Help with modal query..please

[Whiskas]

Hi...getting on well with modal theory...but I've got an excecise to play.....It's raised a problem....I'm playing D Phrygian my theory tells me the parent key is B major....but the 3rd up from the B gives me D#....I'm sure this is a simple error but driving me mad!! thanks ian

[mr. beaumont]

Your theory is wrong. D phyrgian is a derivative mode of Bb major.

[Whiskas]

Thanks Mr B. I have constructed a list to help understand ie C.ionian
D dorian etc


I have done this for all the notes of major scale so... using B

I get B ionian
C dorian
D Phrygian ??? !! I think I'm off to the drawing board!! thanks ian

[bako]

Learning the info below should save you from similar mistakes in the future.

Chromatic Note Names

----------Cb-----------------------Fb------------------------
A---Bb---B---C---Db---D---Eb---E---F---Gb---G---Ab---A
A---A#---B---C---C#--D---D#--E---F---F#----G--G#---A
---------------B#---------------------E#--------------------

Major Scale Formula

W W H-W-W W H

Flat keys

C D E F G A B C

F G A Bb C D E F

Bb C D Eb F G A Bb

Eb F G Ab Bb C D Eb

Ab Bb C Db Eb F G Ab

Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C Db

Gb Ab Bb Cb Db Eb F Gb

Cb Db Eb Fb Gb Ab Bb Cb

Sharp keys

C D E F G A B C

G A B C D E F# G

D E F# G A B C# D

A B C# D E F# G# A

E F# G# A B C# D# E

B C# D# E F# G# A# B

F# G# A# B C# D# E# F#

C# D# E# F# G# A# B# C#

[marcwhy]

Bako's right -- you need to learn your key signatures first. Actually, you probably need to slow down overall. Buy a good theory book if you want to learn this stuff. I'd recommend Hal Crook's "Ready, Aim, Improvise!" The first 100 pages or so are theory, and then he takes you to improvising.

[JonR]

I agree with the above: learn your MAJOR SCALES (and keys) before you even think about looking at modes.

[Whiskas]

Problem solved!!...I wrote out cmaj scale ( no flats / sharps )...then did the B/ C / D etc scales the same..ie no sharps / flats..ooopps. thanks anyway for all help.

Surprised you boys didnt spot that!! ian

[mr. beaumont]

So the teacher in me says...

Why on earth are you concerning yourself with modes if you haven't got the major scale licked?

[Whiskas]

Mr B... actually I have got the maj scale sorted...just a bit under the weather after last night ( New years eve over here)...a simple error..thanks anyway.

[brwnhornet59]

Yes Sir. Work the circle of 5ths, like Bako wrote, and all of the corresponding modes and chords of each key. Take each chord out to the 13th. Know why a dorian is a minor scale with a natural 6th. Know why phrygian is a minor with a b9 and b6. Make sure you see that lydian is a major scale and a major 7th chord with a natural 9th #11,13. Knowing these intervals in relation to the chord you are playing and the parent key is crucial for you to move onward.

You can do it. Take your time, write it all out. You will be much further ahead in the long run.

Good luck.