Unraveling the Mysteries of Modality and Tonality: Understanding the Blues Progression
Introduction to Modality and Tonality
The terms modality and tonality refer to different systems of organizing pitches in music. Each has distinct characteristics that shape the overall sound and structure of a piece. Tonality is fundamentally centered around a specific key or tonic, whereas modality uses modes derived from a parent scale, often the diatonic scale.
Tonality: A System Centered Around a Key
Definition
Tonality is a system of music that is centered around a specific key or tonic. This key serves as a foundational note, and the other notes in the piece have specific roles and relationships relative to it. Major and minor scales form the backbone of tonal music, with chords being built from these scales and following established patterns, such as the circle of fifths. The sense of resolution is robust, often leading back to the tonic note.
Characteristics of Tonal Music
Major and minor scales are the foundations of tonal music. Chords are built from these scales and progressions typically follow a set pattern. There is a strong sense of resolution, commonly leading back to the tonic.Modality: A System of Scales With Unique Tonal Characteristics
Definition
Modality refers to a system of music that uses modes, which are scales derived from a parent scale, often the diatonic scale. These modes have their own unique set of intervals and tonal characteristics. Modes such as Ionian (major), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (natural minor), and Locrian are all part of the modal system.
Characteristics of Modal Music
Modal music often emphasizes different notes, leading to a distinct feeling or color compared to tonal music. Modal music can lack a strong sense of resolution because the tonic does not always feel necessary.The Blues Progression: A Case of Tonal Music
Overview of the Blues Progression
The blues progression is generally considered tonal. It typically follows a 12-bar structure and uses the I-IV-V chord progression. Despite its modal elements, such as the use of the blues scale, the blues progression is fundamentally based on functional harmony and strong resolution.
Characteristics of the Blues
It follows a 12-bar structure and often uses the I-IV-V chord progression. Modal elements can be incorporated, such as the use of the blues scale. The blues emphasizes the tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords, creating a strong sense of resolution.The Historical Evolution of Modality and Tonality
The confusion between modality and tonality can be traced back to ancient Greek theories and the early Renaissance. Ancient Greek theorists classified different scales as modes, naming them after geographic regions. However, these names were later misinterpreted, leading to our modern understanding of modes.
The Revival of Ancient Greek Modes
In the early Renaissance, music theorists attempted to revive the ancient Greek system of modal classification. Unfortunately, their interpretations were incorrect, leading to the modern names for the modes. The revival of these modes was appealing because early Renaissance theorists had no concept of tonality in its modern sense, which only developed in the late Renaissance.
The Overlap of Modal and Tonal Systems
The overlap between modal and tonal systems persisted for centuries. As tonality developed, composers began to mix scales of major and minor, resulting in music that did not strictly adhere to either system. To explain these developments, theorists reintroduced the Renaissance modes.
Contemporary Use of Modes vs. Tonality
Contemporary music uses modes not as a distinct system but as an elaboration of tonality. Composers, such as Debussy, may use cadences and basslines to give music a "modern" or "ancient" feel without completely departing from tonality. Similarly, Miles Davis's use of "modes" in jazz improvisation did not necessarily mean he was working outside of a key framework.
Conclusion
In summary, while modalities and tonalities both organize pitches, they do so in significantly different ways. The blues progression is tonal due to its reliance on functional harmony and resolution. It is important to understand that modern music often blends these systems, with modes serving as an elaboration of tonality rather than a complete departure from it.