IMPROVISATION: Music Theory Vs. Musical Sound

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This Video: May 17, 2011 | Search Videos by Title/Date.
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Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question...

Q: My method of songwriting is one that really comes from the ear first, but my problem is analysis. I know that this will be eventually solved once I can become better at music theory, modes and intervals on the neck. However, my immediate problem is matching notes to the jazz chord changes that I like to write. I've included an example chord progression for you. It is; || DMa7 /// | Emi7/A /// | EbMa9 / / / | Ab13 / / / ||

My question is, using my writing technique of, "by the ear only," could I write melodies over an example progression like this without actually using music theory? I do know my basic major and minor scales, but I'm still working on all of the modes and arpeggios. Hope you'll respond. Thanks for the great YouTube channel and for your websites!
Hartley -- Madera, California

A: Playing over progressions by ear will certainly eliminate all of those difficult names and complex theoretical ideas. I've definitely noticed over the years of teaching guitar that players can get really slowed-down on the theory, the chord names, and on the symbols in music. Now, we should all be able to agree that sounds came first in the world of music and the names came later. So, it stands to reason that if we pretended perhaps, that all of that theory, those names and symbols didn't exist, we should still be able to play over any kind of chord progression! So, in this video we'll cover the approach of playing over changes using nothing but our ears and the chromatic scale going by instinct only.

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:
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[luis22880]

do you have a video were you explain soloing over jazz chord changes?

[creativeguitarstudio]

@luis22880,

Try watching my video lesson titled, "Jazz Blues Soloing." It will be a good start for you.

/watch?v=tuwKQYQalp8

Thanks for your support,

Andrew Wasson

[dahnraelz]

I'd like to add one point about theory that I feel is crucial - not only theory is the names and the mechanism... but most importantly, using theory will let your ears categorize the sound and thus end up "hearing" all those arpeggios and scales you've been practicing - the more you practice theory, the less you'll actually consciously use it

[Moh1Z]

@dahnraelz Your comment sums up exactly what I've experienced as well - as you learn more theory, your ears also start to hear more, because it's always easier to pick up something if you know the theoretical reason why it sounds the way it does.

[hangloose301]

@creativeguitarstudio i thought you had a song actualy titled "soloing over jazz chord changes at one point lol"

[n3113n]

Ive played on and off since i was 5, im 24 now - i was 23 when i got my first lesson, so ive allways been 'forced' to play by ear, -no regreats ;)

[gandulfo77]

Great video!

What string gauge do you use on your stratocaster?

[rastan1977]

Im not finding fault mate and you are amazingly dedicated but why is it that some of the most accomplished musicians in the world wouldnt have a clue about what your talking about.Is all this theory practical as far as writing musics concerned? I remember watchin wolf marshall tutorials when i was a kid but for all his know how,he could never really make my hairs stand on end.

[MynZnusz]

cool!!

[psychopathtoine]

I like your voice Andrew.

Just putting that out there

Carry on...

[frwyguy]

Great lesson bro. Thanks!!