Monday, May 8, 2023

The mixolydian scale is C D E F G A Bb. Its key signature has 1 flat.

Khamaj thaat Sargam notation is Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa'

Harikamboji ragam in Carnatic: Sa ri2 ga3 ma1 pa da2 ni2 



First off, let's talk about the Mixolydian scale. This scale is characterized by a flatted seventh degree, which gives it a slightly bluesy sound. It's often used in rock, blues, and folk music and can be heard in classic tunes like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Stairway to Heaven." But did you know that the Mixolydian scale also has a home in Hindustani music? That's right, folks - the ragas of Hindustani music often use a similar flatted seventh degree, known as the komal nishaad. And just like in the Mixolydian scale, this note gives the raga a distinct, bluesy flavor.

Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin

But the similarities don't stop there. Another hallmark of the Mixolydian scale is its use of dominant seventh chords, adding spicy, unresolved tension to the music. And wouldn't you know it, Hindustani music has a similar trick up its sleeve - the use of vadi and samvadi notes, which create a similar sense of tension and release. For example, in the raga Yaman, the vadi note is the natural fourth (ma), and the samvadi note is the natural second (re). These notes create a tension resolved when the music returns to the tonic (sa).


But the most humorous similarity between the Mixolydian scale and Hindustani music is their shared love of improvisation. In the Mixolydian scale, musicians are encouraged to play around with the flatted seventh degree, adding their unique flavor to the music. And in Hindustani music, improvisation is not just encouraged - it's practically required! Musicians are expected to take the basic structure of the raga and make it their own, adding their own flourishes and embellishments along the way. So really, when you think about it, Mixolydian scales and Hindustani ragas are like musical playgrounds - places where musicians can let their imaginations run wild and create something truly unique.

In conclusion, the Mixolydian scale and Hindustani music ragas may seem like an odd pairing at first glance, but they share a surprising number of similarities upon closer inspection. From their use of flatted seventh degrees to their love of improvisation, these musical styles are more alike than you might think. So the next time you find yourself noodling around in the Mixolydian scale or exploring a Hindustani raga, remember - you're not so different.

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