Notes and Chords

Me again people!

Just wondered how you know what note(s) to play over a chord progression for imrovising solos, so if I had a backing track in the key of A (for example) would any note in the A major scale fit over any chord in the key of A? Or would I be best off playing A notes over an A chord and D notes over the D chord?

Cheers

Depends on what you think sounds good. As a rule, the A scale will always work while you're in the key of A; but yeah, you could also experiment with the different chord shapes in that key (eg. pick some of the notes from the A chord while the rhythm plays it, then pick notes from the D chord when the rhythm switches to that chord). The only time you ever really need to switch root notes during a piece is when there's a key change.
Basically, the scale corresponding to the key you're in will always work within that key; but some intervals and notes in the scale will sound better than others.

Well, there you have the rules: now, if you wish, you may break them for the sake of the groove ;)

You might wanna see : why are pentatonic scales so popular - In Music Theory on the Index page

It completely depends on what Key you are playing in. I know it is in A, but is it in A Major or A Minor. There is a big difference. Anyway I will list all the diatonic note possibilities for both A Major and Minor.

A Major - A B C# D E F# G#

A Natural Minor - A B C D E F G

A Harmonic Minor - A B C D E F G#

A Melodic Minor - A B C D E F# G# A G F E D C B A

Hope this helps.

-Kyle Hicks ( Kole )
-http://www.myspace.com/kolemusic

Originally Posted by: Kole_MusicIt completely depends on what Key you are playing in. I know it is in A, but is it in A Major or A Minor. There is a big difference. Anyway I will list all the diatonic note possibilities for both A Major and Minor.

A Major - A B C# D E F# G#

A Natural Minor - A B C D E F G

A Harmonic Minor - A B C D E F G#

A Melodic Minor - A B C D E F# G# A G F E D C B A

Hope this helps.

-Kyle Hicks ( Kole )
-http://www.myspace.com/kolemusic

Yeah, what Kyle said. I kinda forgot about that little detail known as "key" :o

Thanks guys,

So I take it A natural minor is a different key to A harmonic minor then?

Cheers

Yes, Harmonic minor is different than Natural Minor by one note, the raised 7th degree.