( Fig . 2 cont .)
Okay ! Now let ' s try to demonstrate the entire process , from start to finish . Here is a musical example that we ' ll use to tie all of this stuff together ( Fig 3 ):
First , identify the key signature . In this case we have three sharps , so the key center is A major or F # minor . when playing the selection .
Now begin to read the piece by stepping through the notes one interval at a time . You will simply play the pitches as a series of intervals , from left to right . Here ' s the translation of the first measure of the music as it corresponds directly to the notation ( Fig 5 ):
Using intervallic shapes , you can play the correct pitches by identifying them as a series of intervals within a scale . The music is interpreted in terms of distance within the pattern corresponding to this scale . Using this streamlined method , you take the following steps to set yourself up for accelerated reading :
1 . Identify the key signature for the piece of music
2 . Choose a scale pattern ( modal , or otherwise ) within that key that includes all of the notes in the selection without needing to shift out of position
3 . Evaluate each note one at a time as an intervallic distance from the note just played . The interval is defined by the number of scale steps it takes to get there
4 . Connect the notes as an intervallic series based on the notes in your scale pattern and hand position . ( If you encounter accidentals , simply modify the interval by raising or lowering the pitch specified by the accidental )
( Fig 3 )
Next , choose a scale pattern that includes all notes in the selection . To do this , we need to first identify the lowest and highest notes in the selection to figure out the total range . In this one , the lowest note played is an F # located on the 2nd fret E string . The highest note is an F # an octave higher , on the 4th fret D string .
Since A major / F # minor is the key center , it would be best to choose from any of the A major-based modes ( A Ionian , B Dorian , C # Phrygian , D Lydian , E Mixolydian , F # Aeolian , or G # Locrian ). Any one that includes all of the notes in the selection would be sufficient . Let ' s use F # Aeolian for our example . ( Fig 4 ) Our fingering for our hand position would look like this , with the lowest note in the pattern lined up with the lowest F # in the piece ( 2nd fret E string , etc .): ( Fig 4 )
Fortunately , there are no accidentals , so we can stay completely within our chosen scale pattern
Mapped out more explicitly , the intervallic reading of the first eight notes would go like this :
1 2 3 4 5 Start Up a 3 rd Up a 3 rd Dn a 3 rd Dn a 2 nd F # A C # A G #
6 7 8 Up a 3 rd Up a 2 nd Dn a 2 nd B C # B
Note : For you theory buffs , keep in mind that these intervals are generically named , and therefore NOT ASSUMED to be major or perfect intervals . They are played with respect to the pattern of the Aeolian mode , and that is why I haven ' t specified their qualities . This allows the method to be compatible with all scales .
The last two measures would follow this intervallic order ( Fig 6 ):
Keep in mind this method is much more difficult to adopt if you are dealing with large numbers of accidentals , chords , or very large intervallic jumps within the music . I have found that this concept seems to work great with things like walking bass lines or other basic linear patterns . Let me reiterate ; this is a method designed to assist you in your sight-reading , but not as a replacement for conventional sight-reading training . I hope it will help you to have more fun as you practice ! Until next time ...
( Fig 5 ) ( Fig 6 )
Adam Nitti Nashville-based Adam Nitti balances his roles as a solo artist , sideman , and educator . He has filled the bass chair for Kenny Loggins , Carrie Underwood , Dave Weckl Band , Michael McDonald , Susan Tedeschi , Steven Curtis Chapman , Mike Stern , Brent Mason , Wayne Krantz , and Christopher Cross , while also releasing five solo CDs to date . As a Nashville session bassist he has played on multiple Grammywinning and Grammy-nominated albums , and is also the founder of ...
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