Understanding Music Fundamentals

Everything that we're going to do from a technical standpoint with our string instrument will deal with the three areas that make up music:

• Melody
• Harmony
• Rhythm

I won't get into aspects like vibe and atmosphere, as that can all be part of those three fundamental areas.

The Importance of Scales

Let's talk about scales. We will be playing scales in ways that you may not have practiced before. It's important to think about the direction and the container of the scale you're playing on your instrument while practicing.

• Vertical Playing: For me, if I play a scale on one string, I call that completely vertical.

• Horizontal Playing: Playing in position, whether I'm in first, second, third, etc., refers to horizontal playing.

When you combine these two approaches, that's essentially what you are doing. For example, if you're playing your three-octave scales and arpeggios, etc., this combination is crucial.

Exploring Modes and Container Techniques

Additionally, there's another useful way of playing scales: focusing on modes. This is a great way to open up your creative spirit and explore what you're already playing on your instrument.

Two-String Octave Containment

On the violin and viola, we are fortunate to have the ability to contain one octave across two strings. For cello players, I know it gets a bit more complicated. And bass players, well, you're on your own!

When thinking about scales within the one-octave container:

• This also applies to arpeggios.
• For example, playing an A flat octave: A, B flat, C, F.
• I'm simply moving the frame to each root and playing within it.

Of course, this could also be an arpeggio:

• A B major triad
• An E flat major triad
• A G major triad

Understanding Seventh Chords

We will discuss seventh chords, which are extremely useful for improvisation across all styles when talking about harmony.

After mapping out your arpeggios, if you're playing in the key of E flat, for instance, adding the D natural, the seventh tone, will be key.

I should also mention that, while discussing arpeggios, I will refer to them as voicings. On instruments like the piano or guitar, you can play all of those sounds simultaneously. We can also play those voicings in a more linear way.

Basic Forms of Harmonic Information

You want to first focus on the most basic forms of these pieces of harmonic information. You will come back to this foundational knowledge regularly.

• As you advance, you will realize the importance of understanding the basic structure of chords:
  • A major triad
  • A minor triad on top of that
  • Perhaps another minor triad

Starting to think about harmony in this way will help you avoid getting stuck. Skipping the basics and jumping straight to more complex voicings, like a C7, can leave you feeling lost if you're unaware of the underlying structures.

Fun Scale Exercise

Here's a fun scale exercise you can try:

1. Pick one particular fingering and practice moving that around the instrument.

2. Next, try playing a G major scale, starting on the open G.

3. Move that up to the next pair of strings (you'll get a D major scale).

4. Then, move it up to the next set of strings, up a fifth.

Let's also talk about making variations or creating a little melody within that frame. Play a scale, then challenge yourself to create a melody assignment using the notes you have right there.

That's the first thing I want you to do before we transition into more advanced techniques.