Laurie Griffiths wrote:
>
> Frank Nordberg wants the modifier list to include...
No, I don't. I want the entire modifier list replaced with a set of
fairly simple rules defining the syntax of the modifier.
If I understand Mike Whitaker's proposal (which I'm not absolutely sure
I do) correctly, it ought to cover almost everything. Just a few slight
modifications and it'd be perfect.
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I'm not at all familiar with the formal language Mike used, and I
suppose a few list subscribers would have slight problems with straight
Norwegian, so I'll try to do my best defining a set of rules in my
rather clumsy English.
These 12 rules ought to cover every possible combination of scale and
non-scale notes an confirms to common chord notation standard as far as
it's possible to confirm to a standard that strictly speaking doesn't
exist ;)
1. No chord suffix implies a major triad %step 1, 3 and 5 of the
major scale.
2. m implies a minor triad %step 1, 3 and 5 of the
minor scale.
3. The main series are based oon thirds in the mixolydian/dorian scale
(with major 6th and minor 7th): 7 - 9 - 11 - 13. Any of these
numbers implies that
all the steps up to and including the specified one are added to the chord.
4. "6" specifies the (major) 6th to be added to the triad.
5. A + (or # if you like) in front of a number specifies that that note is
raised a semitone.
6. A - (or b) in front of a number specifies that that note is lowered
a semitone.
%Note: I prefer +/- rather than #/b to avoid any possible confusion
%with accidentals connected to the root note. I consider the problems
%of "-" being confused with the old fashioned minor symbol and
"+" with
%"add" to be of much less importance.
7. "maj" specifies a major 7th. It is laways followed by a number from
the main
series.
%Note: Ideally, I'd prefer +7/#7 instead, but "maj" is far too common
%a term to be ignored.
8. "sus" before a number implies that that note is to replace the third
of the
chord. Only two alternatives are allowed: sus2 and sus4.
9. "x" before a number specifies that that note is to be omitted from
the chord.
%Note: It seems the most usual term for this is "omit", but I like
%"x" far better ;)
10. "x" not followed by a number specifies root only
11. "add" before a number specifies that only that note and no others (unless
otherwise specified) are added.
%Note: "add" overrides "x", which means you can cut down to the
root and
%then add anything you like (e.g. Cxadd8). This is a kind of a catch-all.
12. The following common alternative suffixes are allowed:
a) dim = m-7-5
b) 5 = x3 %the root-fifth power chord
c) 69 = 6add9
d) 8 = xadd8
%Note: The list in #12 is definitely open to discussions
Frank
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