I realize this has probably been answered a thousand times in the course of GT history, but I figure as long as you folks have got the knowledge, I might as well ask it again.
How do you put scales to use? I mean, I'm willing to learn scales and stuff if it helps me play better, but I just haven't a clue how to put them to use in constructing solos and whatnot. I understand a little bit of theory (I understand the modes somewhat), but isn't it true that the notes in a scale can be played along with other notes? If so, what do the notes on a scale mean? And also, how do you know which scale(s) to use when improvising?
Scale useage

# 1

Originally Posted by: earthman buckbut isn't it true that the notes in a scale can be played along with other notes?[/QUOTE]
Yes it's true, especially in jazz to play notes that aren't in key and don't fit in the scale, but the important thing is this: Tension and Release. When you play a note that 'doesn't fit', it will sound tense and unresolved, but if you resolve it to a note that does fit, it will make sense.
[QUOTE=earthman buck] If so, what do the notes on a scale mean? And also, how do you know which scale(s) to use when improvising?
When you play a chord, there will pretty much always be a scale that will go with it, sometimes more than one scale.
Finding which scale to play over a chord becomes easier if you know what key the song is in. For example, if I were to play a Gminor7, there are several potential scales you could play over that, including the G Aeolian(pure minor), G Dorian and G Phrygian. Now, those scales all relate to a different parent scale or key. The G Aeolian is the 6th mode of the Bb major scale, the G Dorian 2nd mode of the Fmajor scale etc.
I find it hard to explain theory in text sorry. Hope I helped, even a little bit.
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# 2
Try looking up diatonic harmony somewhere like this .... it's all pretty obvious once you get going
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# 3

Knowing the notes in the scale you want to apply is also a huge factor. Depending what chord you are playing, certain notes in the scale will have a higher degree of dissonance than others, or over other chords in the same key.
# 4

Originally Posted by: zreynoldspTry looking up diatonic harmony somewhere like this .... it's all pretty obvious once you get going
Here's something from that site you posted that I don't understand.
................II Chord
..................D-7
..Scale.......................Chord
.Degree.......Note.........Tone
_________________________
....2..............D............Root
....4..............F.............b3
....6..............A..............5
....1..............C.............b7
Ok. I understand it to some extent. F is the 4th scale degree because in the Key of C (which this example is supposedly in), F is the fourth note. So why is the chord tone b3?
# 5

Originally Posted by: Julian VickersYes it's true, especially in jazz to play notes that aren't in key and don't fit in the scale, but the important thing is this: Tension and Release. When you play a note that 'doesn't fit', it will sound tense and unresolved, but if you resolve it to a note that does fit, it will make sense.
When you play a chord, there will pretty much always be a scale that will go with it, sometimes more than one scale.
Finding which scale to play over a chord becomes easier if you know what key the song is in. For example, if I were to play a Gminor7, there are several potential scales you could play over that, including the G Aeolian(pure minor), G Dorian and G Phrygian. Now, those scales all relate to a different parent scale or key. The G Aeolian is the 6th mode of the Bb major scale, the G Dorian 2nd mode of the Fmajor scale etc.
I find it hard to explain theory in text sorry. Hope I helped, even a little bit.
i knew totally what you were saying, and playing the scales over relating chord structures will come naturally overtime. peace folk !
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# 6
Originally Posted by: earthman buckI realize this has probably been answered a thousand times in the course of GT history, but I figure as long as you folks have got the knowledge, I might as well ask it again.
How do you put scales to use? I mean, I'm willing to learn scales and stuff if it helps me play better, but I just haven't a clue how to put them to use in constructing solos and whatnot. I understand a little bit of theory (I understand the modes somewhat), but isn't it true that the notes in a scale can be played along with other notes? If so, what do the notes on a scale mean? And also, how do you know which scale(s) to use when improvising?
having thevery same problem here... i was told that u need to know every position of one particular scale to do so...ud probably knew that already though...the thing with me is that when i look up a tablature for scales... i just see... dots... i dont know where to start, where to continue...
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# 7
Originally Posted by: earthman buckHere's something from that site you posted that I don't understand.
................II Chord
..................D-7
..Scale.......................Chord
.Degree.......Note.........Tone
_________________________
....2..............D............Root
....4..............F.............b3
....6..............A..............5
....1..............C.............b7
Ok. I understand it to some extent. F is the 4th scale degree because in the Key of C (which this example is supposedly in), F is the fourth note. So why is the chord tone b3?
Because it's the tone of the II7 chord: Dm7.
# 8

Originally Posted by: Jolly McJollysonBecause it's the tone of the II7 chord: Dm7.
*makes a motion to show that what you said went right over my head*
If someone can really dumb it down and help me out, that'd be great. If not, no biggie. I take theory in music class now, so I figure I'm bound to learn it sooner or later.
# 9
Originally Posted by: earthman buck*makes a motion to show that what you said went right over my head*
If someone can really dumb it down and help me out, that'd be great. If not, no biggie. I take theory in music class now, so I figure I'm bound to learn it sooner or later.
b3 is a minor 3rd from D. It's the 4th degree from C, but D is the 2nd from C and from D to F is a 3rd, in this case a minor 3rd to be precise.
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They Said To Play It Louder Than Hell, We Promised That We Would
Hulk Smash!!
Whatever you do, don't eat limes. A friend of mine ate a lime once and BAM!! Two years later. Herpes.
# 10

Originally Posted by: Cryptic Excretionsb3 is a minor 3rd from D. It's the 4th degree from C, but D is the 2nd from C and from D to F is a 3rd, in this case a minor 3rd to be precise.
Ohhh....I get it now. I feel like an idiot. That's exactly what we've been talking about in Theory class.
Thanks, man.
# 11
Originally Posted by: earthman buckOhhh....I get it now. I feel like an idiot. That's exactly what we've been talking about in Theory class.
Thanks, man.
All in a day's work.
The Gods Made Heavy Metal, And They Saw That It Was Good
They Said To Play It Louder Than Hell, We Promised That We Would
Hulk Smash!!
Whatever you do, don't eat limes. A friend of mine ate a lime once and BAM!! Two years later. Herpes.
They Said To Play It Louder Than Hell, We Promised That We Would
Hulk Smash!!
Whatever you do, don't eat limes. A friend of mine ate a lime once and BAM!! Two years later. Herpes.
# 12