In this episode we’re going to look at the Melodic minor scale and its Modes. We’re using standard 8 string tuning: F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E. Each mode pattern will be 3 notes per string.
Like the Harmonic minor scale the Melodic minor scale is a based on the Aeolian mode. The Aeolian mode, or Natural minor scale is the 6th mode of the Major scale. By raising both the 6th and 7th notes of the minor scale we get Melodic minor. You may also see this scale referred to as Jazz Minor. Let’s take a look at Melodic minor for 8 string guitar:
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In this lesson we’re going to look at Harmonic minor for 8 string guitar and its Modes. We’re using standard tuning: F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E. Each mode pattern will be 3 notes per string.
Before looking at Harmonic minor for 8 string, first we need to understand the difference between the Natural minor Scale and the Harmonic minor Scale. Natural minor, or just minor, is the 6th mode of the Major scale, also called the Aeolian Mode. In order to get the Harmonic minor scale we need to raise the pitch of the 7th note by a semi-tone.
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Michael Jackson is a massive inspiration for us here at Strings of Rage™. In this episode we’re going to take a close look at the composition of one of MJ’s most awesome, but little known heavy rock tracks “Do You Know Where Your Children Are”.
This track was a previously unreleased song recorded for the Dangerous album. It’s a shame this song didn’t make the cut because it’s such an aggressive solid rock tune from MJ. It would have easily complemented the likes of “give in to me” and “black or white” on the Dangerous album.
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This week we’re going to look at a rippin’ alternate picking lick that switches between 4 and 3 fingers per string. We’re going to be using sequences of sevens and fives to play through this lick in octaves across all 6 strings. In this alternate picking lick we will be utilising the Harmonic Minor scale
Typically an alternate picking sequence of 5’s or 7’s will be using a 3 finger shape, however because we are switching between 3 and 4 fingers per string, a sequence of 7’s now becomes a 4 finger shape. You’ll notice that when you start over on the next octave you begin again with your pinky. The really unique thing about this lick is that the sequences start at opposite ends, this makes for an unconventional sound to a picking lick.
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In this lesson we’re going to look at the basic 3nps forms of the Harmonic minor modes. We’ll aim to identify what makes these modes unique so we are able to use them in our playing.
Similar to how the modes of the major scale refer back to the major scale as a point of reference, the harmonic minor modes refer back to the major scale modes too.
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