Licking Up the Modes: Phrygian

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Instructor: Mike Salow Level: Intermediate Topic: Scales Style: Any Style

Excerpt: Licking Up the Modes is back!!! This month we discuss Phrygian! Phrygian is slightly different than the rest of the modes in the fact that we have no available extensions (otherwise known as "void" tones). This means we are basically stuck with our root, b3, 5, and b7 when building chord voicings.  Although we can't add much to the chord itself, thi...

Media Length: 2:35

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Instructor: Mike Salow Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Fusion

Excerpt: So our first lick is a 16th note run. The tempo I'm working with is 105bpm so these 16ths are a little slower. Note that this lick does not start on a down beat but rather on the "a" of 2. (1 -e -& - a - 2 - e - & - a - 3 - e - etc...)  Also make sure to follow the tab closely to get all of the right hand picking correct.

Media Length: 1:47

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Instructor: Mike Salow Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Fusion

Excerpt: The second lick is somewhat similar to the first lick except this time we are starting on the "e" of 1 (1 - e - & - a - 2 - e- & - a - 3 - e - etc...). It is also a 16th note run just liike the first one. Also note that this lick does not end on a down beat so it may be a little tricky.

Media Length: 2:08

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Instructor: Mike Salow Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Fusion

Excerpt: Alright, this is our first lick utilizing 16th note triplets. This one, like the others, is using a lot of different techniques like sliding, legato, and string skipping (sort of). Pay close attention to the phrasing and work this one up to speed. Start slow! 

Media Length: 1:26

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Instructor: Mike Salow Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Fusion

Excerpt: Another 16th note triplet run! This one also using some different triad shapes but rolls off the fingers nicely once worked up to speed!

Media Length: 1:33

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Instructor: Mike Salow Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Fusion

Excerpt: So our final lick utilizing some "Frank Gambale" style sweeping. If you've checked out last months tutorial you should have a head start at this lick. Pay close attention to the tab and work on getting the right and left hand synced up. 

Media Length: 2:05

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Instructor: Mike Salow Level: Advanced Topic: Improvising Style: Fusion

Excerpt: Alright guys! Have fun with these licks! Remember to start slow and work your way up to speed. There's no rush! Phrasing is key! :) Until next time, farewell!

Media Length: 0:40

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Instructor: Mike Salow Level: Intermediate Topic: Improvising Style: Fusion

Excerpt: This backing track is a C Phrygian vamp. Chords are Cm7 - Dbmaj7#11 in a loop. 

Media Length: 4:37