001 - C Major 7 (#5) - Chord and Melody
For this entry in the series we will explore a single chord and take a brief look at the sound-world that can be created within it.
The chord that this passage centers around is C Major 7 (#5). This is also sometimes referred to as a C augmented major 7 chord.
The notes that make up this tetrad are;
C - root
E - major third
G# - augmented fifth
B - major seventh
While this can be seen as a altered C tetrad, one can also see that all notes of an E major triad are also present. This passage makes use of the ability to hint a two triads that share these common tones. One can see that is mm.4.5-5 there is a direct arpeggiation of an E major chord. This contrasts with the opening that places C as the fundamental note of this chord. While the notation is written in triplets, the phrasing is marked as being on both of the appearances of the C note. The provides some metric flexibility for the ear while still rooting the tonality on C.
The transitory point of this short passage is in mm.6 where we hear what could be analyzed as an A diminished (add9) chord with C as the bass note. The high B harmonic provides a nice color contrast to the closed sound of the stopped high position strings in the rest of the chord while the open B adds some sustain behind the harmonic.
Closing the excerpt we have this set of two seconds, the first a minor second from B to C, and the second a descending major second from F# to E. This is really the only time in the excerpt that we have what hints at a C lydian augmented scale as all of the characteristic notes have been presented.
The C lydian augmented scale is as follows:
C - D - E - F# (lydian) - G# (augmented) - A - B - C
If we look at this scale using scale degrees and their alterations from C major we can clearly see both the lydian and augmented characteristics:
1 - 2 - 3 - #4 - #5 - 6 - 7 - 1
If one were to continue on with this idea, the above scale is an ideal starting point. Consider the presentation of the characteristic tones, here; #4 and #5, and how these give the scale its unique sound.
Enjoy the passage below and be in touch with any questions or comments!
The chord that this passage centers around is C Major 7 (#5). This is also sometimes referred to as a C augmented major 7 chord.
The notes that make up this tetrad are;
C - root
E - major third
G# - augmented fifth
B - major seventh
While this can be seen as a altered C tetrad, one can also see that all notes of an E major triad are also present. This passage makes use of the ability to hint a two triads that share these common tones. One can see that is mm.4.5-5 there is a direct arpeggiation of an E major chord. This contrasts with the opening that places C as the fundamental note of this chord. While the notation is written in triplets, the phrasing is marked as being on both of the appearances of the C note. The provides some metric flexibility for the ear while still rooting the tonality on C.
The transitory point of this short passage is in mm.6 where we hear what could be analyzed as an A diminished (add9) chord with C as the bass note. The high B harmonic provides a nice color contrast to the closed sound of the stopped high position strings in the rest of the chord while the open B adds some sustain behind the harmonic.
Closing the excerpt we have this set of two seconds, the first a minor second from B to C, and the second a descending major second from F# to E. This is really the only time in the excerpt that we have what hints at a C lydian augmented scale as all of the characteristic notes have been presented.
The C lydian augmented scale is as follows:
C - D - E - F# (lydian) - G# (augmented) - A - B - C
If we look at this scale using scale degrees and their alterations from C major we can clearly see both the lydian and augmented characteristics:
1 - 2 - 3 - #4 - #5 - 6 - 7 - 1
If one were to continue on with this idea, the above scale is an ideal starting point. Consider the presentation of the characteristic tones, here; #4 and #5, and how these give the scale its unique sound.
Enjoy the passage below and be in touch with any questions or comments!
