There is a whole step & ½ step sequences (fret spacing) on the scale, which you may run into, which will look this way as we study in future lessons.
This month I will be covering some minor scales and how to apply them into your playing. Most of us play guitar for fun right? Some of us play in bands; whether it's in a cover band or original band or just in the garage or bedroom. It is important to start learning some basic music theory applications and to use them in your playing. Not only is it helpful, it is really cool when you go Jam with some knowledgeable and talented players. Enough of my soap box rants lets get into the damn lesson already!
Ok let's take a look at the regular minor scale, I like the Key of A for this example because it's all natural in its Diatonic state
A B C D E F G -Octave A
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 - Octave A
Octave= means 8 tones or 8 pitches higher than the root note (from the starting point). I am sure there is a more musical term for this so bear with me.
There is a whole step & ½ step sequences (fret spacing) on the scale, which you may run into, which will look this way as we study in future lessons.
WHOLE STEP SKIP= ONE FRET AND ½ STEP= MEANS THE NEXT FRET OVER – real important to know this!
MINOR SCALE =
A W B ½ C W D W E ½ F W G ? A What would go here a whole step maybe or half? Yes of course you get the idea – a whole step.
There are many patterns and ways to play this A minor scale so here are a few of them. Use them at various speeds. I went ahead and used regular tabs this month.
CLOSING NOTES:
I would deeply suggest recording A C E type chord progression shapes on your PC or Boom BOX and solo over these using these patterns I provided, (you can make up your own also) move these around. I strongly recommend improvising and experimenting with scales and chords.
If you can get together with another guitar player or bass player try soloing, finding chords and scales that are in key. This will make you a better player and help your ears get use to Major and Minor shapes.
Don't limit yourself to anything; keep practicing and getting better.
Harmonic Minors & the Melodic Minors will be covered in my next lesson, so get familiar with these. Please let us know what you want the next GuitarZone to cover? We might start transcribing full songs soon if we don't catch shit from the MPA, along with regular monthly lessons. Let us know if you would like this.