Super Augmented II - Further Explorations
As the title suggests, this is the second volume of exercises, sequences and concepts pertaining to the self titled “Super Augmented” Scale, a nonetonic, symmetrical, synthetic collection of pitches. Its layout divides the octave into three equal parts – as does the more common hexatonic Augmented Scale.
What makes Super Augmented so “super” is that it combines a pair of Augmented Scales - a half step apart - with an Augmented triad being common between them.
The fact that Super Augmented contains 3 different Augmented triads means that, with inversions, an Augmented triad is generated from each of its nine scale steps.
What makes Super Augmented so “super” is that it combines a pair of Augmented Scales - a half step apart - with an Augmented triad being common between them.
The fact that Super Augmented contains 3 different Augmented triads means that, with inversions, an Augmented triad is generated from each of its nine scale steps.
As listed in the Table of Contents of this volume, various sub-topics are organized into the following sections: Scale Sequences, Interval Sequences, Chords & Arpeggios, as well as Pentatonics & Triad Pairs.
As the basic unit of Super Augmented is the 013 Trichord (C-Db-Eb from C), its basic mode of transposition is that of a Major 3rd - again, like its hexatonic constituent.
In the first Volume “013 Calling - Super Augmented”, a section introducing the 013 Trichord was included. In this volume, the focus is centered more so on exercises, sequences and melodic ideas stemming from the various resulting components of the Super Augmented scale itself.
A few examples:
As the basic unit of Super Augmented is the 013 Trichord (C-Db-Eb from C), its basic mode of transposition is that of a Major 3rd - again, like its hexatonic constituent.
In the first Volume “013 Calling - Super Augmented”, a section introducing the 013 Trichord was included. In this volume, the focus is centered more so on exercises, sequences and melodic ideas stemming from the various resulting components of the Super Augmented scale itself.
A few examples:
Ex. 1 - Scalar Melodic Shape
The interval makeup of the above example (made up entirely of scale tones), while descending in bars #1 & #2, is down P4 – up M3 – down M2 - down m2.
The three groups of 4 notes each are transposed identically down a Major 3rd. The sequence then ascends in retrograde motion (backwards) in bars #3 & #4, as the interval makeup and direction are opposite that of the first 2 bars.
The three groups of 4 notes each are transposed identically down a Major 3rd. The sequence then ascends in retrograde motion (backwards) in bars #3 & #4, as the interval makeup and direction are opposite that of the first 2 bars.
Listen
Ex. 2 – 0156 in Maj 3rds & min 6th
Above is a descending 4-note grouping, ascending in Maj 3rds for the first 2 bars. Although it could be harmonized in various ways, it's heard here as a Maj 7th with a suspended 4th. Normally an “avoid note” in Major, the quickness with the eighth note F (the 4th) resolves to E (as well as A to G# and Db to C), works more in this case rather like an approach note, which leaves nothing to avoid.
Listen
Ex. 3 – Min add 9 Sequence
This is a cute little sequence, sounding familiar, but not sure from where (“Careless Whispers”, maybe!?). Minor triads in 1st inversion starting on the Maj 9th, transposing, once more, down in Maj 3rds.
There is a section containing Pentatonics b2, b6 & b5, generated from successive scale steps. Since Super Augmented is known as a “scale of limited transposition”, this particular sequence is presented in its 4 transpositions (repeating at Major 3rd intervals).
This section also features a multi Triad Pair sequence – consisting of a Maj & an Aug Triad a whole step apart – transposed to all 12 “keys”. This hexatonic configuration is also found in Melodic Minor and functions as a link between the two systems.
The material contained in this volume, as well as in Vol. I, “013 Calling - Super Augmented” is but the proverbial tip of the iceberg when it comes to uncovering melodic combinations from the Super Augmented system.
Both of these volumes will hopefully wet the appetite of any improviser or composer for further investigation into and practical understanding of this enigmatic “scale of limited transposition”.
B. Stern
This section also features a multi Triad Pair sequence – consisting of a Maj & an Aug Triad a whole step apart – transposed to all 12 “keys”. This hexatonic configuration is also found in Melodic Minor and functions as a link between the two systems.
The material contained in this volume, as well as in Vol. I, “013 Calling - Super Augmented” is but the proverbial tip of the iceberg when it comes to uncovering melodic combinations from the Super Augmented system.
Both of these volumes will hopefully wet the appetite of any improviser or composer for further investigation into and practical understanding of this enigmatic “scale of limited transposition”.
B. Stern
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