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Theory and Technique One by Rhayn Jooste
Tetrachord : scale series of four notes Legato: Bound, smooth; even passage of notes
Theory
If you have ever played scales, then you are unwittingly playing tetra chords; chances are you have never thought of scales as fragments that can be joined. These four note fragments can be connected in various ways to form larger 8 note segments, called scales. This lesson will concentrate only on 4 tetrachords:
Major 1 2 3 4 Minor 1 2 b3 4
Phrygian 1 b2 b3 4 Lydian 1 2 3 #4 (see music)
These can be added together to form the basis of the major scale and its modes. The tablature has been written across one string to help you learn and visualize the fragments. Aim to finger these in at least 2 – 3 different ways. An example (fingerings) of only the major tetrachord is included, you need to mould the fingerings for the others.
Modes.
Below is a chart with each mode and its two tetrachords. Each tetrachord can be added to another to form the 7 modes of the major scale. Modes are a mother scale (Ionian/major) that has 7 ways of opening: e.g. Dorian mode is 2 – 2, Aeolian is 6 – 6 etc.) Take special note that each tetrachord is conjoined with a tone (fret between) or a semi-tone (next fret) to the next. As an added bonus I have put the basic chord type these modes will work over in the last column. (see Giant Steps example)
| Position | Mode | Tetrachord | Join | Tetrachord | Chord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ionian | major |
tone |
major |
maj7 |
|
2 |
Dorian |
minor |
tone |
minor |
min7 |
|
3 |
Phrygian |
phrygian |
tone |
phrygian |
min7 |
|
4 |
Lydian |
lydian |
semi-tone |
major |
maj7 |
|
5 |
Mixolydian |
major |
tone |
minor |
Dom7 |
|
6 |
Aeolian |
minor |
tone |
phrygian |
min7 |
|
7 |
Locrian |
phrygian |
semi-tone |
lydian |
min7b5 |
Finally, understand and HEAR the difference between each tetrachord and their relationship to the scale you are building. This will aid your aural skills and help identifying them when heard in musical situations.
Technique
Tetrachords work wonderfully with hammer ons and pull offs. This technique forms musical passages that are smooth and connected with little or no space between notes and not picked.
Aim for even strikes with your left hand. The right hand pluck should be at the same level in energy as your next left hand finger. The rookie mistake here is to play a passage with a loud first note and then inaudible hammers or pull offs after. There are some starter exercises for those new to this technique or those a little rusty. Remember a pull off is actually a pull down – the left hand finger plucks the string in a down ward motion. NOT pulled off the strings! That is just its technical term.
Practice these with out an amp, once you can hear all notes clearly so will the electronics in your amp and cabs. Included in the tab are some musical ideas. Most of all remember practice can be fun, so do the exercise first to warm up and then place them in musical situations and burn up the fretboard or mark the giant steps changes. The only limit is your imagination.
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
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Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
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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
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