WHAT IS A SCALE ?
A scale is a set of notes that are ordered by fundamental pitch/frequency.
You can work out a scale by using a formula that incorporates Tones and Semitones. A Tone (T) is the distance of moving two notes, otherwise known as a whole step. A Semitone (ST) is the distance of moving 1 note or half a step.
Another useful work to know is Octave which is the distance between two notes of the same letter, eight notes up. For example starting at a C note and moving up eight white notes to the next C note is an octave.
The formula for working out MAJOR scales = Tone, Tone, Semitone, Tone, Tone, Tone, Semitone
(Image above: Example major formula from root note C)
Using the major scale formula I created this table to show each scale. (Shown below)
Now let's do the minor scale. The formula for working out MINOR scales = Tone, Semitone, Tone, Tone, Semitone, Tone, Tone
(Image above: Example minor formula from root note C)
Using the minor scale formula I created this table to show each scale. (Shown below)
WHAT IS AN INTERVAL ?
Interval is the distance in pitch between notes. They are a rudimental part in music that enable you to identify chords and help navigate scales, something I will explain later on.
The interval names:
Root
Minor Second
Major Second
Minor Third
Major Third
Perfect Fourth
Augmented Fourth (Devil’s interval)
Perfect Fifth
Minor Sixth
Major Sixth
Minor Seventh
Major Seventh
Octave
The easy way to identify the difference between major on minor on a keyboard is the notes. Black notes are minor and White notes are major.
WHO CAME UP WITH THIS THEORY ? - A small history lesson
Pythagoras of Samos. The same Pythagoras that invented Pythagoras’ Theorem, a2 + b2 = c2. He discovered the foundations of musical tuning and intervals.
“Pythagoras is also credited with the discovery that the intervals between harmonious musical notes always have whole number ratios.” (Luke Mastin, n.d.) He discovered that non-whole number ratios created dissonant sounds, the augmented fourth/diminished fifth/devil’s interval. Compared to whole numbered ratios that sounded sweet-toned, the perfect 4th/perfect 5th.
With this knowledge about intervals, Pythagoras was also influential in discovering how to construct the chromatic scale and the basic seven-tone diatonic scale. (Gaffurio, n.d.) As well as Pythagoras' tuning. “As for Mr. Pythagor, it seems he realized that if you kept adding tones in consecutive frequency ratios of 3:2 (perfect fifths), you would get a pleasing-sounding musical scale.” (Black, 2020)
WHAT IS A DEVIL'S INTERVAL ?
The devil’s interval, also known as augmented fourth or diminished fifth or the devil’s tritone, is a dissonant sounding interval. “In music theory, it's called the ‘tritone’ because it's made of three whole steps.”(Kogan, 2017) The devil’s interval gets its name from centuries ago as it was believed that Satan ran through this interval; it was banned from being played in fear of Satan being summoned and the punishment of playing it was death.
“Offensive to the ears” (Longdon, V. (2018)) is the best way to describe how this interval sounds. “The reason it’s unsettling is that it’s ambiguous, unresolved,” Gerald Moshell, a music professor at Trinity College, told NPR. “You don’t know where it’ll go, but it can’t stop where it is.”(Kogan, 2017)
Because of its dissonant and tense sound the devil’s interval is commonly used by metal bands and in horror films. This may not appeal to the common crowd or small children. However, in contrast it may appeal to rebellious teenagers and metal heads.
To find the devil’s interval you find the Perfect 5th of any scale and move down a semitone.
Here is an example video I made. The first riff is The Simpsons introduction theme, followed by a few short riffs and dissonant chords.
Compared to the other intervals that sound joyful and resolved(perfect 4th and 5th). This is definitely something to try adding to metal songs or in background music of a scary film/videos.
Here’s an example song with devil’s interval:
and more...
WHAT ARE MODES ?
A mode is a type of scale that has a distinct characteristics/flavor that range from happy, somber to sinister.
There are seven modes: Ionian, Dorian, Phyrgian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian.
If you’re wanting to produce a happy and uplifting song you’d best implement Lydian and Ionian as they are modes in major. Opposite to that Aeolian, melancholy sounding because of its minor pattern. “Mixolydian and Dorian modes are often used in blues and gospel music.”(Emenau, 2020) Lastly, Phrygian and Locrian are known for being spooky and dramatic.
Each mode starts on a different root/tonic note. For example Ionian starts on C compared to Dorian that starts on the next note up, D, and so forth. Another important thing to note is that each mode has it's own formula, just like the major and minor scale. They enable you to work that scale starting from a different root notes.
Below I have provided: each mode and their root note, their formula, tables using the formula starting from C, their tone and some example songs.
Formula = T, T, ST, T, T, T, ST
Major
Tone = Happy, hopefull and positive.
Example song =
Formula = T, ST, T, T, T, ST, T
Tone = Intrigue and sadness.
Minor
Example song =
Formula = ST, T, T, T, ST, T, T
Minor.
Tone = This is the most dissonant sounding interval.
Example song =
Formula = T, T, T, ST, T, T, ST
Major
Tone = Dreamy and floaty feeling.
Example song =
Formula = T, T, ST, T, T, ST, T
Major
Tone = Bluesy
Example song =
Formula = T, ST, T, T, ST, T, T
Minor
Tone = Sad, somber and unhappy.
Example song =
Formula = ST, T, T, ST, T, T, T
Diminished
Tone = Dark and sinister.
Example song =
Bibliography:
Black, R., 2020. Musical Intervals - How Music Really Works. [online] Howmusicreallyworks.com. Available at: <https://www.howmusicreallyworks.com/Pages_Chapter_4/4_2.html#4.2.1> [Accessed 30 March 2020].
Longdon, V. (2018). What is a tritone and why was it nicknamed the devil’s interval?. [online] Classic FM. Available at: https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/music-theory/what-is-a-tritone/ [Accessed 30 Mar. 2020].
Kusikuynin, H. (2018). What is a tritone and why was it nicknamed the devil’s interval?. [online] Classic FM. Available at: https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/music-theory/what-is-a-tritone/ [Accessed 30 Mar. 2019].
Emenau, M., 2020. Music Theory: Modes, Modes, Modes....What Are They Good For? | Dubspot. [online] Dubspot Blog. Available at: <http://blog.dubspot.com/music-theory-modes/> [Accessed 31 March 2020].
Sandercoe, J., 2003. Justin Guitar. [online] Justinguitar - Free Guitar lessons with Justin Sandercoe. Available at: <https://www.justinguitar.com/> [Accessed 31 March 2020].
Kogan, J., 2017. NPR Choice Page. [online] Npr.org. Available at: <https://www.npr.org/2017/10/31/560843189/the-unsettling-sound-of-tritones-the-devils-interval?t=1586256231700> [Accessed 7 April 2020].
Luke Mastin, L., n.d. Pythagoras Of Samos | Famous Mathematician. [online] Storyofmathematics.com. Available at: <https://www.storyofmathematics.com/greek_pythagoras.html> [Accessed 7 April 2020].
Gaffurio, F., n.d. Pythagoras | Music Appreciation. [online] Courses.lumenlearning.com. Available at: <https://courses.lumenlearning.com/musicappreciation_with_theory/chapter/pythagoras/> [Accessed 7 April 2020].