Thursday, March 17, 2011

Learn Guitar Scales: Unlocking The Ionian Mode to Advance Your Guitar Solos

By Nick Dillon


It is important as you learn guitar scales to learn the major scale modes. A logical starting point is the Ionian mode also known as the major scale. This scale is very popular in western music from classical to rock to jazz and many others. This scale is used as a reference point in music, and is therfore very important for musicians to understand.

As you learn guitar scales you will realise that scales are simply a series of notes separated by distinct intervals or steps. The intervals of the Ionian mode are root tone -T-T -ST -T-T-T-ST, where T = a tone or two frets and ST = a semitone or 1 fret. A major scale can be formed by simply arranging any set of notes with these intervals. This set of intervals gives the well known - do, re, me, fa, so la, ti sound.

The intervals of the Ionian mode generally produce a bright, happy feel. This is mainly due to the major 3rd but also how the other notes or intervals sound in relation to the root note. This scale is often chosen to give a piece of music a happy and positive vibe. As you learn guitar scales, listen to how the intervals or steps in the scale affect the feel and mood, this is an important skill as a musician.

The well known, easy sounding intervals of the major scale make it an easy reference point when comparing other scales. Learn how the intervals sound, then compare these intervals with those of other scales. This is a great tip as you learn guitar scales and identify different sounds, styles and genres in your lead guitar playing.

If we take the major scale we can construct triads from each of the notes, creating 3 major, 3 minor and a diminished chord. A typical major progression will only use the major triads from the root, fourth and fifth notes of the scale. These three chords are often the easiest to solo over.

The major scale is used extensively in rock, classical, jazz, country and even hymns and nursery rhymes. The longest guitar solo ever in the top forty charts; Slash's "November Rain" used this scale, showing us just how versatile this scale can be. As you learn guitar scales and progress beyond the pentatonics and blues, ensure to learn the modes. The Ionian mode or major scale is a logical starting point to expand your lead guitar playing skills.




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