Let's develop an FAQ for choosing the right key and mode!

So I wrote these guidelines over in another thread, to help the folks who have been asking how to choose the right mode for playing/transcribing a song. But it's hopelessly complicated for non music theorists! How can we simplify it? What rules of thumb have you been using to transcribe songs?

*************************

There are two considerations for choosing a key and mode: 1) which key/mode will best accomodate the range of the song and minimize alterations to the melody? and 2) which key/mode will allow the player to minimize the use of chromatic fingerings? By avoiding chromatic fingerings, we narrow the collection of fingerings that a player must deal with from 16 down to 11.

First, some considerations about the limitations of the intrument:

1. In every mode except Zeldarian, the Ocarina has a range of an eleventh (an octave plus a fourth). This limited range is the biggest reason why it's important to choose a proper key and mode, because otherwise you will run out of notes at the high end or low end, and have to put awkward octave leaps into the melody. In Zeldarian, you have a total range of a minor 13th.

2. In each mode except Zeldarian, you get one full octave plus a fourth below the root. This is great for songs that mostly fall within the octave and a little below (like Amazing Grace), but creates problems for songs that are within the octave and a little above (more on how to deal with this below).

3. The ocarina has 16 unique fingering combinations and hence 16 individual tones. 6 of these tones will have octave pairs (Except Zeldarian).

4. In every mode except Zeldarian, it is possible to play 10 out of the 12 notes of the chromatic scale. (1-2-3-4-#4-5-#5-6-#6-7). 6 of these notes (5-#5-6-#6-7-1) have octave duplicates. There will always be two notes (#1 and #2) that cannot be played. This is why Zeldarian was created. Zeldarian is the only mode that is fully chromatic, but it has weird register jumps and other inconsistencies that make it less than useful for anything other than the Zelda theme for which it was designed.

5. In every mode, the root is played with fingerings 6 and 16.

6. When playing in the relative minor of the ionian mode, the roots will fall on fingerings 3 and 13. This is sometimes useful to do, as noted below.

7. Sometimes a song may be in one mode, but its range will fit better when played in another mode. For example, "Song of Storms" from Zelda is in (D aeolian), but because it's highest note is a tenth above the root, it's better to play it in the relative major of F ionian to avoid an awkward octave leap. Then the D roots fall on fingerings 3 and 13.

8. Zeldarian mode is a "cheat" mode that maps the fingerings in a way to allow you to play tunes that require all 12 notes of the chromatic scale. It's the only mode that maps to a collection of notes that would be impossible to play on an actual 4-hole ocarina.

9. Ideally, the easiest way to learn to play the ocarina is to learn the fingerings for the major scale (11 fingerings). Then, when you have a minor song, you can just set the ocarina to aeolian or dorian mode and use the same fingerings you already know, without having to bother with accidentals.

So here's a (somewhat jargon-y) procedure for figuring out the best mode to play a tune in. Definitely need a piano or keyboard for this.

1. Determine the key that the song is in. This will often be the last note of the song. The key defines the root notes. If a song is in C major, the root is C.

2. Figure out the highest and lowest notes notes in the song (the range). If the interval between them is bigger than an eleventh (17 semitones on the piano), you will have to put some octave leaps into the melody, or alter the melody to avoid the uppermost or lowermost notes. You can still use the rules below to minimize the need for alterations.

3. If the range is smaller than an eleventh, determine where the two root notes in the song lie wrt the highest and lowest notes. If the melody does not go above the upper root, you have it easy. Just use the mode that the song is in. Major sounding tunes will almost always be in ionian, though certain folk songs may occasionally be in mixolydian and rarely lydian. Minor-sounding tunes will be in aeolian or dorian, rarely phrygian for that 'Spanish tinge'. I have never heard of a well-known tune that uses locrian mode, though it can be fun to experiment with.

4a. If the melody does go above the upper root note, and it's a major key song, use the lydian mode that is a perfect fourth (5 semitones) above the root. This will allow you to play the song without altering the melody and without using any fingerings for accidentals. For example, if you have a song in C major, and the melody goes above the upper C note, you should play it in F lydian. A song in F# major would be played in B lydian.

4b. If the melody goes above the upper root, and it's an aeolian song, use the relative major mode. This is the ionian mode that is 3 semitones above the root. For example, to play a song in E aeolian you would use G ionian.

4c. If the melody goes above the root, and it's a dorian song, use the lydian mode of the relative major (E dorian -> play in G lydian) or the mixolydian mode that is a perfect fourth (5 semitones) above the root (E dorian -> play in A mixolydian).

5. Once you've determined the correct key and mode, go find the corresponding scale in Rob's pdfs:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=73&p=578#p578

Use that scale to translate the notes of the song into fingerings.

Wow, what a great post. Thanks modalmixture!!!

best,

Rob

Ok, I'm still lost. My question pertains to Greensleeves, which I love and want to learn. The Root is shown as A-Sharp/B-Flat , in Ionian. How does that work?!? I set it to A# but there are definitely some tones that don't sound quite right. What am I missing?

Thanks!

I posted the Greensleeves. When I get my nerve up, I'm going to post a video of how I play it, that may help. It may have to do with the way I tried to render slurs from one note to another, which doesn't really translate well in the tabulature.

Or, we may find out I made some mistakes, boy will I be embarrassed! But there are some good players here, I'm happy to accept any advice.

PS: Kudos to Modalmixture for a great post. If you have any ideas about Greensleeves....

Steve, you did a great job with the Greensleeves transcription. I don't notice any wrong notes. You tabbed it out in Bb ionian, which works fine since the song is in G aeolian and Bb ionian is the relative major of G aeolian (both scales use the same set of notes, they just start and end in different places).

My only suggestion is that the range of Greensleeves is slightly better suited to being written in the native G aeolian. Then you'll be able to hit the low D at the end of the first verse, which can't be played in the Bb major fingering. That one note turns out not to be a huge deal and your version avoids it by holding on the F#, which also works fine.

How do you decide whether to write a minor song in its native minor or the relative major? One way is to look at the two scales in Rob's pdf's and see which one will best fit the range of the melody.

Another way, described in my post above, is to look at where the range of the song falls with respect to the two root notes in the scale. In this case, the song is in G aeolian, so the root notes are G. Find two G's an octave apart on the piano. Then locate the highest and lowest notes in the song. The notes that might cause you trouble are the notes that fall outside of that octave.

The highest note in Greensleeves is an F that falls just below the upper G root, within the octave, so that's no problem. The lowest note is a D that falls below the lower G root. That D is too low to play using the Bb ionian fingering, but you can play it just fine in G aeolian. In fact that note defines the lower range of the G aeolian fingering.

In other words, if the range of a song looks like this on the piano:

G------G--- (stays within the octave and a little above)

and it's a minor song, play it using the relative major fingering. If it's a major song, use the relative lydian or mixolydian key.

If it looks like this:

---G------G (stays withing the octave and a little below)

then you get off easy: just use the key and mode that the song is in, like Greensleeves.

Thank you so very much. That's a great explanation. I'm curious now to try the Aeolian mode.

{A couple of hours later he adds the following}

Modalmixture, your post was so right. I've retabbed Greensleeves for G Aeolian and it's just perfect. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll post it and if possible a video performance as soon as I can...(darn work!!)

Stevarin Ocarina, I will look forward to the G Aeolian! Thanks for your hard work! Could you please post when you have uploaded it?

Yes, I will. Perhaps tonight, schedule permitting.

OK, it's up--I added it to the original Greensleeves thread.

(I just finished posting this in another forum and thought it was worth posting here for anyone interested in some tips!) However, be wary, I expanded it and virtually get into a sort of treatise on the arranging and transcribing of tabs (if not a full pedagogy for writing these tabs!)

TIPS: Writing Tabs for Smule's Ocarina:

I say this, because as a composer, it is my belief the most important thing to do when arranging or transcribing a melody or theme is to get all of the correct notes. This also somewhat simplifies the process for those of us who may not have a strong background in music theory and, vice-versa, those of us knowledgeable in theory won't get stuck looking for the right root or mode since we know the Sun Song (for example) is a major melody.[/*:m]

Next, using the pdf files on the right side of this page within the box labeled 'modes', determine which available mode on smule's ocarina allows for the best combination of the theme's full range and full collection of notes.
In the case of Bratja, it goes from middle C (or C4, just below the staff) to F5 (just on top of the staff), with no altered pitches (all natural). The the best mode to use allowing for this full range of correct notes is F ionian. Why? Though you could "get away" with transcribing these tabs using an all-natural key signature (or C ionian), we wouldn't reach the highest notes, and would then have to move segments down the octave.

Though F ionian *has* B flat in the key signature, the chromatic pitches that Smule gives us in the ionian mode, allows use of the B natural. Also, F ionian allows us to play from C4 to F5 as notated in my transcription.[/*:m]

Arranging Bratja, Zelda's Lullaby and Sun Song is what has spurred this rather lengthy post.

Basically here's the process: Bratja is written in D natural-minor with an accidental B natural, however the D natural-minor doesn't have the right notes. As suggested in previous posts, writing the tabs in the relative major gets the job done, however, let's imagine I don't know what "relative major" means (and didn't know until I was a music major in college); I won't come to that conclusion very easily, and if anything that may discourage someone from writing these tabs. However there's an easy fix: write all the notes, cross-reference the pdfs until you find one that has all the notes, then input the buttons!

With Sun Song, the problem was simply an altered pitch -- G major with an F natural: theoretically that's how the music works. However this realization, likewise, doesn't make it any easier for us to pick the mode that gives us the right range and the right notes. Same simple fix: collect all the notes, cross-reference the pdfs, pick the mode that gives you the range AND the pitches. In this case, the correct answer was A natural-minor (aeolian). Or in other words, the relative minor mode of the "relative Lydian" of G major (rel. minor of C maj). Even for us music theory junkies, it's needless work to consider the "relative-this of the relative-that of this" to transcribe the Sun Song (also considering "relative-church mode" of X isn't typical music theory jargon, or none that I've personally come across)! For me, it was easier to notate the music (also creating an invaluable reference for the community), then use that to cross-reference the modes.

With this in mind: DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE of referring to the mode you *TABBED* in as the key of the melody you transcribed. For example, Bratja was not written in F major; Zelda's Lullaby was NOT written in A Dorian, nor was Sun Song written in A Aeolian. Though my transcription of Bratja was TABBED in F ionian, it was only for the simple purpose of playing it correctly on Smule's Ocarina: Bratja is actually written in D minor, and anyone who took it upon themselves to transcribe and analyze either my recording or the original recording would arrange it as such!

I cannot tell you how many times I've come across people who said Zelda's Lullaby was written in the key of B (major) when it's ACTUALLY written in G major, simply because their tabs were in B Zeldarian. The culmination of all my considerations listed below, are the reasons behind WHY the key our melodies are TABBED in, may not necessarily be the key the melody is WRITTEN in.

CONSIDER these facts:

Since smule's Ocarina does not physically allow a full collection of chromatic pitches, or ALL sharps, naturals and flats, (unlike real professional-made ocarinas), this application is limited, not only by its range, but by a predetermined collection of notes as well (i.e., some modes DO NOT have a D-flat, etc.). In the case of Zelda's Lullaby, there was no mode that accommodated the melody's full range (E4 to high D6); in that case, some *creative* arranging was required in order to accomplish an idiomatic arrangement of the theme that met most of the community's standards.

This is no substitute for identifying the proper mode and theory behind a melody. In fact, for mostly diatonic melodies (like Marty O'Donnell's popular Gregorian chant for Halo), all you have to do is identify the mode and root and memorize the diatonic fingerings. For instance, the diatonic fingerings for every mode are EXACTLY THE SAME. If you know the Halo theme starts on E and is in the Dorian mode, then you may not need to transcribe and write tabs for it at all!

Now, if you're background in music theory is lacking or you truly are a novice musician, than try visiting this website: Dolmetsch.com, for a crash-course in music theory. Even if this is anyone's first exposure to performing music, this opportunity should be taken to learn more!

Though I *try* to give simple remedies to solve minor tabbing and arranging problems that don't require a deep insight into modes, pitches and contemporary compositional techniques, I think any enthusiast that's a member of this community should go and brush up on some theory. It's amazing how our understanding of the underlying structure of music can be enriched by our knowledge of modulations, tonicizations and chord progressions!

(and now I'm off to bed!)

[/][/]

Good Job

Good Post

As far as i can work out when in blowing mode you cannot listen through the headphones. is that correct?

simonfcraig@gmail-

Umm, that is not quite correct. What device would you be using, with what microphone?

elon

Burberry Scarf

Our company is a big wholesaler of Burberry Scarf with many years, we have rich experience in the brand handbag field, our burberry scarf sell all over the world, such as USA. UK, France, Germany, Australia and so on. All of our Burberry Outlet are with high quality and lower price, newest and hotselling styles are active every day. Burberry Scarves We accept any quantities order, drop shipping is available as well. Small profits but quick turnover.

We are professional, make sure the toppest quality standards,Burberry Bags classic elegance,exquisite design,make them valuable and unique in the mordern life.Welcome to buy burberry cashmere scarf for cheap and you can be guaranteed that you purchased whatever burberry outlet with first-class service. Burberry Sale We wish you a happy shopping experience through our site. So, what are you waiting for? Order now! We will arrange the delivery once the orders are placed.

Cheap oakley sunglasses

Force-shield SunglassesFor all all those proudly owning a round face, these types of Cheap oakley sunglasses completely wrap all near to the face, therefore incorporating design as well getting a specific character toward your individuality. through the event that force-shield sunglasses have a tendency for getting whatever you really are ready to evaluate out, this year, browse the contacts simply obtainable within of numerous colours with one another with color mixtures to fixture your design and design and style fake oakley sunglasses.
Vintage ApperanceThe fifties, sixties, seventies, eighties with one another with nineties visual element is really setting up a return. Regarded as extremely trendy, this particular look is anticipated to develop to be flaunted extremely this year. round eyeglasses with one another with replica sunshades have a tendency for getting extremely sought subsequent largely merely on account of the significant cut-throat price tag ranges as well as higher quality discount oakley sunglasses.

Moncler Jackets

There are all lines of Moncler Jackets and always update products with the newest styles of Moncler. There offers all kinds of different styles of Moncler jackets and Moncler vests, and we will give you a fashiona, even more unexpected surprise.Don't miss the chance,hurry up to have a cheap Moncler coat to catch the fashion wind. And this is also one of the reason that the Moncler Outlet had be popular in the recent years worldwide. And a lot of loyal fans follow this brand. Moncler are a modern interpretation of the signature jacket and have already earned a host of stylish celebrity fans. The snow jackets are also available, pleasure and delight of the snow season to raise your family. Moncler Jacket Sale

Burberry Outlet

The force when the high-quality goods in addition to women’s let girls for the outcry,Burberry ScarfSale some adorn article also let people scream. From the bag to shoes to adorn article, beauty nets clothing small make up today to the recommended for everybody is the force when the fashion scarf, together and see it Elegant and contracted, elegant hook flower hollow out effect,Burberry outlet Sale elegant and fashionable, contracted wind design, very joker. Fabrics feel soft, warm and comfortable, can be arbitrary and various sweater, coat collocation, add gentle elegant temperament Elegant sex appeal, leopard grain printing scarf is today season main collocation sheet is tasted, bump color leopard grain printing, full of make public of evil spirit be puzzled of force. Natural fringed tassel, into the slim and graceful feeling, a selection of wool, silk blended quality of a material,Burberry Scarves Sale close skin soft, warm and comfortable, suitable with generous contracted attire, can the instantaneous promotion fashion degrees.Luxury contracted, PI cao collars in winter only put extraordinary splendour, costly nobility and warm and comfortable.Burberry bags Contracted style, fashion easy to ride, AnKou design, easy to wear, a selection of rabbit hair material, soft warm. Suitable for low and bring coat collocation,Burberry sale
with round brought down coat collocation? Materials, all appropriate, low-key costly expensive gas.

Cheap oakley sunglasses

It is not only a difficult process to locate a superb sunglass that especially serves the purpose. Most wholesale sunglass marketers provide remarkable discounts on oakley sunglasses occasionally. consequently you can anyway locate a affordable priced sunglass that most beneficial fits your spending budget and necessity.Cheap oakley sunglasses
Apart from preserving the eye the discount oakley sunglasses also support in filtering out glare that obtains scattered from car windshields, consuming water surfaces etc. For this the polarized sunglasses could possibly be considered a superb option. although these polarized sunglasses are not that effective in opposition to ultra violet rays, it is quite useful in high-glare environments. although sunglasses largely appeals guys and girls like a style accessory, its utilitarian worth is undeniably more.fake oakley sunglasses

Burberry cashmere Scarf

Burberry Scarf is a classic scarf, it's popular throughout Europe and the United States and it's made of high-quality 100% cashmere scarf, Each of Our Burberry Scarves will be attached a Burberry classic paper packaging, I believe that this classic Burberry scarf will be sure to bring you a warm and happy winter.

You might need to acquire a gift for an upcoming event and you aren’t quite sure what to give. ABurberry Outlet would be a great gift for almost any occasion. A scarf can be given to someone whom you aren’t sure what to get, or it can be given to somebody you are close too. You can be sure that by giving a Burberry product that you will be giving a gift of class, and elegance. There is no way to go wrong when giving someone Burberry anything, as a gift.Burberry Bags
So go ahead and spend a little and get a lot!

Welcome to our Burberry Sale online store to pick up your favorite gift ideas.

Cool Moncler Jackets are by and large loved by very easily every last

<p>Minutes and focus low-cost Moncler Jackets to secure an innovative mankind’s clothing, moncler provides much ways of any of us. It’s nope uncomplicated wardrobe even so a finish friend for everyone. Your personal
Moncler Coats provides a good amount a number of per adult men choices for the period of fabulous behavior. In addition to cool winter tend to be coming; now this is a sizzling hot fur coat that is around imperative requirement of anyone.</p>
<p>For any definitely one area, a new student that you could include things like Moncler kids one thing remains to be the 2 easeful and additionally formal. The fashionable factors are generally liked by effortlessly each both women and men, which inurn make them acquire the nearly any materials that they seriously look into to acquire fundamentally the classiest definitely one. Moncler Vest Women wall stopper supplies an alternative and course the fact that also display special Moncler Outlet means together impressive feelings. Several are appointed employing power plant in addition to bags, which makes one’s own complementary well liked. A lot of options are by and large sutured in a one-of-a-kind fashion of which support the getting supplementary basic.
Moncler Sale
<p>It’s probably going to be the right end that your finished guides accustomed to set up you are usually in most cases including Moncler down jacket herself so it might possibly vow you’re exceptional most of them. With there being numerous selected to do with minimal amount of component, in order to fail to be able to acquire sometimes a particular likewise in your delayed obtain. Moncler Jacket Sale You’ll come across difference between quilted and therefore the commonly used different versions.</p>

Mac makeup are just the type of cosmetics women are looking for. Cheap mac makeup can change you, in a matter of minutes, from the average looking, ordinary, girl-next-door into a stunning beauty. Mac Makeup Wholesale have a whole range of makeup, haircare, and skincare products for you. For that special evening out, all you need is your set of wholesale mac makeup and some time in front of the mirror.However, mac makeup are, after all, only cosmetics. As soon as you remove your makeup, the beautiful old you seems to disappear. cheap mac makeup have recently introduced skin care products that will make your skin glow radiantly without constantly putting on makeup. In addition, they have developed products that will make your hair and complexion beautiful all day long without any Mac Makeup Wholesale.

It looks like you were looking for MAC Cosmetics. Take a look at the articles on wholesale mac makeup below. We also have the most product reviews on MAC Makeup on the web, so be sure to look up your favorite products. Need tips and how-to guides? You've come to the right place! We have a huge assortment of Cheap MAC Makeup videos to help you with that new look or just a refresher on the basics.MAC Makeup Wholesale
wholesale mac makeupmac cosmetics wholesalewholesale mac cosmetics

Read how to apply makeup. These are also ideal DIY wedding makeup tips. They include all the details that can help you make yourself look fabulous.

Spend Your Money Wisely on cheap mlb jerseys.Make MLB jerseys your own by adding your name and favorite number to the back. Sports stores and cheap nhl jerseys pro shops will provide customization services for an additional fee on top of the price of the Wholsale NHL Jerseys.

When it comes to ugg boots, there seems to be three kinds of people. Those who love cheap ugg boots, those who hate ugg boots tall, and those who just aren't sure what uggs boots are -- but, when they find out, they'll fall into one of the first two categories.

OPI is only legitimately sold only at beauty salons and through authorized dealers. I can buy and sell legitimate OPI since I order and buy through an authorized dealers myself but the thing is you don't know about online stores. Store like Target, Walmart, Fred Meyer, ShopKo and countless others also sell OPI Nail but their distributors end up sanding off the serial numbers. Fake OPI Nail Pollish don't have serial numbers on the bottles. So buyer be ware in where you're purchasing at.
Dorra, OPI Nail Polish is an old thread. Check the dates when those sites were recommended, it was years ago. Since then there was some kind of dust up between OPI Nail Lacquer and these sites and they aren't allowed to sell OPI Nail Polish anymore.