Music Theory 2
Hi David,
I'm working on the LOA-5 written portion, and I'm having some trouble with example 2.5, which asks for the scale degrees based on the G Mixolydian scale. I know that the Mixolydian mode flattens the 7th note in the scale, so in the case of G, the F# in G Major becomes F natural in G Mixolydian. I think that means that wherever there is an F on the harp, the proper designation for G Mixolydian would be 7th, whereas if the task was to fill in the degrees based on the G Major scale, any F on the harp would be a flat 7th. So in my chart, I've got 7th written in 5draw, 9draw, and 2", but I am confused about what to do with 2' and 9'. Relative to the G Mixolydian scale, the Gb/F# is a b8th, correct?
I notice on p.22 of the Music Theory Study 2 pdf, you've got Fs marked as b7th and 2' and 9' as 7, which seems to make sense in reference to the G Major rather than the G Mixolydian.
So I think I've got my wires crossed somewhere: can you clarify?
Thanks much.
Great question PM42. I prefer the flat designation (b7) to show that relative to major, it's lowered a half step.
Yes, relative to the major scales. Sorry for any confusion.
Great: got it! Thank you.
... it turns out I've got similar questions for example 3.5. I would expect an F natural to be 3rd in D Dorian (becuase F# is the 3rd in D Major), and I would expect C to be the 7th in D Dorian. The filled in chart on p. 24, however, gives b7th to C, b3rd to F, 7th to Db/C#, and 3rd to Gb/F#.
In the videos you mention that you prefer to think of 2nd position as playing in G major on a C harp rather than as G Mix, and 3rd position as D major on a C harp rather than D Dorian: so maybe the idea to to fill in the charts relative to the major scales?
Thanks for the help.