For a time, theory was content to define the triads and seventh chords that can be built on the degrees of a given scale. But chords are way bigger nowadays...
Return to the Home page Mando ModeExplorer for mandolin magnaChops ModeExplorer for guitar Click here to read about our upgrade policy ModeExplorer Expedition Outfitters - Free tools to help you reach the summit, explore the depths, discover new territories... See what's happening at Groveland Access any patches and downloads for ModeExplorers Information on scales and chords, as well as our chart catalog Send us an email for support, product questions, or music theory help for ModeExplorer users Frequently asked questions To get more out of the ModeExplorers Tips on how to play mandolin Tips on how to play 10-string, fifths-tuned cittern For a time, theory was content to define the triads and seventh chords that can be built on the degrees of a given scale. But chords are way bigger nowadays... 'So what scales should I play over these chords?' Well, maybe that's really not the right question, considering that in reality, 'the Scale IS the Chord, and the Chord IS the Scale'. Read why...
Tips and Tricks for the ModeExplorers
Below are some tips and tricks to get even more out of your ModeExplorer.
Turn your ModeExplorer into a Chord Encyclopedia!

If you create a chromatic scale in the User Defined section of the ModeExplorer, it will create all the chord shapes it knows on every tonic. For the Mando ModeExplorer, this amounts to 12 tonics * 57 chord types, * 4 inversions, or 2,736 chord shapes! And for the magnachops ModeExplorer for guitar, you get an additional 3 ways to modify each inversion - that's 4 * 2,736 chord shapes, which is a whopping 10,944 chords shapes in all!

    1)  First open the User Defined section of the tree.
    2)  Then drag and drop any scale from another part of the tree into User Defined/Modes.
    3)  Click on that new scale to expand it.
    4)  Then right click on Scale Intervals - The popup menu will display - Click Edit Intervals.
    5)  The Scale Editor displays. Check ALL check boxes - This creates a 12 tone chromatic scale.
    6)  Give your scale a name, like "Chromatic", and click the Save button.


Now explore the thousands of chords available to you. Another tip: You can change the tonic of your Chromatic scale to force the chord names to flats or sharps. For example, a C# tonic will use sharps, and a Bb tonic will use flats.


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P.O.Box 262, Wayzata, MN 55391Copyright ©2002-2008 by Groveland Software Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.5/16/2008 8:38:17 AM