excuse this for being such a stupid question but i'm an idiot.

Ok ok I know very little about theory...sorry guys...So I have this chord progression Am, C, G and D...simple enough...so if I wanted to compose a solo over top what scales or modes would I be wanting to use? and why? a HUGE thanks to anyone who explains this...sorry for my lack of knowledge..

Gmaj, A dorian, B phrygian, C Lydian, D Mixolydian, E Aoelian, F# Locrian....or any of the blues positions in the key of E.

... Am, C, G and D...

If your 'C' is Major(??), Then I see a (b5) over the 'C'? if your tonic/root 'mode' is a'dorian'? Could work though, if you chose accidentals for passing tones avoiding the (b5).

Try this too:
It fits well with a-minor, especially if you're using (5th)voicings in your root chord progression;
This is a very standard, natural-minor progression;
a-aeolian(nat' minor), C-Major(Ionian), G-Mixolydian, d-dorian

Playing 3-note-per-string patterns (in 6's and 9's), slowly over each chord as you listen, from Its root note, you're likely to find the "Occams Razor" for virtually any rock or blues progression.

THEN, when you know the rules, it becomes OK to break 'em into little pieces.

In other words; SCREW AROUND! Even FAKE-it if you want! You may discover something NONE of us would've thought of?? I just always look for the obvious first, THEN I destroy it.



~JSV

Originally posted by Shred Child
Ok ok I know very little about theory...sorry guys...So I have this chord progression Am, C, G and D...simple enough...

Are they power chords? Because if they are, it seems like you'd want to use the A minor pentatonic.

[Edited by Jolly McJollyson on 11-28-2003 at 09:07 PM]

I use Am Diatonic scales, and blues scales. everywhere on the neck to mix it up.