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GMC Forum _ Theory (Muris) _ Question About Modes

Posted by: inertia Apr 27 2008, 04:44 PM

Hi Muris,

Currently when I'm improvising I mainly just use C Major and A Natural, plus the A minor pentatonic and blues scale. I guess I still use these because they are what I started with and are easy to map out with the dots on the fretboard. I am trying to branch out, with much difficulty, to play in different keys and I am also trying to learn the modes.
My question is how do you visualize the fretboard and the scales? For example when you are playing lets say Bb Minor scale, do you see the individual notes or do you see the 5 boxes? And when you switch to a different mode during a solo do you again just see the different notes (i.e. different intervals) or do you just shift the boxes down and focus on a new root note? I'm guessing you look more at the intervals and the individual notes rather than the boxes, I think the boxes are good but I also think I focus on them too much and less on the actual theory.

Also if you have any suggestions for me based on where I am at with theory, which is pretty minimal, what you would try to learn next if you were me.

PS I really enjoyed your entry for the guitar idol, best of luck in the contest!

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 27 2008, 11:44 PM

Hi there.

I'm not informed on how long have you played so far
but I guess you're still on some starting points,theory wise.

I would recommend you to stick with major and natural minor scale just a bit longer.
Once you nailed them down,in all keys,then you'll have good background to start with modes.
It's just my opinion,some may not agree with me on this.

There are many ways/hints to visualize fretboard when playing
in certain key/scale and I use couple of them.
-Dots on the fretboard as some kind of markers
-Locating root note over whole fretboard
-Following intervals inside of scale,semi and whole tones
-Holding to a box/boxes, 7 of them for diatonic scales,5 of them for pentatonics etc.

Now go to Andrew's theory lessons board
and do a deep search,you'll find something on every hint I mentioned above.

Then just ask after you read it,we'll be glad to assist you further.

And thanks for your kind words about my entry,appreciate it!!

Posted by: inertia May 4 2008, 03:54 PM

Thanks Muris, I will take your advice. I am trying to learn all the fretboard notes which I think is probably very critical here.

Posted by: Muris Varajic May 4 2008, 06:28 PM

You're very welcome,keep me updated on your progress