The Octatonic Scale - Secrets and things you didn't know | [MUSIC THEORY HACK]

[@althealligator1467]

The best thing about the octatonic scale is that it is like a combination of all of the unstable Greek modes. Basically, it's made up of: - a root, 1 (let's pick the key of C) - a perfect fifth, 5 (G) - both the major and minor thirds, 3 and b3 (E and Eb) - the character note of phrygian, b2 (Db) - the character note of lydian, #4 (F#) - the character note of dorian, 6 (A) - the character note of mixolydian, b7 (Bb) The character note of these modes is the note that differentiates them from the other two modes of the same quality; dorian is the only minor mode that has a 6 when aolian and phrygian don't, for example. This basically means that you play a major or minor chord or just a perfect fifth, and play the octatonic scale over it, it'll behave like a ii chord, a iii chord, a IV chord, and a V chord all at once.

[@MusicIntervalTheoryAcademy]

Many thanks for this comment, yes, you're right! :)

[@soundsgoodtome]

At 6:31, I think he meant "E and Bb." 😊

[@MusicIntervalTheoryAcademy]

Yes, I confirm that it should be "E and Bb" ... good catch! :D

[@elmostachojuanoh]

This short animated videos are gold I have a question: is the octave of a octatonic scale supposed to be named as the II grade double flat? This came to my mind after thinking that the 7th of a tetrad in this scale should be double flatted also (2:13 C-Eb-Gb-Bbb-Dbb?)

[@MusicIntervalTheoryAcademy]

Many thanks for your comment! The Octatonic scale really differs from all the other 7-tone-scales in that it really uses 8 scale tones. This also affects the harmony, of course. I'd say that your approach with explaining the scale with a shift to the 2nd mode in the octave is totally valid and logical. However, this eliminates the idea of 4 equal root tones and reduces the whole scale to just one root tone. And this, of course, changes the whole perspective. But you are right, there are different modes of the octatonic scale, actually, 3. You may start the scale on C, Db or D. Every other starting note equals in a repetition of what you've already covered ... This scale is so interesting and versatile. And for that reason, we are currently working on an application/exercises course which will be published soon in the membership for all members. If you want to dig really deep into these interval relations, please have a look at the membership! And if you have any concerns or questions, please contact us any time!

[@noctesomnium]

Awesome :)