Fifth Harmony (Quintal)

GuyBoden

Stacking every 5th note of a scale to create a chord is how to create Fifth harmony.

(Technically it's called Quintal harmony.)

To create a fifth voicing, use the 1st, 5th, 9th(2nd), 13th(6th) notes of each scale to make a chord.

It's easier to play the 1st note on the sixth string with either the ring or middle finger and then the 2nd note on the fourth string with the index finger.

C Ionian 5ths : CGDA.

D Dorian, 5ths : DAEB. 

E Phrygian, 5ths : EBFC.

F Lydian,5ths : FCGD.

G Mixolydian, 5ths : GDAE.

A Aeolian, 5ths : AEBF.

B Locrian, 5ths : BFCG.

Here's the voicing for the above basic stacking of Fifths chords:

Each colour represents a four note chord, some are a bit of a stretch, but worth it IMO.

To be honest, I mostly play them higher up the fret board using the 5th string for the lowest note, it's much easier.

Another nice chord voicing to my ears, is using 5th, 1st, 9th, 13th notes of each mode to make a chord. Same fifth notes in a different order. Some of these chords are a bit of a stretch, so it's easier to play them higher on the fretboard.

C Ionian 5ths, Nice voicing :  GCDA.

D Dorian, 5ths, Nice voicing : ADEB. 

E Phrygian, 5ths, Nice voicing : BEFC.

F Lydian,5ths, Nice voicing : CFGD.

G Mixolydian 5ths, Nice voicing : DGAE.

Have fun, I think they sound good for modern(ish) compositions.

mgaw

thanks for posting off to try these out

DulcetJones

Cool.  I found it easy to play the C ionian like this:  x30213

bloodandtears

so are these "modal chords"? devoid of major/minor third tonality?

viz

Message in a bottle

GuyBoden

bloodandtears said:

so are these "modal chords"? devoid of major/minor third tonality?

Yes, "devoid of major/minor third tonality?", these fifth chords have nothing to do with Major/minor tonalities.

Major/minor third tonality is called tertian harmony, these are called Quintal harmony.

There is no tonal centre with these chords, so they are atonal.

Some are a bit of a stretch at first, but you get used to the chord shapes.

Chords created by stacking fifths have a more modern sounding harmony.

bloodandtears

So does this movable chord fit??

X3X233  C Ionian

X5X455  D Dorian

etc..

GuyBoden

bloodandtears said:

So does this movable chord fit??

X3X233  C Ionian

X5X455  D Dorian

etc..

Here's the voicing for the basic stacking of Fifths chords:

Each colour represents a four note chord, some are a bit of a stretch, but worth it IMO.

They are easier to play higher up the fret board using the 5th string for the lowest note, but find your own fingerings that you find easier.

GuyBoden

viz said:

Message in a bottle

Yes, The Police used some great harmony, Andy Summers is an astonishing guitarist, I was at a workshop with him when he was doing his jazz fusion stuff, an exceptional player.

bloodandtears

GuyBoden said:

bloodandtears said:

So does this movable chord fit??

X3X233  C Ionian

X5X455  D Dorian

etc..

Here's the voicing for the basic stacking of Fifths chords:

Each colour represents a four note chord, some are a bit of a stretch, but worth it IMO.

They are easier to play higher up the fret board using the 5th string for the lowest note, but find your own fingerings that you find easier.

I understand that as far as them being stacked correctly your diagram illustrates the chord notes in their intendended registers... but doesn't my fingering have the right notes, just not the relevant registers? 

I suppose the point of your post is to hear them in the appropriate registers.

GuyBoden

Here are the chords with the low note on the 5th "A" string:

If you play the two chord voicings: CGDA and GDAE.

Your fav improv "A minor" Pentatonic scale solos work nicely over the top.

But, be tasteful with the note choices C and E.

As we all know, "A minor" Pentatonic scale is ACDEG