Introduction

Today we're going to look at the left hand Boogie Woogie pattern, 1 3  5 6 -7, the Mixolydian modal equivalent over three key signatures. The formula for a Mixolydian is 1 2 3 4 5 6 -7, it's very similar to the Ionian, having a minor seventh instead of a major seventh. The associated chord with the Mixolydian mode is the seventh chords X7, the Boogie Woodie pattern is simply the Mixolydian mode, played up to the minor seventh interval, with the removal of the second and fourth intervals. You may also notice the Boogie Woogie pattern is simply arpeggiating a X7add6 chord. Today we'll investigate more theory to help us with our right hand improvisation in future lessons. We're laying a foundation of understanding today and I'll introduce you to the Akousunesis Modal Pattern Definitions.

Introduction to Modal Pattern Definitions

This is an introduction to modal pattern definitions. These definitions may be used to create finger placement exercises.  Modal pattern definitions are very powerful because they give you a context surrounding a pattern, and you'll be able to discover right hand improvisations which blend nicely with left hand patterns, rather than your right hand sounding like random improvised notes. Right hand improvisations will be explored in future exercises and lessons. I'll create a future lesson video exploring modal pattern definitions in a little more detail.

The following pattern describes the Boogie Woogie scale. It will be explained in the video. The pure modal scale for the Boogie Woodie is Mixolydian R2 R4. We're going to apply this pure modal scale to three different key signatures in a rising stack, starting with the key of Bb, going around the circle of fifths clockwise to the key of F and then the key of C. You may keep on going around the circle of fifths, all twelve keys, but we're only going to explore three keys signatures.

Instructions on how to play finger placement exercises.