Beginner theory questions

Hi guys,

I'm just starting to explore music theory after picking around on a guitar for a while, and I am trying to expand my ability to improvise. I usually just play around on the neck until I find something that sounds good, and I'd like to learn the science behind why. What I'd like to learn is how to determine what scales can be played over a given chord progression. I've learned the 5 basic scales major, minor, major pent, minor pent, and blues, and I just finger within one of them at whatever spot on the neck sounds "right".

Thanks to anyone who can lead me in the right direction on learning this.

The science is relatively simple....
The harmonised scale..

If your chord progression is in Gmajor - use the modes of Gmajor - or to get a bluesy feel - use the blues(y) scales in Gmajor (the minor a, b, e scales + arpeggios) and D mixolydian mode, - though all of this sounds a bit prescribed tbh - particularly when using god awful major seventh and lydian mode together....

Everything you do in it - is pretty predictable, so you have to reach outside the key (passing notes, Gmajor (ish) tapping riffs and so forth)...to get any originality in your playing (or listen to bulgarian wedding music?).

You can also change keys...
There are ways to use modes that I don't understand such as pitch axis (using the same modal root note but that root note is in different keys) - or mixing modes (i.e. mixodorians - combo of dorian and mixolydian etc).

It is interesting reading the preface to Joe Satrianis Surfing with the Alien to see how he used modes in his early albums
Hope this helps....

Originally Posted by: oldywiddlerYou can also change keys...
There are ways to use modes that I don't understand such as pitch axis (using the same modal root note but that root note is in different keys) - or mixing modes (i.e. mixodorians - combo of dorian and mixolydian etc)

You don't understand pitch axis? Well, I should make a sticky. And, in fact, will when I finish writing my paper.