Here's a surprisingly simple way to construct a diminished scale using a dominant seventh arpeggio and related approach tones. First, start with a dominant seventh arpeggio. We'll use a Bb7 arpeggio as an example. The notes of a Bb7 are Bb (root), D (3rd), F (5th) and Ab (7th). Bb7 Arpeggio Next, add one approach… Continue reading A Simple Way to Construct a Diminished Scale
Category: scales
Two Diminished Scale Exercises
A diminished scale is an eight-note scale, or octatonic scale, made up of a series of alternating whole steps and half steps from the starting pitch. One way to make sense of these scales is to use a diminished 7th arpeggio as their foundation. The Eo7 arpeggio below has the notes E, G, Bb &… Continue reading Two Diminished Scale Exercises
Tuplet Training
Tuplets are used to subdivide one beat (or more) into equal divisions. In a simple meter like 2/4, you'll find tuplets with an odd number of subdivisions (triplets = 3 subdivisions of the beat, quintuplets = 5, etc.), and in a compound meter, like 6/8, you'll see tuplets with an even number of subdivisions (duplets… Continue reading Tuplet Training