Modal Soloing Strategies for Guitar
Modern Ideas for All Styles
By Jody Fisher
Item: 00-35461
UPC: 038081396576
ISBN 10: 0739071629
ISBN 13: 9780739071625
Series: The Improv Series
Category: Guitar Method or Supplement
Format: Book & CD
Instrument: Guitar
Modal Soloing Strategies for Guitar is a comprehensive, multi-faceted study of the seven major-scale modes. Start applying and understanding the modes through sample licks, extended solos, and play-along tracks. In addition, you'll play each mode in all 12 keys, learn different types of fingerings, and even learn the formula for each mode and its relationship to the diatonic chord. Soon, you'll be harmonizing the modes and deriving them by altering other scales. A CD with play-along tracks and demonstrations of all the examples in the book is included.
FEATURES
• Each mode of the major scale in all 12 keys, examined from five different perspectives
• Harmonized modes with suggested voicings
• Open, closed, and single-string fingerings
• Licks and play-along tracks for every mode
• Extended solos showcasing the modes in various combinations
• Examples in TAB and standard music notation
ALSO AVAILABLE
Pentatonic Soloing Strategies for Guitar (35302)
The Improv Series
MODAL SOLOING STRATEGIES FOR GUITAR
Modern Ideas for All Styles
JODY FISHER
ISBN-10: 0-7390-7162-9 (Book & CD)
ISBN-13: 978-0-7390-7162-5 (Book & CD)
Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc.
This book was acquired, edited, and produced by Workshop Arts, Inc., the publishing arm of the National Guitar Workshop.
Nathaniel Gunod, acquisitions, managing editor Burgess Speed, acquisitions, senior editor
Timothy Phelps, interior design Ante Gelo, .music typesetter
CD tracks 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22 recorded by Robert Brown at Workshop
Sounds Studio, Cranford, NJ; tracks 2,3,5,6,11, 12, 14, 15, 17, and 18 recorded at
Studio Blue, Derry Hill, TX; tracks 8 and 9 recorded by Glenn Riley; tracks 20 and 21
recorded by Steve Robertson at Standing Room Only Studios, Fontana, CA
Alfred, the leader in educational publishing,
and the National Guitar Workshop,
one of America's finest guitar schools, have joined
forces to bring you the best, most progressive
educational toolspossible. We hope you will enjoy
this book and encourageyou to lookfor
other fine products from Alfred and the
National Guitar Workshop.
Cares. Contents printed on recycled paper.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Modal Soloing Strategies for Guitar, the only book about the modes
you may ever need. This book is for intermediate to advanced guitarists desiring
a thorough understanding of modes and their applications for improvising. For
those unfamiliar with the basics of notation and music theory, there is a review
starting on the next page. If you are already familiar with these basics, you can
skip the review and jump ahead to page 20.
The modes have been in existence for centuries as compositional tools for classical,
folk, and ethnic musicians, as improvisational devices for jazz musicians, and a
source of "new" sounds for rock, pop, and country artists. But, unfortunately,
the subject has been shrouded in mystery, causing many guitar students a lot of
confusion. The confusion may be due to an incomplete overview of the subject.
There are many ways of looking at modes and each one has an important place
in understanding and applying the modes to improvising, composition, or both.
Although modes can be derived from both major and minor scales, this book deals
only with the modes of the major scale. Each chapter is devoted to a particular
mode and will include:
• A notated list of the mode in twelve keys
• Perspective #1: The modal formula, a look at where the half steps occur in
the scale and how it relates horizontally to the fretboard
• Perspective #2: The mode's relationship to the diatonic harmony
• Perspective #3: The mode created by altering another scale
• Perspective #4: The mode's intervallic distance from the "parent" key,
measuring from the root of a chord
• Perspective #5: Deducing a mode's key signature
• Six closed-position fingerings
• Open-position fingerings in every key
• The harmonized mode, with sample chord voicings
• Mode usage
• Practice suggestions
• Licks
• Melodic patterns
• Backing track to practice soloing
Also, sample solos utilizing most of the modes in various combinations have been
included at the end of the book.
One way this book is different from many others is that three fingering options are
covered. The first is the horizontal approach along the single string. The second
is the use of "locked" fingerings or scales that are played in a fixed position. The
third fingering option is the "open" position. When any musical concept is explored
on the guitar, a more complete understanding is accomplished by examining all
three fingering options.
It should be noted here that, while a clear understanding of the modes is important,
it represents only a part of what is needed to become an accomplished improviser.
Modes, in conjunction with other scales, arpeggios, and licks, are only part of the
picture. Improvisation is a lifetime study. Try to keep this in mind.
Each chapter of this book is complete so it's all right to skip around. You can also
move straight through from beginning to end for a very comprehensive study. To
get the most out of this book, you need to transpose all exercises and fingerings in
all twelve keys. At first this may seem like a hassle, but in time it will get easier
and payoff in the form of greater fluency.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jody Fisher has worked professionally in virtually all
styles of music during his career, from straight-ahead
and contemporary jazz to rock 'n' roll, country, and
pop. For several years, he was a director of the National
Guitar Workshop. He also taught guitar and jazz studies
at both the University of Redlands and Idyllwild School
of Music and the Arts (ISOMA TA). He is an active
performer in the Southern California area, where he
maintains a busy private teaching practice as well.
Acknowledgements
One does not survive in the music business without
help and support from a large network of family and
friends. I would like to thank my wife, Julie; my son,
Josh; Shauna Perry; and my parents, Howard and Edith
Fisher. Also, thanks to my brother, Rich; my uncle, Sid;
David Smolover, Nat Gunod, Ted Greene, Joe Diorio,
George Stanley, Bob Scarano; and the entire gang at
Caleb's Guitar.
Other Instructional Materials by Jody Fisher
3D-Day Guitar Workout (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book #17867)
Ear Trainingfor the Contemporary Guitarist (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #19370)
Jazz Skills (National Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #07-1012)
Rhythm Guitar Encyclopedia (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & 2 CDs #14838)
Stand Alone Tracks: Smooth Jazz (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #17808)
The Complete Jazz Method:
Beginning Jazz Guitar (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #14120)
Intermediate Jazz Guitar (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #14123)
Mastering Jazz Guitar: Chord/Melody (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #14126)
Mastering Jazz Guitar: Improvisation (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #14129)
Jazz Guitar Harmony (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #20440)
Teaching Guitar (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #22916)
Jazz Licks Encyclopedia (AlfredlNational Guitar Workshop-Book & CD #19420)
A compact disc is included with this book. Use the CD to help ensure you're capturing the feel
of the examples and interpreting the rhythms correctly. The symbol shown at the left appears
next to every example that is on the CD. The track number below the symbol corresponds
directly to the example you want to hear. Track 1 provides tuning notes for your guitar.
0001 Soloing Strategies for Guitar
CONTENTS
About the Author
Introduction
otation and Theory Review 5
Tablature (TAB)
Scale Diagrams
Chord Diagrams
Reading Roman Numerals
Left-Hand Techniques
The Chromatic Scale
The Major Scale
Key Signatures
Intervals
Minor Scales
The Ionian Mode
In Every Key on Single Strings
Perspective #1: Finding the Half Steps
Perspective #2: Thinking in a Parent Key
Perspective #3: Altering a Scale
Perspective #4: In Relation to a Chord's Root...
Perspective #5: Adjusting Key Signatures
Fingerings: The Mode in Six Closed Positions
Open Position Fingerings: In Every Key
Harmonizing the Mode: Chord Voicings
Using the Mode: Improvisation
Melodic Patterns: For Practice
C Ionian Backing Track
The Dorian Mode
In Every Key on Single Strings
Perspective #1: Finding the Half Steps
Perspective #2: Thinking in a Parent Key
Perspective #3: Altering a Scale
Perspective #4: In Relation to a Chord's Root...
Perspective #5: Adjusting Key Signatures
Fingerings: The Mode in Six Closed Positions
Open Position Fingerings: In Every Key
Harmonizing the Mode: Chord Voicings
Using the Mode: Improvisation
Melodic Patterns: For Practice
D Dorian Backing Track
The Phrygian Mode
In Every Key on Single Strings
Perspective #1: Finding the Half Steps
Perspective #2: Thinking in a Parent Key
Perspective #3: Altering a Scale .
Perspective #4: In Relation to a Chord's Root...
Perspective #5: Adjusting Key Signatures .
Fingerings: The Mode in Six Closed Positions .
Open Position Fingerings: In Every Key .
Harmonizing the Mode: Chord Voicings ; .
Using the Mode: Improvisation .
Melodic Patterns: For Practice .
E Phrygian Backing Track .
The Lydian Mode .
In Every Key on Single Strings .
Perspective #1: Finding the Half Steps .
Perspective #2: Thinking in a Parent Key .
Perspective #3: Altering a Scale .
Perspective #4: In Relation to a Chord's Root... .
Perspective #5: Adjusting Key Signatures .
Fingerings: The Mode in Six Closed Positions .
Open Position Fingerings: In Every Key .
Harmonizing the Mode: Chord Voicings .
Using the Mode: Improvisation .
Melodic Patterns: For Practice .
F Lydian Backing Track .
The Mixolydian Mode .
In Every Key on Single Strings .
Perspective #1: Finding the Half Steps .
Perspective #2: Thinking in a Parent Key .
Perspective #3: Altering a Scale ,
Perspective #4: In Relation to a Chord's Root... .
Perspective #5: Adjusting Key Signatures .
Fingerings: The Mode in Six Closed Positions .
Open Position Fingerings: In Every Key .
Harmonizing the Mode: Chord Voicings .
Using the Mode: Improvisation .
Melodic Patterns: For Practice .
G Mixolydian Backing Track .
The Aeolian Mode .
In Every Key on Single Strings .
Perspective #1: Finding the Half Steps .
Perspective #2: Thinking in a Parent Key .
Perspective #3: Altering a Scale .
Perspective #4: In Relation to a Chord's Root... .
Perspective #5: Adjusting Key Signatures .
Fingerings: The Mode in Six Closed Positions .
Open Position fingerings: in every Key .
Harmonizing the Mode: Chord Voicings .
Using the Mode: Improvisation .
Melodic Patterns: For Practice .
A Aeolian Backing Track .
The Locrian Mode .
In Every Key on Single Strings .
Perspective #1: Finding the Half Steps .
Perspective #2: Thinking in a Parent Key .
Perspective #3: Altering a Scale .
Perspective #4: In Relation to a Chord's Root... .
Perspective #5: Adjusting Key Signatures .
Fingerings: The Mode in Six Closed Positions .
Open Position Fingerings: In Every Key .
Harmonizing the Mode: Chord Voicings .
Using the Mode: Improvisation .
Melodic Patterns: For Practice .
B Locrian Backing Track .
Concluding Solos .
Ionian/Dorian .
Ionian/Dorian/Phrygian .
Lydian/Dorian .
Mixolydian .
Aeolian/Mixolydian .
Locrian/Mixolydian/ Aeolian .
Modal Soloing Strategies for Guitar
NOTATION AND THEORY REVIEW
Tablature (TAB)
Tablature (TAB) is a system of notation that graphically represents the strings and frets of the guitar fingerboard. Each note is indicated by placing a number, which indicates the fret to play, on the appropriate string.
Scale Diagrams
This book is loaded with scale diagrams. The top line represents the first string of the guitar, and the bottom line the sixth. The vertical lines represent frets, which are numbered with Roman numerals.
The root Scale tones First string
Frets Fret numbers
Chord Diagrams
Chord diagrams are similar to scale diagrams, except they are oriented vertically instead of horizontally. Vertical lines represent strings, and horizontal lines represent frets. Roman numerals are used to number the frets.
Chord Name First String -C7
Barre + Fret number
Frets Sixth String
Reading Roman Numerals
Roman Numeral Review
Here is a review of Roman numerals and their Arabic equivalents.
I or 1
II or 2
III or 3
IV or 4
V or 5
VI or 6
VII or 7
Left-Hand Techniques
SL= Slide
H = Hammer-on
P= Pull-off
Bend and Release
Whole-Step Bend
Half-Step Bend
Left-hand fingering
Italiano
English
