Learning To Play Extreme Guitar – Fun With The Aeolian Mode-Relative And Parallel Minor Keys
First and foremost, for those of you who have not read my previous article pertaining to the the Aeolian Mode, it would be beneficial for you to do so. Otherwise, this particular article might become confusing at times. It’s always best to build a solid foundation of understanding before engaging in progressive principles.
As we have previously discovered, the Aeolian Mode is a minor scale. It is also referred to as the Pure Minor Scale or the Natural Minor scale. It has several unique characteristics both in sound and application (see previous article for explanation). Further, the Aeolian Mode (scale) is rooted on the 6th degree of it’s respective major scale. Once again, read the previous article for all of the essential details surrounding the Aeolian Mode.
As guitarists, an important element of performance is to establish a tonal center for our audience to hold on to. Tonic absolutely rules when establishing any tonality. What is meant by tonality? All of the notes and chords that belong in or to any piece of music.
Try this simple chord progression. Play an A min 7 chord for two measures. Progress to a D min7 chord for one measure, then return to the A min7 chord. We just established a tonality; a tonal center. The A min7 chord functions as the I minor (the tonic, home base). The D min7 chord is a great movement away from the tonic and functions as a IV minor. Returning to the A min7 chord (I minor), after playing the IV minor (D min7), is like a breath of fresh air. Everything sounds right.
The Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor Scale) played at the fifth fret (A), will establish the melodic tonal center for the above referenced progression. In short, we just created a minor tonality both in harmonic structure and melodic structure.
The associated major key signature for this example is C major. Remember, the Aeolian Mode is rooted on the 6th degree of it’s own respective major scale. A is the 6th degree of the C major scale. Therefore, it is referred to as the Relative Minor for the key of C major (see previous article).
Relative Minor and Parallel Minor key signatures are great tonalities to establish in order to take your listener away from the respective major scale. It is this movement away from the major tonality that provides interest and color for the listener to experience. Tonality and movement (musical motion) is everything when painting a musical portrait.
In my opinion, Parallel Minor is the greatest an best movement away from the major key signature. A I minor, IV minor progression in Parallel Minor is C minor7 to F minor7. This is a complete departure from the major key (C major) tonality. In the key of C major, the I chord is C major and the IV chord is F major. In the key of C parallel minor, both the C major chord (I major) and the F major chord (IV major) become minor chords (the 3rd of each chord is lowered by 1/2 step to create minor). Note that when Aeolian is played as Relative minor, the chords still reflect the major key signature. There is more contrast when played as Parallel minor. When Aeolian (or any of the other traditional minor scales; subjects for future articles) is played at C, it is referred to as parallel (key of C major) minor to the key of C major. Therefore, for the key of C major, there are two traditional minor key signatures; Relative and Parallel.
This article is a very basic approach to the two types of minor key application. For an in-depth analysis, it’s best to seek out an instructor or program that is very descriptive. The intent here, is to merely skim the surface with some of these concepts.
Once again, it’s important to become educated in music. An authentic understanding of music theory will help in all areas of music. Understanding the function of scales and chords enhances one’s ability to compose, perform, arrange, and produce music. Knowledge is power.
Contrary to what some might think, obtaining a great foundation in music theory doesn’t take years. It takes the desire to learn and a logical approach to these principles. A professional guitar course can chop years off the time it would take for one to learn these concepts in a traditional college or university setting.
There are many things to consider when establishing a minor tonality. Too many to discuss in this article. However, many of these subjects will be addressed in future articles. Stay tuned.
© 2008 Michael E. Fletcher. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
