Theory (and Infinity)


by Frank Soriano and David Baird




One. (Computer scientists start counting from zero). Being / nothingness, is a popular way to put it...


Where _does_ the mix consist of?


How do you do something --


How you do something? How you explain how you do something? A speculative moment...


Well, since we're talkin' "theory" here than just about any *practical* answer I would say is valid

so here is my off-the-cuff response.


1. What is a chromatic note?


             Note foreign to key you're playing in.

Chromos means “color”, chromatic means “colorful”

The usual modes are deemed to be uni-modal.

Notes in between uni-modal notes are off or on “color”.


2. What makes a scale altered?

            Adding a chromatic tone to the scale you are going to use.

Usually the chromatic addition(s) revolve around a major/ minor third condition.

Sixths, sevenths, nines, fourths, can all accomplish things like this.

You have to unwind foreign patterns over each other...


3. In a chord scale, what are you thinking?

            In how many scales/keys does this chord exist?

Or sticking with one “tonality” / scale, finding all sorts of chords you can play in it.


4. What notes are in a typical solo?

            Primary melody of tune (if known), chordal tones...

Use everything you have. Solo’s have to rip.

I can barely play six strings, let alone seven.

I play in standard alternate.


5. Does a walking bass use chromatic notes?

            Yes, that's how you "walk it", usually using neighboring tones. Example:


Instead of just playing 1, 3, 5, 6, b7, 8 play 1, 3, 4 #4, 5, 6, b7, 7, 8



6. What does shifting an entire melodic pattern do? -- Say, by a whole step, or a minor third, or a major ninth?



Creates mathematically derived (and related) alternative patterns that may prove immediately useful.

Immediate patterns.

Immediate mode.


7. What are you thinking when you look at a song sheet (chords, melody, lyrics)? 1. Key signature if any,

   2. Chords (indicates true harmony at any given point in the tune )


8. How does your practice routine vary from day to day?

            Work on something brand new


9. What would you tell someone trying to write a melody?

            Can you whistle or play just 2 or 3 notes against a chord?

   Or even with no chord playing in the background?


10. What patterns should you _not_ play? Avoid the ones you play the most, refer to #8!