Changing Scales with Chords Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (05:53) Changing Scales with Chords Several approaches to scales can be taken when improvising over a basic 12 bar blues progression. A single scale can be used throughout all of the chord changes. Thus far, you have learned four scales that remain consonant over the entire blues progression. These scales are the minor pentatonic, major pentatonic, minor blues scale, and major blues scale. In this lesson, Brad applies all scalar concepts to a 12 bar blues in the key of G major. Over this progression, the G minor pentatonic, G major pentatonic, G minor blues scale, and the G major blues scale can all be used by themselves. If necessary, review these scales at this time.

Note: Complete fretboard patterns to these scales can be found in the JamPlay scale library. This section can be accessed through the "Teaching Tools" button on the left hand side of the homepage.

Blending Scales

In the context of a 12 bar blues solo, any of the four scales listed above can be blended within a single lick. For example, the major and minor versions of the pentatonic scale can be combined in a lick to create some interesting new tonal colors. DJ Phillips has addressed this concept in a few of his Phase 2 Blues lessons. Check out lesson 17 from DJ's series for more information.

Changing Scales with Chords

It is also possible to change scales along with each of the chord changes in the 12 bar blues progression. Brad demonstrates this concept within the context of a blues progression in G major. Review the chord changes for this progression listed below.

Measures 1-4: I chord (G)
Measures 5-6: IV chord (C)
Measures 7-8: I chord (G)
Measure 9: V chord (D)
Measure 10: IV chord (C)
Measure 11: I chord (G)
Measure 12: V chord (D)*

*The I chord, G, can also be played in the final measure.

Over the first four measures of the progression, Brad improvises licks derived from the G minor pentatonic scale. He utilizes the first pentatonic pattern that he taught you earlier in the series. When the chord progression changes to C in the fifth measure, he changes scales. For the next two measures, he plays licks from the C minor pentatonic scale in eighth position. Next, he returns to the initial G minor pentatonic pattern in measures seven and eight. Over the D chord in measure 10, Brad shifts up to the D minor pentatonic pattern played in tenth position.

This same approach can be used with the minor blues scale, major blues scale, and the major pentatonic scale. Simply play the chosen scale in the same key as the root note of each chord. This process is outlined below with the major pentatonic scale.

Measures 1-4: I chord (G) - G major pentatonic
Measures 5-6: IV chord (C) - C major pentatonic
Measures 7-8: I chord (G) - G major pentatonic
Measure 9: V chord (D) - D major pentatonic
Measure 10: IV chord (C) - C major pentatonic
Measure 11: I chord (G) - G major pentatonic
Measure 12: V chord (D)* - D major pentatonic

Practice Time

Record yourself playing a 12 bar blues shuffle in the key of G major at a moderately slow tempo. Then, practice these improvisational techniques over the recording. If you don't have access to any recording equipment, practice improvising over one of the 12 bar blues backing tracks available on JamPlay. Brad has recorded a few 12 bar blues tracks in the key of A major. Jay Alton also recorded a basic blues shuffle in the key of E. Chapter 2: (05:14) Using Multiple Shapes Within the context of many licks, it isn't always practical to shift up and down the neck to different scale patterns. For this reason, Brad demonstrates how to play the G minor, C minor, and D minor pentatonic scales in one small area of the fretboard.

Over all of the G chords in the blues progression, he utilizes the G minor pentatonic scale played at the third fret. Over the C and D chords, he uses a different fretboard shape of the minor pentatonic scale. Within this pattern, the root notes are located on the fifth and third strings. When this pattern is applied to C minor pentatonic, it is played at the third fret. The pattern is shifted up two frets to form a D minor pentatonic scale.

Practice improvising over a 12 bar blues in the key of G using these scale patterns. Remember to switch scales as the chords change!

Note: Open the "Supplemental Content" tab for fretboard diagrams and tablature to all scales discussed in the lesson video.

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