scales and modes

Here’s Graham’s take on using a mathematical approach to learning the fretboard. And while he’ll be the first to say that this is not a replacement for theory and it won’t teach you the names of notes in scales or chords, but it does offer you a way of using theory without too much thought.

Tom Serb explores three different ways that the guitarist can incorporate altered or exotic scales into his or her playing and gives us examples using both the Zangula and Rwanda scales. This article is a gift for those of you looking to expand your soloing vocabulary.

Let’s take some of the things we’ve discussed in past columns and see them put to good use. If you’d like, you can even learn how to play Lindsay Buckingham’s solo from the original recording of Landslide. But you’ve got to promise to learn something.

In this column we show you how to put together any modal scale yourself. Also, we’ll explore a few of the practical applications when it comes to modes. And if you’re not careful, you may learn two easy songs – Green Day’s Warning and that old Desmond Dekker reggae classic, The Israelites.

Did you know that every major scale is actually seven separate modal scales? In his latest lesson, Peter Simms helps you learn these scales easily.

There is no mystery in modes or theory at all. There are seven tones to the major scale hence there are seven modes to the major scale.

Here is a great introduction to the Mixolydian scale – how to find it, how to use it. It’s great for blues, rock and a host of other things and, as always, Darrin makes learning it a joy and not a chore.

Most solos are the result of planning. A good lead guitarist will construct a solo, giving it the same qualities of a well-written song.

This beginner’s primer explains different types of scales and unusual chord progressions. We’ll learn how they work in songs like Gimme Shelter and Hey Joe.