Which scale/mode pattern should I be using

[mathman]

I am really clueless about this and I want to start learning.

I've always just sorta winged it on leads and sometimes it comes out ok and most times not. I can usually hack something together but I want to understand where on the fretboard and what scale patterns I should be using.

So I am linking to a section of a song I've written. basically a blues song in A.

Linky This is just a section cut out of the song.

Thanks.

[dalep]

I am not terribly creative ... but I would try this for the key of A.

http://www.myguitarworkshop.com/guitar_les..._fretboard.aspx

I am really clueless about this and I want to start learning.

I've always just sorta winged it on leads and sometimes it comes out ok and most times not. I can usually hack something together but I want to understand where on the fretboard and what scale patterns I should be using.

So I am linking to a section of a song I've written. basically a blues song in A.

Linky This is just a section cut out of the song.

Thanks.

[whiskeyzulu]

Your rhythm playing and tone are really good - even though its a short clip, I've enjoyed playing along w/ it - if there is more pls post the whole clip . You really cant go wrong w/ A pentatonic scale.

[mathman]

Your rhythm playing and tone are really good - even though its a short clip, I've enjoyed playing along w/ it - if there is more pls post the whole clip . You really cant go wrong w/ A pentatonic scale.

Thanks, I've played a long time. In the beginning I didn't try to learn many songs in a mistaken desire to be original. Also, I mostly played bass. But lately, I've decided to actually learn to solo better. I wanted to be more consistant. I can make a solo that I think sounds pretty good, but I couldn't repeat it.

I think I am just stuck in the middle where I can't play the way I used to so much and I haven't really learned the new way yet and I'm frustrated. I just want to be more consistent. Oh well. A pentatonic is what I've been practicing but something isn't flowing right.

here is the track without any solo's. Hard Baby

here is the track with a solo that's okay, but I can't for the life of me play it again. Hard Baby w/solo

[Ethan]

Dude if you need to learn this kind of basic theory/soloing stuff, pick up a copy of "Creative Guitar" by Guthrie Govan...this book changed and is still changing my life!

[Guest JackButler]

Thing is in this type of blues you have a duality of both major and minor tones possible over the I chord.. like a dominant (1, b3, b7 (a VII chord) or some other extension like a dom9 or 7#9).. so I'd be using a hybrid of notes from A minor pentatonic/minor blues, A major pentatonic, A Dorian and the mixolydian mode.

Am Pent: A C D E G (1 b3 4 5 b7)

A Maj Pent: A B C# E F# This is also F#minor pentatonic.

A Dorian A B C D E F# G (a 2 b3 4 5 6 b7)

A mixolydian A B C# D E F# G (1 2 3 4 5 6 b7) you'll notice this has the major third but the flatted seven so it acts as passage way between minor and major flavors.

.. and then there's always using the triads and arps based off these scales and their chords.

[harry65]

Your rhythm playing and tone are really good - even though its a short clip, I've enjoyed playing along w/ it - if there is more pls post the whole clip . You really cant go wrong w/ A pentatonic scale.

Thanks, I've played a long time. In the beginning I didn't try to learn many songs in a mistaken desire to be original. Also, I mostly played bass. But lately, I've decided to actually learn to solo better. I wanted to be more consistant. I can make a solo that I think sounds pretty good, but I couldn't repeat it.

I think I am just stuck in the middle where I can't play the way I used to so much and I haven't really learned the new way yet and I'm frustrated. I just want to be more consistent. Oh well. A pentatonic is what I've been practicing but something isn't flowing right.

here is the track without any solo's. Hard Baby

here is the track with a solo that's okay, but I can't for the life of me play it again. Hard Baby w/solo

hmmmm, it has a very major feel to it , i would try A major pentatonic with the passing tone(minor 3rd) , also A mixolydian sprinkled in, it will give you a different feel , give it a try...............

[Brooks]

Thing is in this type of blues you have a duality of both major and minor tones possible over the I chord.. like a dominant (1, b3, b7 (a VII chord)

hate to nitpick, but dominant is 1,3,5,7 (not b3), in a major key its the V7 chord, mixolydian mode

1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 octave

you can use maj or min pentatonic; i'd try using min but resolving your phrases to 3 (not b3).

i also like to use a non diatonic mish-mash that basically is chromatic from the 2nd to the b7

1 2 b3 3 4 b5 5 b6 6 b7 octave

there was no common name for this when i was learning theory way back in college,

but last year i saw someone in a guitar mag who had come up w/ his own name,

dominant chromatic or something..?

[bobbymack]

Also highly recommend Matt Smith's book Chop Shop...it's great for opening up your fretboard.

[gorch]

For a similar reason I bought the Kal David Master Class last year. It's an investment, but full of content and it cleared my mind.

Many of the DVD1 content solves exactly your question and helps you to jump on the train.

[Guest JackButler]

Correct.. dom IS 1 Major 3rd and flatted seventh.. THAT's what I get for doing theory while waiting for the coffee to still make! OOPS! MY EXTREME bad!

Also.. you can substitute Lydian dominat for Mixolydian.. think of it as Mixo with a flatted fifth if you want:

Lydian Dominant:

1 2 3 #5(or b5) 5 6 b7.. if you play around enough with those mixed major and minor tonalities; you bound to hit these tones eventually anyways.

[mathman]

Thanks, everyone. I had started learning minor pentatonic. I think I'll start with major pentatonic and checkout the mixolydian and lydian next.

The book ideas look good too.

[Rockola]

I was told there would be no math!

s

[SteveB]

its the blues man. If a note don't fit, bend it.

[hamerhead]

If a note don't fit, bend it.

DOOOOD!!!

[BubbaVO]

its the blues man. If a note don't fit, bend it.

True dat.