Originally Posted by: Julian VickersI guess it's different for each person, but I like to know what I'm playing. I consider the Major Scale an extremely useful tool for building solos. I study at Massey University Conservatorium of Music doing jazz. While of course it is helpful to be able to play what's in your head, having sound knowledge of the major scale and it's modes is probably one of the best things you can do for developing your soloing.

I play jazz too, Julian. I'm completely self-taught.

I just don't understand what you are saying.

When you write a letter to someone you hear the words in your head.

When you play a solo or whistle or hum - you surely hear the notes in your head?

I hear the notes against the chords and I know where the notes are on the fretboard. It makes no difference as to what key they are in as I know where they are. I obviously use a scale pattern as that is how the guitar is mapped out - but I always hear the note I'm about to play at the same time I'm playing it. Have you heard George Benson play and sing at the same time?

I can't understand how it can be any other way.


Lee