Latest
Jazz Studies With Bill Harrison: Play-Along Tracks Lesson 7 – The Minor Key Mystery
Meet Bill Harrison –
Bill-Harrison-Lesson 7-Aug2010 – Minor Keys (Click above to download the accompanying pdf file for musical examples)
Correct me if I’m wrong about this, but it seems that the subject of “minor” gets short shrift in lessons and discussions about jazz harmony. Perhaps this is because the major scale and its modes take a lot of time to learn and use with ease. Maybe it’s because major scale harmonies (I, vi, ii and V) are so common in standard tunes and the mainstream jazz repertoire. But I think that one of the main avoidance factors is that there are so many kinds of minor scales that many musicians find the whole subject terribly confusing.
I know I did, for many years. So I’m going to do you a favor and (hopefully) de-mystify minor in one short lesson.
When we say that a song (or a section of it) is in a minor key we mean that this chunk of music is written using material from the major scale that shares its key signature. This is the origin of the term “relative minor”. Recall that the natural minor scale (also called aeolian mode) is just the major scale starting on the 6th degree. (Ex. 1) It is your “go to” choice for the chord that is built on the same degree – our old friend vi-7.
Now here’s the allegedly tricky part: Natural minor has an inherent weakness if we want to use it as our home (or tonic) scale. The problem is that this scale has no leading tone (also known as the major 7th). Instead, there is a wimpy sounding whole step from the minor 7th up to the root (or 8). (Ex. 1) What this means is that there is no functional V7 – I present in the natural minor scale. Without that harmonic formula our ability to create tension and release is severely curtailed.
Recall that V7 – I is the most common of all cadences in western music. All of the familiar aspects of the functional harmony we know and love and use every day would be non-existent without V7 resolving to I. The V7 – I cadence depends upon the movement (or resolution) of two notes: the 7th degree of the scale moving up to the root and the 4th descending to the 3rd. (Ex. 2) shows how this works in major keys.
The sad fact is that we can’t construct a dominant 7th chord on the V in natural minor because the 3rd of that chord is minor. So there can be no V7 – I cadence if we use this scale as our home base. What is a composer or improvisor to do if we can’t rely on the strong pull of V going to I? (Ex. 3)
Fortunately this problem was solved several centuries ago by some wily folks who manufactured a new scale by simply raising the 7th up a half step. You most likely already know this one: the harmonic minor. That unique minor 6th / major 7th combination is the result of the need for a leading tone (and therefore a major 3rd on the V chord).
(Ex. 4)
So when we say “minor key” we really mean the harmonic minor scale built on the 6th degree of the relative major key. Functionally speaking, the relative minor for the key of C major is A harmonic minor. We create harmonic minor by raising the 7th degree of natural minor one half step.
There’s really no mystery to it at all!
I have to include a caveat for the harmony mavens: the harmonic minor is NOT the only scale that is used to signify “i” in minor. We’ll discuss the intricacies of the melodic minor scale another day.
And next time we’ll apply this theory to our role as bass line creators.
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass
Latest
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag
FEATURED @foderaguitars @bqwbassguitar @lecomptebass @xvector_basses @vuorensaku_guitars @phdbassguitars @meridian_guitars @sterlingbymusicman @ramabass.ok @overwaterbasses
Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
