Help! I can't figure out how to pick in the right key

[Josh Tatum]

Ok here's the problem: I know all the cords and can read and play tabs but when I play a song I don't know what frets go along with what cords so I am unable to "spice up" what I play. And another question If you know the scales let's say in the key of D could I just use those frets that are in that scale to make up a solo?

[Martin Spaans]

Mostly the chord what starts the song or ends it is the key.
You can start trying that.

[Christoph]

How do you know what notes to play in a certain song? . . . well, you learn the modes, and once you know all the modes you'll be able to move those patterns to whatever key you're in and play.

An alternate method of doing this is to learn the circle of fifths and the number of flats and sharps in each key. This is just another way to think of moving the modal patterns around the fret board.

[Josh Tatum]

Where could I go to learn the modes or the circle of fifths because I have no idea what they are or where to start looking to learn this stuff.


p.s thanks for your replies.

[Christoph]

Well, you could go over to wholenote.com. I think they have a good scales/modes section.

And if you're willing to shell out a little money, get a book. I can recommend a few if you want.