I was thinking about the major scale the other
day (and, who doesn't do that!).
If I had to explain the scales that are available on
the button accordion to someone who had never played
one, I might say that one is restricted to the
scale represented by "white keys on a piano"
(assuming a "C" box and someone who is familiar
with piano.)
Then, they'd say, "Oh, so you can only play
in "C" on this instrument?"
And I'd say "No .. but .."
(And here is where I started thinking about
the major scale.)
Seems to me that you can play a major scale
from "C" to "C" (of course.)
And, you could play a scale from "D" to "D"
(using the "white keys" analogy.)
But wait .. isn't that the Dorian mode?
So, really .. if you think about these things
the way that George Kastansa thinks about the
word "manure" being a good thing ("Ma" .. that's
a good thing, right? .. And "Newer" .. everyone
likes things that are newer ..)
You can really play in the following modes with the
Cajun Accordion:
Major Scale
Dorian Mode
Phrygian Mode
Lydian Mode
Mixolydian Mode
Minor Mode
Locrian Mode
Who are the music majors out there? What do
you think? Is this technically accurate?
it may not be all that useful, but
it;s right.. :)
for instance:
" Locrian mode is considered to be so unstable and unsatisfying that most composers consider it unworkable. There are few songs written in the Locrian mode, which has lead some music experts to label it a 'theoretical' mode. It exists because all seven notes of the Ionian scale could form modes in a mathematical sense, but the relationship between intervals in the Locrian mode is simply not that interesting musically."
Some of my relatives played tunes from Eastern Europe. As a child they never sounded quite right.
As I grew older and started playing music, I realized they were using note combinations that were different from those I was accustom to. Like many things, it kind of grows on you.
Variety is spice for the mind; some you like, some you don't.
For the rank beginner I think just playing a C box in G is daunting enough. The lack of an F sharp and crossed cords takes some getting used too, especally if they have had any formal music training.
It is safe to say that your web site downloads have shown you have the knack for presenting the information needed to get one started.
All that said, perhaps your second video for the more advanced players, could have a section on playing in alternate keys on the diatonic box.