Changing scale in 12 bar blues


Svanholm
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Svanholm
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03/08/2013 8:28 pm
Lets say that me friend plays a 12 bar blues in the key of E and I improvise a solo on the E blues scale.
When he change to A-chord or B-chord, shall I change to the A or B scale or does the E scale works the 12 bar?
# 1
Slipin Lizard
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Slipin Lizard
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03/08/2013 10:39 pm
I think the short answer you're looking for is no. If you're jamming blues in the key of E, you're going to keep using the E blues scale as your friend changes chords. Part of the blues sound is the chord changes, and you'll want to be conscious and observant, using your ear, listening for notes and riffs that you like the sound of or that seem to "fit" over those chord changes while using the blues scale in E.

If you simple "blues" riff that started in E, and then changed to playing the same riff in A and then in B every time your buddy changed chords, it would sound like you were changing keys from E, to A, to B, because, essentially you are. So just stay in the key of E and make the notes work over the chord changes to keep it sounding like your normal "blues".
# 2
Svanholm
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Svanholm
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03/09/2013 11:34 am
okej. That was a pretty good answear. Thank you. :)

So when they change chord I just go up or down on the scale?
# 3
ChristopherSchlegel
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ChristopherSchlegel
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03/09/2013 12:46 pm
Originally Posted by: SvanholmLets say that me friend plays a 12 bar blues in the key of E and I improvise a solo on the E blues scale.
When he change to A-chord or B-chord, shall I change to the A or B scale or does the E scale works the 12 bar?

You can do either.

In general, most blues just stays within one scale as the chords change.

Slightly more complex blues players will target chord tones. This means you mostly just use one scale, but use the notes of that scale to emphasize the notes of each chord as they happen.

Still more blues players approach it more like a jazz player, they totally follow the chord changes & alter the scale as necessary.

These tutorials are on the basics of improve & following the changes within a scale.

www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=876
www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483
www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491

These tutorials show you how to do it within the context of blues.

www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=217
www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=826
www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=232
www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=244

Hope this helps!
Christopher Schlegel
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Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory
# 4
Svanholm
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Svanholm
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03/09/2013 4:35 pm
Originally Posted by: CSchlegelYou can do either.
Slightly more complex blues players will target chord tones. This means you mostly just use one scale, but use the notes of that scale to emphasize the notes of each chord as they happen.

Still more blues players approach it more like a jazz player, they totally follow the chord changes & alter the scale as necessary.


Thats kind of what I was looking for.

Thanks for the help and the links!
You are the man!
# 5
ChristopherSchlegel
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ChristopherSchlegel
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03/10/2013 5:41 pm
Originally Posted by: SvanholmThats kind of what I was looking for.

Good deal! You are welcome. Have fun with the blues. :)
Christopher Schlegel
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# 6

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