Daft Pop

Harmonising 7ths

First up we need to know our key. For this song, we're in D Ionian. This means that our scale consists of D, E, F#, G, A, B, C# and back to D. With that sorted, our job is to now add the 7th above each note as we move through every note of the scale. Let's start with the D, for example:

We continue this process across the whole set of notes in this key. Let's do one more example using the E note:

So, there we have it! We would repeat this process for every note of the scale. We end up with the following chords:

Dion uses some great voicings for these chords, so we've drawn them all out here so that you can get them learnt!

Section A

Let's tackle the chords in the first section of this track. Before we look at the tab, here are the main chords written out in roman numerals, and then as the chords themselves, so you can still relate them to the D Ionian key.

Now we have the roman numerals, lets apply that to the key of D major:

Now you've got the chords, check out the tab in the guitar tab section (this is section A and B together):

Section B

Let's tackle the chords in the second section of this track. We have the tab to work with for the specific strumming and chord voicings, but let's not forget to always put the basic roman numerals down on the page first!

Now we have the roman numerals, lets apply that to the key of D major:

Now you've got the chords, take a look at the guitar tab section for the tab (this is section A and B together):

Funky Picking

One of the coolest parts on this track, which we just had to include, is the funky picking part that adds an extra rhythmical groove to the track. It is using our D Ionian scale, but very much focusing on the pentatonic notes within that. It's a tricky part to get together, so watch the video carefully to see how Dion guides you through it. Take a look at the fretboard diagrams for the scale shape, then move to the guitar tabs section for the tab.

The Solo

For the final solo, we will be using our main Ionian box, which is box 2 of the pentatonic or full scale. If you want to get the exact tone Dion has on the track, you'll need an Octave pedal, plus a lot of Fuzz! However, it's an awesome solo without those things as well... That's just a cool trick to get that very modern sound! Check out the scale shape in the fretboard diagrams and tab in the guitar tab section as you work through the solo!

Jamming

For the final lesson, Dion joins Dan back in Studio B to run through the track and even have some fun changing the key using our roman numeral system. We bring the Ionian talk to a close with a few last-minute reminders, before ending the course! Your task before declaring the course complete is to get all 4 of the pieces or solos together and even try to start composing your own Ionian based tracks! Above all, have fun, and keep picking up that guitar every day! 😃🎸