How does the word languish factor into a musical scale, other than the alliterative letter ‘L’ beginning both words? Well there is the time I spent putting this together. Hoping for a useful result.
So I imagined a person alone lying on on a guitar fret board somewhere with an arm outstretched to a stormy sky yearning for…
Some traction in gaining some useful working knowledge of the guitar.
I imagine many experience a struggle in that effort. That might feel like one is toiling and not making much if any progress.
Even after many years of playing I have sometimes felt that way.
Results might not even be seen or seem relevant to the end one imagines the effort should be leading to.
Nevertheless lessons continue to present themselves.
Lydian wants to exclaim “learn about me, I am interesting and worth knowing”
But wait there’s more !?
But we might rather right now be, watching TV, trying to get to sleep, looking at alternative art on Pinterest, reading comic books, drawing, rearranging the furniture, anything but advancing guitar playing ability, the audacity!
However to get to another level as a musician we have to approach our efforts dilligently.
A claim of being this or that, of going to do this or that, will make no difference until the this or that is actually done!
Despite compulsions, the weather, various obligations all around. We can usually choose to do what we want, we just might need to focus our intention into attention.
That seems simple enough, so how can we stimulate momentum in the direction of our goals?
Answers but the questions still remain
Some questions might help.
(Why) am I working at this? ( I put why in parenthesis because, I think most times it is not needed to ask a question.
And ‘am I ?’ suggests that we have more control or capability in the equation than we give ourselves credit for)
So my answer to ‘am I working at this?’ is: Here is an opportunity to grow as a musician, to further develop skills that I want to share. I want to take music seriously and to share my enjoyment of the creative process.
Which in my case, is a perpetual work in progress.
Is it enough to be creative without any reward or recognition?
YES. I would still be and am creative sans reward or recognition. I have to be to survive this existence. AND. To create something and attempt to share it, with so many options available to do so these days. NO. Recognition and reward are not my tasks as a creative.
That is someone else’s task to recognize or ignore, reward or refute. Though as I think of recognition and reward now, I realize that in fact:
the mind never stops making connections
re = again; cognition = to learn; is happening within and,
re= again; ward = to watch over (of germanic origin); it is rewarding in and of itself to produce something even if the only one enjoying the result is the one making the effort. But that is rarely the case. I believe we cannot undertake a creative task with out having the effort affect us and subsequently those with whom we interact in some particular way, regardless if the result produced is put on display or not.
However I didn’t get to this point in my existence without input from and acknowledging the efforts of others
SO. Creative output can and should be shared as best one can for any of the above to have an effect.
inciting insight invigorating innovation
What do I hope is going to come from this effort? A blog post that incites insight and invigorates innovation.
An outlook, an approach, a take on life and the making of music that keeps it real and at the forefront of my life
What I offer to benefit myself and any one else that might find this then, is another video demonstrating how to use the sonique spiderweb with an emphasis on the Lydian mode as found within the Ionian in the key of A major. Languishing in the Lydian video link
While the obvious forward and across the fret board approach is all that is needed for a cursory understanding of the scale.
Should one be so inclined to develop it to another level I offer my take on the subject.
There are many ways to play scales on the guitar that are unique and instructive.
Which can advance ones musical vocabulary significantly.
These that I offer can of course be applied to other scales and modes, as knowledge of the fret board becomes increasingly innate or 2nd nature.
The options available to have scale study impart a unique aspect to ones musical vocabulary can thus always be improved upon.
There is truly a wealth of possibilities available in the so called ‘basics’ if one can make some time to for it!
There is a Turning the Lydian inside out.pdfof some of the scale studies I’m advocating, available here as I’ve recently got some new software that helps me to produce that. Hope it proves useful!
This is because all the notes in these modes are found in the A Major Scale!
Go ahead and try to do that
So what to do with this knowledge? Parse the other modes in the A major by referencing the notes and finding them on your instrument.
I also recommend playing the scale in a variety of ways so as to improve working knowledge of your instrument and provide technical proficiency through shifting ones view of the possibility that scales can be a rather interesting provocation to inspire music making.
One question that comes up is how can we employ these various modes.
What options does this knowledge afford us to add interest to our musical expression?
What do I mean by ‘The Zone’? It is that mental space that allows for serious motivated attention in which to pursue an interest. Seeing how the ‘Russian Method’ or at least a portion thereof, worked on the keyboard in finding that space when practicing to develop skill further. I decided to try and find it on the guitar using my invention, ‘The Sonique Spiderweb’ as an aid.
This way of playing scales is of course possible, however the guitar is unique in that some notes that sound identical can be fingered quite differently, that being said the principle is the same.
The idea is to move from a root pitch 3 octaves apart through the sequence of notes/intervals making up the scale. Instead of playing all the notes in a scale an octave apart simultaneously as is common on the piano keyboard, (now that I think about it, that would be a challenge on the guitar! which will be explored soon, thank you very much mind of mine). Back to topic. We move away from the root pitch by both ascending and descending through the intervals. An example in the A major scale can be seen here.
Here are the specifics in writing
So we begin 3 octaves apart with the A pitch.
Then moving away from the root up in pitch to the major 2nd a B note and down in pitch to the major 7th G#/Ab,
(it is possible to goin either direction with the intervals, higher or lower in pitch, current example shows one way)
Next we move up to the major 3rd C#/Db and down to the major 6th F#/Gb
Then up to the perfect 4th D and down to the perfect 5th E
Then up to the perfect 5th E and down to the perfect 4th D
(same notes different octaves!
as will be the case as we continue)
Now we move up to the major 6th F#/Gb and down to the major 3rd C#/Db
Then up to the major 7th G#/Aband down to the major 2nd B
once again at an octave A note or pitch
Then inverting again we move down to a major 7th G#/Ab and up to a major 2nd B
Down to a major 6th F#/Gb and up to a major 3rd C#/Db
Then down to a perfect 5th E and up to a perfect 4th D
Followed by its opposite up to a perfect 5th Eand down to a perfect 4th D
Then up to the major 6th F#/Gb and down to the major 3rd C#/Db
Then up to the major 7th G#/Ab and down to a major 2nd B
And voila we are back to the root A note and none the less worse for wear.
invigorating innovation
So we can see two ways to reference and relate to the scale, one by the note names, but also as importantly by the intervals or distances from the root. I have found a kind of mnemonic device to remember this. Octaves are obvious, 2nd and 7th begin with the same 2 letters, the 3rd and 6th intervals are divisible by 2, and 4th and 5ths are right next to each other.
So, while this can be a challenge if we haven’t done this before and that is kind of the point here. This can be a useful method for getting into the zone or put another way, a more involved mind set for practicing other concepts we would like to make progress with.
Here it is for any to use. I am doing what I can as I am able, to show its utility as a musical instruction device but it can do more than just teach. Which if you decide to track my trajectory of haphazard blog posts and video demonstrations will eventually become evident. So a little more about making one.
As it is rather a bit much to assemble and offer for sale, I am making it available at no charge, as a .pdf (See top of page for PDF link) for you to print and use. Here is a video of how to make one should you be so inclined. So if you want one and do not want to purchase it, here it is for the low cost of your time, effort and careful attention to detail.
If you would like to show appreciation for the effort involved in producing this and the associated material, blog posts, videos, and music that are a part of this enterprise, Donate below.
So there you go. Hope that is not too much pressure, and it is not required but appreciated if offered. As is simply being interested in my invention!
If you watch the video you will see what a challenge it is to manufacture. While the video shows how to make it, it is not demonstrative of how long it takes to produce despite being some 20 plus minutes long. And that is after I cut some material that while, not irrelevant to the process of producing it, it is perhaps not absolutely necessary to show.
All that being said I do feel it has a lot to offer and believe it will be of use to persons wanting to understand notational relationships in music theory displayed simply and alphabetically.
Hopefully the sonique spiderweb will be of value to those who endeavor to increase their musical proficiency and find new and innovative ways to understand musical concepts as a result. What follows is a rather detailed but far from comprehensive explanation of the sonique spiderwebs capabilities. As well as options to purchase an assembled functional sonique spiderweb.
as mentioned previously
So here it is at long last I am letting it out into the wild! Finally filed for the patent, that was my benchmark to letting go.
I can no longer use that as an excuse not to share it! There is a lot to unpack here and I plan to do just that as time permits. I intend that it is helpful to anyone desirous of learning certain music theory concepts. It has a lot to offer in this regard. In particular, the relationships of notes and how those can be utilized to work together in harmonious expression. I have some videos posted of how to use it on my youtube channel. Some basics to get started.
Links to my youtube videos.
How to use the sonique spiderweb to build chords. How to use it to make scales, major and pentatonic examples. How to use it to learn and find the name of the notes on a guitar. As well as an overview of its many features.
Some information about the sonic spiderweb
From the advert.
What is this thing we are looking at? Who has devised such a mechanism for capturing the attention of musically inclined persons to satiate their thirst for notational music theory? How does it impart its wealth of information so practical to the study of music? When can it be used to further musical aspirations? Where can I get one? Welcome to the Sonique Spiderweb.
This machination of musical mystery and perchance mastery has been developed over many years and has taken many forms to reach this present iteration!
I have personally put my own hands to work at the task of making this device as useful and easy to employ as possible. I call myself guitarbeau!
With in its dodecagonique shape lies an amazing ability to clearly display in alphabetic form the names of musical pitches found in a mode scale or chord and transpose that information in a snap with a twist or a turn!
This will become evident as we delve deep into its angular lines and tangental appearance to discover pragmatically proffered, perfectly possible potentialities and prudently practical purposes.
The Sonique Spider Web has been constructed in just such away as to not require alternative energy sources to operate, it can be put to use at a moments notice. No wait time, no boot time, no file search, no extension cord needed.
Obtaining it can be as easy or as complicated as you might prefer. Order one from guitarbeau.com As it is hand made and requires some time to assemble it is priced exorbitantly see the website for that information. Or make one yourself with a printable pdf on display at the top of this article that contains just the musical data available for display but with out all the particularly spectacular tantalizing features that make the Sonique Spider Web such a fascinating choice to explore! Though you could develop your own perspective on those features, I’ll share my technique should you want to go that route. Visit the video on how to make the sonique spiderweb.
With out further ado let’s spin this thing and see how dizzy we get!?
THE SONIQUE SPIDERWEB
A description
So there is an abundance of information available here on this 8.5 by 11 inch cardboard invention.
Starting with the outer perimeter.
We have surrounding the sonique spiderweb 12 intervals or scale degrees designated at 12 equal distant sections making a dodecagon or 12 sided shape.
These interval designations are:
the ROOT, a minor 2nd, a Major 2nd / 9th, a minor 3rd, a Major 3rd, a Perfect 4th / 11th, an augmented 4th or diminished 5th, a perfect 5th, a minor 6th, a Major 6th / 13th, a minor 7th, and a Major 7th.
These are the 12 intervals or scale degrees used to define the spaces between musical notes from a root note.
Moving from an interval to another interval can be described as moving in steps.
Either a half step to an interval right next to it.
Or a whole step, to an interval separated by another interval or scale degree. This is a teaching paradigm that I don’t use very much.
inside of the outer perimeter
The next segment of the sonique spiderweb has 7 common modes or scales indicated with in it at specific intervals.
These modes are based on a Major scale and each begin from a subsequent interval of the major scale.
These are designated as:
Ionian: A major Scale begins from a root note
Dorian: A natural minor scale with the 6th interval or scale degree 1 half step or interval higher. Begins from the major 2nd interval of the ionian major scale.
Phrygian: A natural minor scale with the 2nd interval 1 half step lower. Begins from the major 3rd interval of the ionian major scale.
Lydian: A major scale with the 4th interval 1 half step higher. Begins from the perfect 4th of the ionian major scale.
Myxolydian: A major scale with the 7th interval scale degree 1 half step lower. Begins from the perfect 5th of the ionian major scale.
Aeolian: A natural minor scale. Begins from the major 6th of a the ionian major scale.
Locrian: A natural minor scale with the 2nd and the 5th intervals both 1 half step lower. Begins from the major 7th of the ionian major scale.
at the heart of the sonique spiderweb
The inner section of the sonique spider web has the musical alphabet indicated on it in sequential order.
Also indicated are key signs that correspond to the note or notes named in this version these are in the treble or “G” clef.
The note name section of the sonique spiderweb can be rotated to allow for transposing a scale or chord into another key.
sliders hiders blinders deciders
This feature really gives the sonique spiderweb its splendiferous capacity!
Just underneath and at the edge of the sonique spiderweb are movable sliders that can be used to hide or allow the display of the note names of the musical alphabet.
For example: to display an Ionian major scale use the sliders to hide note name data on the inner section:
at the minor 2nd, minor 3rd, augmented 4th/diminished 5th, minor 6th and minor 7th intervals,
and display note name data at the Root, major 2nd, major 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, major 6th, and major 7th intervals and voila the notes to any major scale
are visible.
For example with a C note displayed or dialed in at the root we have C,D,E,F,G,A,B.
A C major scale. if you’re an astute observer you will also see the various other modes are like wise displayed along with the major scale.
This is because these other modes are found with in the Ionian major mode or scale!
With a simple turn of the inner web we can dial in any major scale in any key.
but wait theres more!
But that’s not the only scales we can display!
Using the sliders we can display a variety of other scales. All we need to know is which intervals are used in a given scale.
For example to display the notes of a major pentatonic scale.
Utilize the sliders to allow the display of a root, major 2nd, major 3rd, perfect 5th, and major 6th.
And hide all of the other intervals with their associated sliders sliders and voila! A major pentatonic.
Choose what key to play in by turning note name segment so that the desired pitch appears at the root position.
can you display chords? yes you can!
Chords are possible too!
Want to work on major triads. Display a root, a major 3rd, and a perfect 5th, hide all other intervals and dial in the root note you want to work with.
Want to add a minor 7th reveal the note under that slider and add it to the chord voila!
Want the major 7th instead a simple swap of slider position at the corresponding intervals, et encore voila!
What about something esoteric like a F#diminished 7th chord I discovered whilst playing we are the champions by queen.
This neat chord can be played from any interval and look like itself on the guitar fretboard and use the same notes albeit in different positions.
At least that’s how it occurs to me.
the intervals involved are: a root, minor 3rd, dim 5th, major 6th.
Look how it appears on the sonique spider web, we have root interval open going clockwise 2 intervals hidden, another the minor third open, continuing
clockwise 2 more intervals closed, then the diminished 5th is open, then 2 more intervals closed, the major 6th open, then 2 last intervals likewise closed.
A step and a half betwixt each pitch evenly positioned yet sonically amazing can you believe it.
there will be more to come
So those are the basics basically. Moving forward there will be more opportunities to study and put the sonique spiderweb to use that should provide a lot of fun.
I have made an adjustment in the manufacture of my device to make it more economical.
order form
the sonique spiderweb
a music theory teaching aid to display alphabetic note name data and intervallic relationships betwixt that data. shipping is included.
I fancy myself a creator. I am usually working on one project or another. The Sonique Spider Web being my coup de maitre, the master stroke, that I hope to launch here shortly. But being a perfectionist, which is just another word for procrastination or fear, I become distractible. Wanting to do many things, too many me thinks. I’ll start another project before finishing the first, see the Sonique Spider Web above, I’ve been at that since 2004!. So being true to nature here is another distraction to perfect.
Something to …
Design it yourself. The idea, guitar straps that can be embellished however you might like.
The concept seems inventive enough, and has potential to generate ideas galore.
The strap material white poly-propylene is a challenge to put a mark on but..
it cAN BE DONE
DEVELOPING THE IDEA Not sure what marking to test the material with, experimentation was in order. Many markers and pens worked though not as easily as I would have hoped. The strap material is not flat like a piece of paper or willing to absorb ink in away that might be preferred. Here are examples of some designs and various means used to draw on it.
That is supposed to be a VENOM likeness for a friend of mine.
Initial Attempts With Markers
And then they came into existence
Viola! Strap Dragons
SHADOW DRAGONS / DRAGON SHADOWS
Coming from a place of fascination, and idealization were they bred. Imagination brought them into existence. And, like they who construed them, they take many forms and personalities. Playful, personable, proactive, problematic, perplexing, perturbing. A plethora of types to fill the imagination with wonder and enthrall their advocates and detractors alike.
These silhouettes can be made from many materials, these seen here are cut from of leather and a much easier to work with foam material. Attached to the strap by way of a pin, or 2 sided tape and velcro loop material these can land anywhere one might prefer. Size may matter. I currently am training a purple suede shadow dragon to monitor my practice regimen and determine how well it holds up.
Purple Suede Dragon after 2 weeks of my grueling rehearsal schedule and a Black Patent Leather version from the brood who just sat and listened.
Rough Draft
As with many creative endeavors, the refinement process can be embellished and improved upon. Novel and I think more attractive solutions to the original design will offer alternative expressions in visual appeal. These will of course be developed further as opportunity affords, not to mention the potential of other creatives to run with the idea and elevate the art form to ever new and interesting levels.
I call the ones with the wide wingspan divebombers and the narrow ones wasps!
The wasp and the dive bomber, in search of a perch!
music and media
As musical paraphernalia that can be deployed as a statement of what your interests are, you can decorate your strap how you see fit. Putting on display to your audience the things that matter to you and uniquely identify and endear you to your fans.
Or if you’re a fan and want to express yourself to a favored musician whose instrument is supported by a strap and that can be decorated to demonstrate your appreciation to that musician you can do that too!
insight and innovation
Given the never ending cacophony of ideas and ideals there are to pursue it can become distractive at times to focus whole heartedly on one thing in such away as to bring it to fruition in any period of time.
Fruition can mean many things, as far as artistic endeavors are concerned, getting it out there to be seen or heard is probably the foremost thing.
This takes time and patience which often can benefit the result even if the process may seem to stall. That doesn’t mean things are still or nothing is happening at some level.
Despite imposing consternations that want to deter a project. If the interest is great enough to start, it can be enough to finish.
Given some time and recognizing that it like wine, things can and do improve with age if such is worked on, the process will bring such efforts ever closer to realization.
so then
Choices.
It may seem obvious and redundant to say, but we pursue that which interests us the most regardless of what we might think or say we are interested in. We do what we want for the most part when given the freedom to do so. So it stands to reason, that when given the opportunity of a choice, what is the interest that propels us to action, and what does it say about us that we choose this or that to focus and act on?
I say this as I look forward to a day of labor at various tasks that while doing them I find myself wishing I was doing something else.
But the option to choose is always in one way shape or form, more or less available and those choices are rife with endless possibilities to distract. So then, what can propel the creative choices that are desired when the time is available to act on them?
in a word, begin
As already mentioned a lot of what gets started takes awhile to get where it is going, but won’t get there if it never starts. And if it starts then stalls but still seems like it wants to go, remember where the motivation came from in the first place and fill the tank with that and with a word closely related to begin, continue.
voila !
If you would like to purchase a Strap with a Shadow Dragon see below. Or Contact me for more details.
White Guitar Strap with Shadow Dragon Silhouette various colors
White Poly- propelene guitar strap that can be decorated as you see fit. See examples in the blog.
Includes 1 Shadow Dragon Silhouette that can be attached via velcro to the strap, various colors sizes and silhouette shapes.
guitarbeau.com 