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harmonized scales

Author: wjk
Date: 2002-09-28 14:01

Any hints on how to familiarize myself with harmonized scales? How can I best learn to recognize what chords link with different scale tones? Thanks!

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RE: harmonized scales

Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-09-28 14:59

Harmonizing a plain old ordinary diatonic major scale can result in different progressions, depending on the intent of the person doing the harmonizing. To have a better understanding of this, listen. Listen a lot. Then -- as you personally are interested in improvisation -- play, and consider as you play whether what you are doing sounds good to you. Because if *you* are "the person doing the harmonizing," it's whatever you make of it.

Of course, these comments are based on the presumption that I understand your questions.

Regards.
John

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RE: harmonized scales

Author: William
Date: 2002-09-28 15:56

Any major scale can be harmonized with this simple progression of triads: I-V-I-IV-I-IV-V-I (ex--in Bb major: Bb-F-Bb-Eb-Bb-Eb-F-Bb)

However, harmonies may be much more complex. There is an old ensemble rehearsal book called "The Treasury of Scales" that harmonizes scales with often lush chordal progressions. It is meant as a warm-up and listening method for an entire band or orchestra, but can be utilized by a small ensemble as well. I do not know if this is still in print, but a check with your local music store may have other harmonized scale excercise books as well.

Jamie Aebersold has many books with CD accompaniment that explain chord progressions, jazz harmonies and improvistions that may also be available at your music shoppe.

But the ultimate key is--as JM says--is to listen and be able to play what your "minds ear" tells you sounds good. To do that, a thorough knowledge of basic music theory is most helpful--at least to be able to accurately identify any given chord or tonality while improvising.

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RE: harmonized scales

Author: diz
Date: 2002-09-29 23:15

Just listen to the Wedding March - (A Midsummer Night's Dream) - the first five chords are a wonderful way to harmonize a major scale (downwards).

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