26 Licks Major (Ionian): A Comprehensive Guide
Master the Language of Major Harmony Across All 12 Keys
Unlock the full potential of the Ionian mode with Frank The Wizard’s definitive guide to major key improvisation. Moving beyond simple scales, this resource provides a professional framework for guitarists and musicians looking to transform their solos into sophisticated musical statements.
This guide utilizes a dual-action approach to improvisation, providing 26 distinct melodic ideas transposed across every major key.
Part 1: 13 Chord-Specific Licks
Functional Harmony: Precisely mapped to the seven diatonic chords ($I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii^\circ$).
Modal Coloring: Learn to use characteristic extensions like the Lydian $\sharp4$, Mixolydian $\flat7$, and Altered Dominant $\flat9$.
Purpose: To define the harmonic moment and highlight the unique "flavor" of each chord.
Part 2: 13 Versatile Licks
Scale-Based Motion: Phrases built on the Major Diatonic, Major Pentatonic, and Minor Pentatonic scales.
Universal Application: Adaptable licks guaranteed to sound musical over any chord within the key.
Purpose: To provide melodic stability and fluid movement between harmonic shifts.
Roman Numeral Analysis: A universal template for understanding musical functions independently of the key.
Comprehensive Transposition: Every lick is fully written out for all 12 keys (from A Major to G#/A♭ Major).
Glossary of Terms: Clear definitions of modal flavors, tritones, and neighbor tones.
Functional Index: A quick-reference guide to locate specific "flavors" (e.g., Phrygian ♭2) across the entire manual.
"True mastery of the major sound requires moving beyond simple scale runs. It demands a sophisticated understanding of how extensions and modal variations color the underlying diatonic chords." — Frank The Wizard
Whether you are looking to inject a "bluesy" soul into your major lines using pentatonic fragments or want to master the ethereal brightness of the Lydian mode, this guide serves as your roadmap to harmonic fluency.