Simple beginner theory question


electriceells
Registered User
Joined: 03/16/19
Posts: 10
electriceells
Registered User
Joined: 03/16/19
Posts: 10
03/20/2019 5:35 pm

If I'm playing a I-IV-V progression in the key of A and I want to solo over the progression, I would start with the A major scale. Now, when I switch to the IV (D major) chord, do I switch to the D major scale to keep the solo going?.... then switch again on the V chord OR does the A Major scale play over the IV and V?

Thanks for answering


# 1
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,361
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,361
03/20/2019 11:38 pm

Hey & welcome to GT!

Originally Posted by: electriceells

If I'm playing a I-IV-V progression in the key of A and I want to solo over the progression, I would start with the A major scale. Now, when I switch to the IV (D major) chord, do I switch to the D major scale to keep the solo going?.... then switch again on the V chord OR does the A Major scale play over the IV and V?

[p]Great question! You can do either. Or both. :)[br][br]But the standard practice is to use one scale & target chord tones from that scale as the chords change. I cover this in depth in this series of tutorials on improvisation.

Introduction to Improvisation For Beginners[br]https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=876

[br]Improvisation in a Major Key

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483

Improvisation in a Minor Key

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491

Improvisation in a Major Key Series 2

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=2318

Improvisation in a Minor Key Series 2

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=2329

Hope that helps. Please ask more if necessary. Best of success!


Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor

Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory
# 2
electriceells
Registered User
Joined: 03/16/19
Posts: 10
electriceells
Registered User
Joined: 03/16/19
Posts: 10
03/21/2019 12:18 am
Originally Posted by: ChristopherSchlegel

Hey & welcome to GT!

Originally Posted by: electriceells

If I'm playing a I-IV-V progression in the key of A and I want to solo over the progression, I would start with the A major scale. Now, when I switch to the IV (D major) chord, do I switch to the D major scale to keep the solo going?.... then switch again on the V chord OR does the A Major scale play over the IV and V?

[p]Great question! You can do either. Or both. :)[br][br]But the standard practice is to use one scale & target chord tones from that scale as the chords change. I cover this in depth in this series of tutorials on improvisation.

Introduction to Improvisation For Beginners[br]https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=876

[br]Improvisation in a Major Key

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483

Improvisation in a Minor Key

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491

Improvisation in a Major Key Series 2

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=2318

Improvisation in a Minor Key Series 2

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=2329

Hope that helps. Please ask more if necessary. Best of success!

This is PRECISELY what I needed! Many Thanks!!


# 3

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