How to play over a 2 chord song?

sharring · Tiger Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 813 Location: Texas

Okay, so we got this rock song that blasts mostly on Dmaj and Amaj-especially on the chorus. To improvise over it I have been switching positions from Dmaj to Amaj-trying to improvise a melody and resolve it on the following chord. I'm pretty good at arpeggos/scales on different chords up and down the neck but the leads sound kinda stilted and formula now. I've tried mixing it up by using pentatonic scales/blues licks on one chord and resolving with a major scale on the following chord and visa versa but it still sounds stiff. Is there some "deeper theory" I can utilize here-like a scale that combines some elements of both chords-maybe with just a few notes to avoid? I'm looking for something to free me up a bit theory-wise so i can concentrate on melody. Be God's-scott

Steve · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 4:00 pm Post subject:

Jazz pianist George Russell promotes putting the Lydian mode starting on the tonic. This takes away the "avoid" fourth note of many scales.
It works. Adds tension. But sounds a bit strange on slow romantic songs, especially in the upper notes (9ths, 11ths, 13ths of said Lydian).
The Lydian mode would be the scale tone that starts on the fourth note of the major tonic. But here you shift the pattern down and start the same fingering pattern on the 1 of either Maj chord (D & A? I think you said).

sharring · Tiger Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 813 Location: Texas

Thanks brother Exclamation

So if i understand you the Dmaj scale IS the A lydian scale cause D is the major 4th of A. So i could play Dmaj safely even though the root shifts to A? Could it be this easy? Very Happy

scott

Steve · Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 5:07 am Post subject:

Welp,
depending on the song.
Only your ear will know and tell you.
In any event there will be more tension than playing Dmaj scales across the Dmaj7.
And of course since you know your modes, they all will shift with the Lydian.
Mixolydian is a happy hunting grounds, I find.

sharring · Tiger Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 813 Location: Texas

What?!? You mean there is no definate answer? You mean it's all a grey area like, like...life? You mean music is like life? #Mad

So do i get the award for using the most emoticons? Confused

PunkStar · Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 11:04 pm Post subject:

I think you hold the record at the moment on the board. But it's kinda small in comparison to the ungodly amounts I've seen on other boards.

This is going to open way into a thread where people are just going to post more and more emoticons. Oh well. Just remember we moderators have some wierd and freaky powers we can use to win these kind of challenges. Twisted Evil

sharring · Tiger Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 813 Location: Texas

Nah, i doubt it Michael. Not all my brothers are as silly as me. Being sort of a Luddite myself (the less knobs on the amp, the better) i have nothing but respect for your freaky powers. Brother Steve... I guess i should have said a Dmaj triad. Be God's-scott

Steve · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 4:25 pm Post subject:

sharring · Tiger Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 813 Location: Texas

why?

sharring · Tiger Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 813 Location: Texas

After picking up my guitar it came to me-Bm is a relative minor of D of course! I can't remember what mode this is (mixolydian?) but it always makes me think of the Allman Brothers-esp. Dicky Betts' sweet stylings. Thanks Bro Steve for yer patience-i had the pieces but couldn't put them together. Surprised

Be God's-scott

Steve · Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 8:26 am Post subject:

Pass it on.
I have years of experience playing all the wrong notes.
Now that I have them well located I try to lay off those. Wink

Actually the right notes are usually more numerous, so learning all the wrong ones and editing can be a good plan! Cool

Your ear is your friend -attached as it is- to your brain, which can also be trusted.
We grow up hearing music. Our conscious mind is too critical of our own playing.
Knowing the mechanical patterns is an aid, but theory is an endless slow death.