major scale Signup and view all the answers

Which degrees of the Major scale are not used in the Major Pentatonic scale?

4 and 7 Signup and view all the answers

In terms of music theory, the relative minor of the Major Pentatonic scale is found how many frets below it?

Three frets Signup and view all the answers

What is the interval pattern of the Major Pentatonic scale?

1, 2, 3, 5, 6 Signup and view all the answers

How does the emphasis on different notes affect the perception of a scale?

It determines whether the scale sounds major or minor. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs represent the same set of notes but different scales?

C Major Pentatonic and A Minor Pentatonic Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the Major Pentatonic scale when played in rock music?

It can create a more fluid and free sound. Signup and view all the answers

Which scale has the same notes as the C Major Pentatonic scale?

A Minor Pentatonic Signup and view all the answers

Which scale can always be used over all chords in a minor key progression?

Aeolian mode Signup and view all the answers

What should be used when encountering a IV major chord or II minor chord in a minor key progression?

Dorian mode Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios requires the use of Harmonic Minor scale?

When there is a V major chord in a minor progression Signup and view all the answers

In the example progression of Bm-Em-F#m, what scale is appropriate to use over all the chords?

B Minor Pentatonic & Blues Signup and view all the answers

What are the two minor modes that can generally be used in a minor key jam?

Aeolian and Dorian Signup and view all the answers

When is it appropriate to use the Minor Pentatonic & Blues scales?

Over each chord treated as a separate event Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Aeolian mode and Natural Minor?

Aeolian mode is the same as Natural Minor Signup and view all the answers

Which scale should be used in a minor progression without a major V chord?

Minor Pentatonic Signup and view all the answers

What is the Major Pentatonic Sus4 scale primarily characterized by?

A six-note structure including the fourth degree Signup and view all the answers

Which intervals make up the Major Pentatonic Sus4 scale?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Signup and view all the answers

What is one major advantage of using the Major Pentatonic Sus4 scale over the traditional Major scale?

Absence of the major 7 note Signup and view all the answers

Which type of music is mentioned as particularly benefiting from the Major Pentatonic Sus4 scale?

Rock Signup and view all the answers

When practicing the Major Pentatonic Sus4 scale, what should players specifically note each time they pass through the scale?

The root and the Sus4 notes Signup and view all the answers

What does adding the fourth degree to the Major Pentatonic scale create?

The Major Pentatonic Sus4 scale Signup and view all the answers

Which string bending technique is suggested for creating a sweet sound in the Major Pentatonic Sus4 scale?

Half step bend on the B string to the Sus4 note Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of viewing the Major Pentatonic Sus4 shape in relation to its relative Minor Pentatonic scale?

It allows for more improvisational freedom Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Modes

Dorian Mode: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7
Mixolydian Mode: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7

Major Key I-IV-V Blues

Use E Minor Pentatonic & Blues scales over all chords for a bluesy minor sound
Use E Major Pentatonic scales over all chords for a sweet major sound
Use a mix of E Minor and E Major Pentatonic scales over all chords
Use E Dorian over all chords

Minor Key Progressions

Minor pentatonic and blues scales work over all chords, except for a major V chord
Aeolian mode (Natural Minor or Pure Minor) works over all chords in a minor key progression unless there is a IV major or II minor chord
Dorian mode works over all chords in a minor key progression if there is a IV major or II minor chord
Use Harmonic Minor over a V major chord

Minor Pentatonic & Blues Scales

Useful over all chords in a minor key progression
Useful over all chords in major key I-IV-V blues, shuffles and swings
Useful over any minor type chord
Useful over all chords in rock jams, or jams using power chords

Major Pentatonic Scale

A 5-note scale consisting of notes 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 from the Major scale
Derived from the Major scale, similar to how the Minor Pentatonic is derived from the Natural Minor scale
Has a sweet major sound
Useful in blues music
Can be viewed as the relative minor pentatonic scale (e.g., C Major Pentatonic = A Minor Pentatonic)

Major Pentatonic Sus4 Scale

A 6-note scale consisting of notes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 from the Major scale
Basically a major scale without the 7th degree
Works well in most contexts
Useful for playing in major pentatonic contexts as it avoids the sometimes "iffy" major 7th note
Gives you a sweet sounding sus4 note

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Description

Explore the essential modes and scales used in blues music, focusing on Dorian and Mixolydian modes as well as the application of major and minor pentatonic scales. This quiz will help you understand how to effectively utilize these musical elements over various chord progressions. Test your knowledge of the theory behind the sounds that drive the blues genre.