Playing Lead

Hi,

I've recently started playing more and recording some stuff. All of it is acoustic type stuff, but I'd like to try and record some simple lead stuff over the top too.

I've pretty much just tought myself, and just really understand how to put chords together that sound reasonably ok. But I don't really understand how playing some small lead part "works".

For example, say a simple song with the chords G, C, A, D. As far as I understand, I should play some variation of a scale over the chords, but I'm not sure where I should start. Do I have to play a scale in G, then move to a scale in C, then A then D as the chords change?

Hopefully someone can figure out what I'm trying to ask for, as I don't think I've made it very clear!

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help, or point me in the direction of somewhere I can read about it.

Thanks again...

JohnnyC

i think you may be confusing scales and keys. If you start on the G chord, you can play any notes of the major scale in the key of G. As your chords change, your lead should try to target the root note of the chord....but you are still in the key of G. You can mix up the lead, but try to land on the roots of the chords at each change and it will sound like a natural flow. Let your ears guide you, if it sounds off, you're probably not hitting the roots at the right times.

Im sure there must be a lesson in here somewhere on "Chord Tone Soloing."

If the chords in the song are GMaj, CMaj and DMaj then you are playing in the key of G. You need to look at the notes that make up the individual chords rather than just the root notes of the chords. A Major chord is made up with the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the Major scale.

So for G Major the notes are G, B and D. For C Major the notes are C, E and G. For the D Major the notes are D, F#, A. All of these notes fit into the G Major scale.. but if you add the A Major "chord" to the mix then while you are playing the A Major chord you are no longer in the key of G Major because the notes that make up the A Major chord are A, C#, E. Notice the C#? It's not in the G Major scale, which is:

G, A, B, C, D, E, F#

Anyway.. I suggest you have a look at: http://go.guitartricks.com/course.php?input=1

Particular chapters 3 and 4..

I knew someone would chime in with a much better explanation than mine!
....my point (simplistic as it is) is that you can start by just hitting the roots and if you hit an offnote in between chord changes you will hear that it doesnt fit......

Originally Posted by: johnnyc313
... I'd like to try and record some simple lead stuff over the top too.

Since I don't know your exact level of skill or dexterity, I am going to start at the beginning, assuming that you know next to nothing about lead playing. If you find that you already know the beginning stuff, please feel free to jump down to numbers 2 or 3. That's where the "lead playing" really starts.

Also, if you are completely unfamiliar with playing single note lines on the high thin strings, then you might find it useful to go through the beginner courses.

http://guitartricks.com/course.php?input=1
http://guitartricks.com/course.php?input=2

There you will find some of the below lessons in a wider context and get practice at playing simple single note melodies that can help your conceptual understanding of what a melody is and get practice at playing them. That said, best of success learning lead. Hope this helps, let us know how it goes for you! :)

GT Tutorials for learning lead

1. Understanding what scales are

Chord and Scale Relationships
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=426

Using Scales to Connect Chords
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=427
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=428

Learning the Major Scale
Major Scale Patterns and Positions
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=453

C Major Scale For Beginners
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=473

C Major Scale Exercises For Beginners
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=463

A Minor Scale for Beginners
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=453

A Minor Scale Exercises For Beginners
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=466

Major and Minor Scale Exercises
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=451

2. Learning the basic mechanics of playing "licks"

Sound & Expression On Lead Guitar
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=475

http://www.guitartricks.com/techniques.php
(Have a look at the page and take your time to tackle things like: pull-offs, hammer-ons, bending, alternate picking, muting, etc.)

3. Learning Pentatonic scales and starting to play some licks

Blues In E - Rhythm & Lead
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=170

Pentatonic Minor Scale Exercise - All 5 Positions
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=185

Pentatonic Scales & Frameworks
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=296

Adding Major Notes to Pentatonic Minor
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=217
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=232
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=244

Introduction to Improvisation (Major and Minor Scale)
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491

4. Learning to see scales all over the fretboard

Modes Across the Fretboard (all the positions of the major scale)
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=451

Visualizing Fretboard Scale Patterns
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=419

Visualizing Chromatic Fretboard Scale Patterns
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=462

Intro to Jazz Guitar & Improvisation
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=519

That's amazing information, thanks to all of you!

There seems to be plenty for me to get through, as I do know next to nothing about how to play lead.

I'll try and upload some of the stuff I do if anyone is interested in having a wee listen.

Thanks again guys, it's much appreciated.

John

Hi guys,

Thanks again for all the help you gave me. If anyone else is interested here is a song I've written were I've tried to lay down a bit over the top of the chords.

http://www.jcigroup.co.uk/StrangerInTheMirror.mp3

*Note: There's a couple of swear words towards the end. If this isn't allowed admin feel free to remove.

All comments, criticisms and anything else welcomed.

Thanks...

JohnnyC

Well for someone who says they dont understand how to play lead.....you sure catch on fast or else your sandbaggin us! :) Seriously though, the track is really well done, only crit i would have is increase the volume slightly on your lead part and let it shine through. You have a great voice, I'd like to hear more of your stuff....

Originally Posted by: mpaqWell for someone who says they dont understand how to play lead.....you sure catch on fast or else your sandbaggin us! :) Seriously though, the track is really well done, only crit i would have is increase the volume slightly on your lead part and let it shine through. You have a great voice, I'd like to hear more of your stuff....

Thanks mpaq, I had a *lot* of assistance with the lead part if I'm honest, both from here and from a friend of mine. I've been practicing like crazy though trying to get what I'm hearing in my head to come out of my guitar!

I did some more recording on Saturday past, I've met 2 guys who are right into sound engineering and producing, but they don't have many people who actually want to be recorded, so we had a good 7 hour session. That's the first time I've worked with people who actually know what they are doing, so I'm looking forward to hearing how it all sounds.

Will post the tracks as soon as I get them.

Thanks though for the encouragement and advice.

Edited to add: Since you asked for more of me. This has no lead part to it, it's also a cover of an Irish folk song I really like it though http://www.myranting.co.uk/SongForMarcella.mp3

Originally Posted by: johnnyc313
Edited to add: Since you asked for more of me. This has no lead part to it, it's also a cover of an Irish folk song I really like it though http://www.myranting.co.uk/SongForMarcella.mp3

Nice...very nice. I'd kill for your voice :)

Thanks mate.

It's literally just in the last few months that I've started writing and singing. I've always had this thing that if I wasn't the best singer in the world, or if I wasn't writing a masterpiece then what was the point?

Now I just love it though, started to love playing in front of people too. So looking to try and play at an open mic or something like that locally.