Months ago, a fellow (whose name I can’t recall) posted to the IG forums
requesting information about the whole-tone scale and other “exotic”
scales, as well as advise on how to apply new scales to soloing and
composition. A recent letter from an IG reader (Chad from Iowa) reminded
me of whole-tone scales…and that the name of the site is “INSANE
guitar”, and that I should tread a bit closer to the edge. Thanx for the
reminder, Chad. Let me know how you like this one!
We’ll start with a common progression in A minor – let’s say: Am (8) –
Am (8) – F (8) – F (4), G (4) – repeat. Improvise freely over the first
two chords of this progression using A natural minor (A, B, C, D, E, F,
G). When you get to the “F” chord, however, switch to the whole-tone
scale until the progression returns to “Am”.
Listen!
While the whole-tone scale is not somethng music theorists would
necessarily consider “exotic’ or “esoteric”, it sure can sound pretty
alien if employed like this:
Listen!
Or this:
Listen!
In addition to finding opportune moments in a progression to switch
scales, you’ll also find that modulations are a great way to open doors
to adding some eccentric whole-tone spice. Using the same progression as
above, improvise freely in A minor as you flow through the progression
twice. At the end of the second pass, however, don’t return to Am –
switch keys instead by jumping to F#m (using just a standard 1-5 diad).
This is another great opportunity to leap into the whole-tone scale. Try
the following run over this section.
Listen!
We’ll stop here for now, but next time we’ll expound further on the use
of this odd little scale. I hope that was “insane” enough for ya’ll!
Drop me a line via e-mail or the IG forums (and don’t forget to sign the
guestbook, folks!) for all critiques and suggestions for future
articles.
A bit off-note: As many of you know, I’ll be doing a series of guitar
clinics and workshops in the next few months, but the date has been
moved back to accommodate my recording schedule for “Hunger”. I’ll post
up-dates here and at my web-site. If you’re interested in one in your
area, drop me a line and we can discuss it.
See ya next time!
No comments:
Post a Comment