Happy Birthday Mina

Today is my niece's first birthday.  I composed a compilation as a gift to Mina, and it can be heard here:

http://soundcloud.com/greenemusic/happy-birthday-mina

This tune has two parts, A and B.  In part A, it begins with an FMajor7 chord and uses two different finger picking techniques. 

The first technique is called a "Forwards Roll".   Translation: we use our thumb to pluck the bass note of the chord (either D(4)string or A(5)string or E(6)string), next we use our index finger on the G(3)string, next we use our middle finger on the B(2)string, next, we use our ring finger on the Hi-E(1) string.  You pluck one after another, in a forwards motion.

The second technique is called a "Backwards Roll" and is essentially the exact opposite of the Forwards Roll.  Translation:  we start with our third finger on the Hi-E(1)string, followed by the middle finger on the B(2)string, followed by the index finger on the G(3)string in a backwards motion.

RHYTHM
This part plays six eighth notes in each measure, also known as 6/8 timing (or time signature).  Translation:  Six Eighth Notes Per Measure.  Each chord is played for a value of six eighth notes (a single eighth note has a value of 1/2 a beat).  This adds up to 3 beats in total for each measure.  When counting in your head, try saying "ONE AND A" followed by "TWO AND A" and so on...

HARMONY
This chord breaks down the notes in the FMAJOR7 chord, which are:  F A C E.  Provided the 6/8 time signature, the notes we pluck are as follows: F A C E C A.  Note: we are playing a Forwards Roll when we play F A C E and then we switch to the Backwards roll during the reverse notes C A.

The chord then descends down, lowering the bass note to an open D, so we pluck as follows: D A C E C A.

The chord then descends further, lowering the bass note to a C on the third position of the A(5)string, and so we pluck: C A C E C A

Finally, the chord descends to an open A, and so we pluck: A A C E C A.

After playing all these notes, you will have completed 4 measures and a total of 24 eighth notes (12 beats total).  Repeat this as many times as you wish and have fun singing along if you so choose.

More On Modes

First off, what is a mode?  A mode is a set of notes and or chords that harmonize with each other in a unique way, providing a noticeable, familiar sound.  Each mode starts at a specific point in the scale of  Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do.  This is also known as their "Scale Degree".

The modes were named after greek islands, there are a total of seven (natural) modes and they are: IONIAN, DORIAN, PHRYGIAN, LYDIAN, MIXO-LYDIAN, AEOLIAN, LOCRIAN.

Scale Degree       Name                            Notes         
I MAJOR              C IONIAN                     C D E F G A B C      Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti
II minor                D DORIAN                    D E F G A B C D      Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do
III minor               E PHRYGIAN                E F G A B C D E      Mi Fa So La Ti Do Re
IV MAJOR            F LYDIAN                     F G A B C D E F      Fa So La Ti Do Re Mi
V MAJOR             G MIXO-LYDIAN          G A B C D E F G      So La Ti Do Re Mi Fa
VI minor               A AEOLIAN                  A B C D E F G A      La Ti Do Re Mi Fa So
VII minor              B LOCRIAN                  B C D E F G A B      Ti Do Re Mi Fa So La

You will notice that each mode starts at a certain point on the Do Re Mi scale, which is what produces that unique sound.  Each mode has special qualities, and the type of mode you choose as your starting point will greatly affect the overall sound of your composition, and hence, it is very important to think about what kind of sound you want your composition to have before beginning.  In general, MAJOR chords and modes tend to produce a happy, uplifting sound, whereas minor tends to produce the exact opposite effect; a saddening, reflective, seemingly morbid sound.  Each chord will produce a sound that is either "more or less MAJOR or minor" when compared to the other chords available in that specific Key / Mode.  This is determined by chords' Scale Degree, which tells us the chords' position in the Do Re Mi scale.

THEORY TIDBIT

You will also notice one can infer the Key by simply being told what Mode we are playing in.  For Example:  If I said "let's play something in D Dorian", you could respond by playing something that was in the Key of CMAJOR.  You would know that if D = Re (Dorian) then C = Do (Ionian).  To demonstrate a more complex example, if I said "let's play something in Gb Aeolian" you could respond by playing something that was in the Key of AMAJOR.  You would know that if Gb = La (Aeolian), then A = Do (Ionian).

Time For Some Tunes

Greenemusic can now be accessed through Soundcloud's website here:

http://soundcloud.com/greenemusic

Enjoy!

Terms and Conditions

Greenemusic Terms and Conditions

By listening to any reproduction of a Greenemusic original song or compilation thereof (the "product") , you thereby enter into an agreement with Greenemusic (the "Maker") and become the "Listener".  This constitutes an understanding of the following Terms and Conditions.

1.  The Listener understands that this music is only being produced and made available to the public for educational reasons, training, and other purposes that are not-for-profit.

2.  The Listener agrees not to download, reproduce, or otherwise use a Greenemusic product for the purpose of personal profit.  The Listener further agrees to not contravene The Copyright Act, or any other Act, with or without the use of a Greenemusic product.

3.   The Listener understands that when the Maker produces musical compilations, this is not to be confused with original compositions, Greenemusic is not claiming ownership to any musical work provided as a contribution towards a Greenemusic Song.  Contributors to musical compilations will be given due credit and the Maker will not claim authorship for another artists work, or otherwise infringe The Copyright Act.