GUITAR THEORY: Mastering Your Scales & Modes

http://www.creativeguitarstudio.com/

Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question...

Q: I would like to know how to improvise more melodically over a chord progression in any key; being aware of the scales and mode positions for the shapes along the length of the neck that one can use to solo over a specific chord. And, how to pick out the chord tones and strong notes - i.e. resolving a lick/riff to the root and including the chord notes, etc... Also, some advice on practicing the scales/modes around chord progressions would also be ideal.
- Ashley Smith -- England

A: There is no doubt that Practicing scales and modes is certainly vital for developing a strong ability to solo melodically. However, there are many players like you that are finding difficulty with developing this skill. The key to tapping your full potential in this department will have to be the mastery of several concepts...

1). Practicing scales with a goal in mind of stretching your skills with them. In other words, never get stuck into a rut of constantly practicing scales day-in / day-out in the exact same way.

2). Learning other players; lines, guitar licks and phrasing styles. So, what I'm saying is, find a handful of guitar players that you really dig and learn at least an album's worth of their rhythm and lead lines. Yes, you heard me correctly -- I said Rhythm & Lead.

3). Practice composing melodies when you practice improvisation. It is simply not enough to sit around working on jammin' out in a random unstructured way every practice session when you play along to jam tracks. Spin that jam track and practice composing something every single day you play the guitar!

The complete lesson article for this video will be available on the Creative Guitar Studio website shortly. Follow me on Twitter for lesson posting announcements:
http://twitter.com/andrewwasson
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Category:

Education

Tags:

• guitar
• theory
• scales
• modes
• scale
• mode
• awareness
• understanding
• notes
• fingerboard
• jamming
• solo guitar
• instructions
• electric guitar
• instructional video
• analysis
• tutorial
• chords
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[melctram]

Thanks!!! how about your twitter account ,Please..

[creativeguitarstudio]

@melctram

It's in the description box.

twitter [dot] com / andrewwasson

[eryckkiller]

I've gotta admit, this man is one of the best music teachers I've seen.

[MikeTheGuy00]

Dude. Your eyebrows are so awesome.

[TheDak27]

6:20, what picking technique did you use?

[kungfudragon99]

my guitar playing is so unorganized :(

[ndsherb]

there are only 5 tuning knobs on the guitar on you shirt!! what??

[xX0Isaac0Xx]

Great teaching! =)

[UNGETABLE7]

Great video my friend! :) One question: what type of fretwire you are using? Looks like Dunlop 6100? How do you like it?

Thanks and take care!

[StratsRgreat]

Good lesson. If you studied Steve Vai melodies...I wonder if you found the same similarities between his main melody in 'For the Love of God...and the main and most used melody in the intro to the 1970's Tv show King Fu with David Carridine. The opening sequence where he's walking in the desert.'..

[TheGalaxyhopper]

wow nice lesson really nice

[WWFinurhouse]

you look like the guitarist from megadeth dude! The 1st guitarist

[Udontgetmymetal]

This is great, I can play dozens of scales, but applying it is difficult.

[Aranya009]

Which strat is that? And which pickups do you have on?