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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Soo Many Choices!

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Dec 27 2010, 11:56 AM

Scales, scales and more scales! Well, when composing various styles of music one should experiment with different combinations of scales. First, check out Chowy's new lesson, "http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Aeolian-Metalcore-Riffing/", and then post a reply to todays forum question: Which common combination of style and scale do you prefer to use (or which uncommon combination)?

Posted by: Fran Dec 27 2010, 02:09 PM

Alternative/Metal & any minor scale, being E the most common I guess

Posted by: Kristian Hyvarinen Dec 29 2010, 07:41 AM

I try not to lock myself into any style, since I'm still developing my musical personality. Out of scales I mostly use the basic Major/ Minor combination, but I try to use them creatively - if I play in E minor I might just play enough A-based licks to make it A Dorian and so on. I also might start, say, in A minor, but after a couple of licks I descend into G minor and play the rest of the song there. So I try not to think that "this is the scale I'm using now, so let's use it as unimaginatively as possible".

I do think that the basic Major scale offers everything that I need, but I've been interested in learning the Harmonic minor... gotta learn to shred like Malmsteen first, tho.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jan 1 2011, 08:57 PM

I try not to lock inside the scale, but it's hard, specially with complicated harmonies. I like simple harmony, and then applying modal approach is easier for me (not that great at harmony yet..).

If we are speaking about fixed tonal center, for example A, A major & A minor pentatonic,A blues, A dorian, G beebop, A harmonic minor, A gypsy scale mix of notes come natural to my fingers. But it depends on the harmony, if there is a minor chord, all the modes with minor third can be applied, depending on the direction you want to go, same goes for other types of chords as well. Arpeggios are the great link between chords and scales, so a good player must know them in & out. Where the chords take you, you must follow in one way or another, so knowing all scales & chords within (with arpeggios ofc) is essential if you want to play something that has those exact chords..

Posted by: Kristian Hyvarinen Jan 2 2011, 11:58 AM

Ivan, do you mind doing a lesson series or a video chat concerning this subject? Seems I have ways to go...

I could really start with your Arpeggio series.