generic modality compression gadget
If you like to work things out yourself, then you can use this chart (PDF) I made to write down all the 10 pairings for any given scale or mode.
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The spreadsheet gadget to the left is to be used with Mick Goodrick's and Tim Miller's book Creative Chordal Harmony by showing all possible pairings for any given 7-note scale/mode. This follows the Generic Modality Compression system of studying harmony explained in the book. In a nutshell, when you remove the root from a 7-note scale/mode you're left with 6 notes. Those 6 notes can be combined in 10 possible pairs of 3 notes chords.
For instance, if you need some interesting comping parts and solos to play over an Fm7 chord, assume the bass will play the root (F) and then select on the spreadsheet F Dorian (or F Aeolian or even F Phrygian). This will give you 10 pairs of the remaining 6 notes. If you play these pairs you will have, together with the root, the sound of the whole scale. So in this example you could play the II triad (GBbD) followed by the III triad (AbCEb), or for a more exotic sound perhaps the 432 cluster (BbAbG) together with the 765 cluster (EbDC). These can be arpeggiated, organized in spread or close voicings, etc. At the moment, I've only input the seven diatonic modes going through the circle of fourths and started each root with the mode with the least accidentals. I gave myself permission to switch to the enharmonic equivalent when things got too 'double-flatty' like say D flat Locrian. I've got a lot to learn, so any help you'd care to give me in this would be great. The video below wasn't uploaded by me, but it's the first track from the Creative Chordal Harmony book. This shows the General Modality Compression #9 pairing (7th no3 / cluster) being applied to a GmMaj7 chord resulting in various inversions and melody lines being played in the top voice. |