Occasionally I find it useful to create a musical sigil to help focus on a certain subject. I found this procedure online and have changed it to my liking. It consists of two rhythms, one in 4/4 the other in 12/8, a selected scale of choice and the notes drawn from the sigil procedure.
1 Statement of Intent/Focus - In this case I will use Red Sand
2 Eliminate repeat letters and vowels; Reduce to 2-6 consonants which will create the rhythm events - in this case I am left with RDSN
3 Draw a circle and mark the quarters and cross quarters (this represents both the diatonic melody and also the rhythm in 4/4) *see diagram above
4 Decide on a seven note scale - I will use a Persian scale; G A Bb C# D E F G'
5 Write the alphabet around the circle starting at the top with “A” going clockwise
6 Find the letters RDSN and their corresponding scale notes - A C# Bb E
7 Note them on an 8th note rhythm, this will be the 4/4 loop
8 Next create the 12/8 loop; make a new circle marking the quarters but this time ultimately have 12 stations on the circumference of the circle like a clock. Take our notes A Bb C# E and place them on the wheel, this will give us our 12/8 polyrhythm; C#2 E5 A10 Bb11
*see diagram below
9 Superimpose this rhythm 12/8 on top of the 4/4 (I use recording software to overlay these rhythms, but have also had success in layering them with a looping device on guitar)
