May 24,2011
Scales are important, in music they determine what chords you play, what solos you use and progression patterns, whether you a bass player, a keyboardist or a pianist. This lesson is for you!
If you remember, the major scale pattern is:
W-W-H-W-W-W-H
One of the newest scales that we are going to talk about is the pentatonic scale. The reason why is because this is one of the least talked about scales in the world of music. The best way to use this is the number system.
Here are the numbers for the pentatonic scale
R - 2 - 3 - 5 - 6
R= 1st note of scale
2= 2nd note of scale
3= 3rd note of scale
5= 5th note of scale
6= 6th note of scale
For example,
In the key of C, that would be:
C - D - E - G - A
This scale works excellent over chord progressions that are based on major chords. Try it over 1-4-5-1, 2-5-1, 5-4-1.
Another scale that has been used alot in music is the minor blues scale. You have heard it in many popular songs from Miles Davis to B.B King and even in Funk. This is very similar to the minor scale but there are a few modifications.
Here is the minor scale formula
W – H – W – W – H – W – W
In the key of C,
C – D – E flat – F – G – A flat – B flat – and C
To make this a minor blues scale you are going to take out the 2 and 6th note. Then raise the 5th note a half step.
Here is the scale before the change
C (1), D(2), E flat (3), F(4), G(5), A flat (6), B flat (7), and C (8)
Here is the scale after the change,
C – E flat – F – G flat – G – B flat – C
Note: You can solo the notes over any pattern as long as your chords are minor. Some examples are 1-4-5, 2-5-1, 6-2-5, 1-2-3-5
You will play the chords associated with the scale.
Try it!