Unlock the Enigmatic World of Fourths Tuning: A Comprehensive Dive into Scales and Arpeggios

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of music theory, fourths tuning stands as a captivating and unconventional approach to melodic and harmonic structures. By tuning a guitar or other stringed instrument in perfect fourths—instead of the traditional perfect fifths—musicians unlock a universe of unique scales and arpeggios, opening doors to previously unexplored sonic territories.

Fourths Tuning: Scales and Arpeggios

by Graham Tippett

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3787 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	37 pages
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This comprehensive guide will delve into the enigmatic world of fourths tuning, shedding light on its captivating scales and arpeggios. From the dissonant allure of the Augmented Fourth scale to the ethereal beauty of the Whole Tone scale, we will explore the intricacies of these unconventional musical frameworks and uncover the boundless possibilities they offer.

Scales in Fourths Tuning

The unique intervallic relationships inherent in fourths tuning give rise to a plethora of fascinating scales:

Augmented Fourth Scale

Consisting of augmented fourths (six semitones) and minor thirds (three semitones),the Augmented Fourth scale exudes a haunting and dissonant aura. Its distinctive intervallic pattern creates a sense of tension and unease, lending itself well to experimental and avant-garde compositions.

Whole Tone Scale

In contrast to the dissonant nature of the Augmented Fourth scale, the Whole Tone scale is renowned for its ethereal and otherworldly sound. Comprised entirely of whole tones (two semitones),this scale produces a shimmering and celestial effect, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder.

Tritone Scale

Named after the interval of a tritone (six semitones),this scale consists of alternating tritones and minor thirds. Its angular and disorienting intervals create a sense of unease and instability, making it a perfect choice for conveying tension and conflict.

Arpeggios in Fourths Tuning

Just as scales form the foundation of melodies, arpeggios provide the harmonic underpinnings of music. In fourths tuning, arpeggios take on new and captivating forms:

Augmented Fourth Arpeggio

Mirroring the intervallic structure of the Augmented Fourth scale, this arpeggio comprises augmented fourths and minor thirds. Its dissonant nature adds a touch of intrigue and tension to harmonic progressions.

Whole Tone Arpeggio

Derived from the Whole Tone scale, this arpeggio consists solely of whole tones. Its smooth and ethereal sound lends a sense of mystery and otherworldliness to chord progressions.

Tritone Arpeggio

Corresponding to the Tritone scale, this arpeggio features alternating tritones and minor thirds. Its dissonant and unstable nature adds a sense of tension and conflict to harmonic constructions.

Practical Applications

The scales and arpeggios of fourths tuning offer a wealth of creative possibilities for musicians:

Contemporary Music: These unconventional scales and arpeggios add a touch of intrigue and dissonant beauty to experimental and avant-garde compositions.

Jazz and Fusion: The unique intervallic relationships found in fourths tuning can inspire fresh and innovative harmonic ideas in jazz and fusion.

Film and Television Scoring: The ethereal and unsettling qualities of fourths tuning scales and arpeggios lend themselves well to creating atmospheric and evocative soundtracks.

Guitarists: Fourths tuning offers guitarists a new and unconventional approach to playing, opening up a world of novel chord voicings and melodic possibilities.

The world of fourths tuning is a realm of musical exploration and sonic discovery. By embracing the unique scales and arpeggios it offers, musicians can unleash a torrent of unconventional melodies and harmonies. From the dissonant allure of the Augmented Fourth scale to the ethereal beauty of the Whole Tone scale, fourths tuning invites us to reimagine the boundaries of music.

As musicians continue to delve into the depths of fourths tuning, its captivating scales and arpeggios will undoubtedly inspire countless musical innovations and artistic breakthroughs in the years to come.

Fourths Tuning: Scales and Arpeggios

by Graham Tippett

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3787 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	37 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE