Description
Jamming over Amaj7-Gmaj7 can be lots of fun and relatively easy as well. Using the A Mixolydian scale
offers a simple, yet effective solution for soloing over these chords.
The notes of the A Mixolydian scale are the same notes contained in the D Major scale because the A
MIXOLYDIAN scale is the scale that accompanies the 5th chord (A major) in the key of D Major.
As was mentioned in a previous lesson: each note of a major scale has a chord that accompanies it and
each chord has a scale that accompanies
it. The notes of the D Major (also known as the D-IONIAN) scale would
be: D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D. The A Mixolydian scale also contains the D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D notes only
starting on the A note. Again: the A-MIXOLYDIAN scale is the scale that accompanies the 5th chord (A
Major) in
the key
of D. And since the chords used in this progression are the 4th (G major) and 5th (A major) chords in the
key of D Major this
scale
works well. I'm using major 7th chords for a more jazzier feel.
Let's take a look at the first 5 notes of
the D
Major scale; the chords that accompany these
notes and the scales (Modes) that accompany the chords.
Note: D, Chord: Dmaj(I), Scale:IONIAN,
Notes:
D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D
Note: E, Chord: Emi (ii), Scale:DORIAN, Notes: E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D-E
Note:
F#,
Chord: F#mi (iii), Scale: PHRYGIAN, Notes: F#-G-A-B-C#-D-E-F#
Note: G, Chord: Gmaj (IV), Scale:
LYDIAN,
Notes: G-A-B-C#-D-E-F#-G
Note: A, Chord: Amaj (V), Scale: MIXOLYDIAN, Notes: A-B-C#-D-E-F#-G-
A
Ear training is very important when it comes to
improvisation and a little theory can go a long way. It's the notes that are important when soloing. When
you can hear the notes in your head and find
them on the fretboard you'll be well on your way to becoming a jam-monster...er.....person.....or
something similar to......uh.......never mind!!!
Since all of the scales listed above contain the same notes they would all work against the Amaj7 to
Gmaj7 chords.
The D major (IONIAN) scale starting on the 5th string, 5th
fret (not included on the video) is tabbed out to show
the similar fingerings between it and the A Mixolydian scale.
The D IONIAN scale starting on the 6th string, 12th fret is included on the video below.
Lesson Info
