Guitar modes question?

Question

okay so i am reading this music theory book and for example they say that if you play in the key of c maj than you could solo using the natural a minor scale. Also if u r playing in a maj than u can solo in f# minor is this true?

Answer 1

yes A major is F# minor   same scale pattern.... moved down 4 frets ....

Answer 2

this is because they are telling you to solo in the relative minor.  this scale uses all of the same accidentals as the original key but begins on a different note (to create a distinct sound when soloing).  the relative minor of all scales is a 3rd below the base note of the original scale.  

ex)

a is a third below c

f# is a third below a

b is a third below d

etc...

Answer 3

Using the A minor while in the Key of C major and also F # minor in A major is the Aeolian Mode.  The Aeolian mode is built on the sixth scale degree:

C Major:

C D E F G (A) B C

A Minor

A B C D E F G A

Try the same with A Major and you'll find the same theoretical answer.

Answer 4

Hey John

All major keys have a relative minor which means they have the same notes, but one is major and the other minor.

Simple rule of thumb, if you are playing in C, the fourth down is its relative minor which is Aminor

If you play in Aminor and looking for the relative major, it is a 5th up which gives C.

This applies to all keys irrelevant.

If your are in G major, a 4th  down is E-min. and a 5th up is G major.

In your case, if you solo in F# min, then you can use all the notes of the A-major scale and they will all sound good anc vice-versa.