Originally Posted by: SnowRoseHi all, I'm trying to strengthen my music theory in soloing over scales, especially at my church where I play for Sunday Worship.
If the notes in C Major = A minor
What is the equivalent to C Blues Scale?

Hi SnowRose--

Please tell us how long you've been playing so you can get some specific answers.

My first instinct to say is to remember that the notes come from chords. Don't think of soloing and using scales as something separate from them. Begin by recognizing the 1, 3 and 5 notes of the chord structure. Take the open C chord. The first scale degree note will be the C found in the third fret of the A string. The third scale degree is the E note, found in the second fret of the D string. The fifth scale degree note is the G note, which can be played with the open G string. At this point, concentrate on knowing where the 1, 3 and 5 are only. You'll figure out the rest in due time when you have these anchors down.

Ok, that's the beginning of the mechanical and theory part of it all. To begin soloing, start simple. Think melody. Some of the best solos out there remind you of someone singing.

When thinking about which notes to use, you can get deep into theory and find a large pool of possible notes to play. This doesn't mean you have to play all of them. They are but tools available. Do yourself a huge favor and begin by practicing and understanding the major scale and the intervals thereof. All other scales come from this.

When thinking about soloing, think about finding the 1, 3 and 5 notes of the chord of the moment. So if you're playing a song like Shout to the Lord in the key of D major, think of finding the 1, 3 and 5 in the key of D major (D, E, F#) and then think about playing the melody notes of either the verse or the chorus (depending on which section you're playing over). Verse: 3, 4, 5, 7, 1, 2 Chorus: 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 6 (the 1 and 8 are interchangeable. The 8 would mean one ocave above the 1).

If any of this is confusing to you, start at the beginning. Learn the components of the major scale.

But use and develop your ear to tell you what to play.

Forgive me if this stuff is too basic, but I hope that it helps.

Have fun,

Steve