Mode Mixture

[TheNightGoes90]

I know there are plenty of blades around here who play different instruments, guitar in particular, so I thought I'd see if anyone had input about mode mixture.

Everyone plays in scales, but the best guitarists utilize multiple different modes in each solo.

Anyone have any suggestions/tips for learning to combine scales? When is it appropriate to use particular scales? What scales work best together? How do you think when you're constructing a solo?

Let's discuss.

[Collie_man420]

Originally Posted by TheNightGoes90

I know there are plenty of blades around here who play different instruments, guitar in particular, so I thought I'd see if anyone had input about mode mixture.

Everyone plays in scales, but the best guitarists utilize multiple different modes in each solo.

Anyone have any suggestions/tips for learning to combine scales? When is it appropriate to use particular scales? What scales work best together? How do you think when you're constructing a solo?

Let's discuss.

well these are just my opinions
I learned which scales sounded good with what music/style/progression and worked form there by experimenting;.

As for solos I just think about which scale to play over the song (by personal preference) and I just play around with it. Dont be afraid to get technical utilize slides/legato/bends whatever.

[TheNightGoes90]

^Yeah, I'm definitely down with learning by experimenting. It's more difficult for me to think in those terms when I'm trying to use multiple scales, though.

What have you come up with during your time playing? Which scales do you think sound best when used in conjunction with one another? When do you think a particular scale is most appropriate?

I'm all about using pentatonic minor and melodic minor scales together, but I'm definitely interested in hearing about ways I can incorporate other scales.

[Collie_man420]

Originally Posted by TheNightGoes90

^Yeah, I'm definitely down with learning by experimenting. It's more difficult for me to think in those terms when I'm trying to use multiple scales, though.

What have you come up with during your time playing? Which scales do you think sound best when used in conjunction with one another? When do you think a particular scale is most appropriate?

I'm all about using pentatonic minor and melodic minor scales together, but I'm definitely interested in hearing about ways I can incorporate other scales.

man Im no expert in explaining theory , in all honesty i dont remember the names of half the scales anymore. I'm a strict play by feel guy.

but sometimes i enjoy incorporating relative minor though, occasionally but im ALL abut folk and the blues and thats where i usually stick

but man check online at ultimate-guitar and plenty off other sites like http://musictheory.net/

they help alot,I've taken a class or 2 but when need be the internet has never failed me.

[MndatorySuicide]

The thing about modes and scales and working in different keys is they are essentially all interchangable. C major is the same as A minor is the same as D dorian and so forth. After all, there are only 7 whole notes and 5 sharp/flat notes to learn. It's a big cycle really. The easiest way to learn how different scales interact is to buy a scale book that lists the scales and their different flats and sharps. Don't buy something that TEACHES you how to use the scales, because that should be your own style.

Hal Leonard has two great scale books out, one for bass and one for guitar. It goes through all the keys, all the modes, blues, diminished, and melodic scales. And it lists them out by flats and sharps and numbers the different steps in each scale, and has a fretboard chart for each one. Very easy system to use to memorize. When I practice by myself I will pick a scale out of the book and just riff around and get used to the different fingerings and voicings. It's the best way for myself that I've found to learn new scales and practice ones I already know.

[seahag]

i found the best way to improv off hand, and utilize many abilities, is to play with a live band. with those rhythms being played it allowed me to improv and improve my skills in all areas.

[TheNightGoes90]

Originally Posted by seahag

i found the best way to improv off hand, and utilize many abilities, is to play with a live band. with those rhythms being played it allowed me to improv and improve my skills in all areas.

Definitely. I think playing with others, particularly a drummer, helps tremendously.

As for modes, etc.--Learning scales and applying them are different concepts. Assuming that each of us is familiar with traditional scales (Ionian, Dorian, Lydian, etc.) which do you use in combination most when you're improvising? In what circumstances do you find it most appropriate to play within particular scales?