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→Pitch Axis Theory
== Pitch Axis Theory ==
Pitch Axis is a method of composition that tends to retain a common root note across a chord progression, simply changing the quality and embellishments of the chord. A sample sequence could be A, Am, A{{dim}}, A+. No single scale contains all these chords. Instead, one could use the A Ionian, Lydian, or Mixolydian over A. Then A Dorian, Phrygian, or Aeolian over Am. Then A Lydian or Locrian over A{{dim}}. And finally A Harmonic Major, Augmented, or Whole Tone over A+(those are technically not modes based on the major scale, but still scales with a tonic note of A).
This approach really emphasizes the changes in how the root note is approached and how it interacts with the other notes. It can feel almost like a random modulation, but the common root note ties it together and makes for quite adventurous progressions and melodies.