How do i know what chords to use in a scale for guitar so i can solo over the chords?

Question

How do i know what chords to use in a scale for guitar so i can solo over the chords?

Answer 1

Hi

You have to know all your scales in one position and then, learn these same scales in 3 positions which is more than adequate to play any leads.

As a starter, you have to know your relative minor and relative major chords. All the rest are passing tones and are vamps or fills. You need a little knowledge of feel and theory.

If you are playing a diminish arpeggios or scale, or an augmented chord or a suspened 4th etc...they have to resolve to the root.



ex. Aug chord or scale needs to resolve back to a major or root. A dim scale or arpeggios resolves well to a minor (2nd degree chord) etc...

You can also use passing tones as extensions in chord progressions especially.

Ex... Emin -  A7b5 - Dmin9 G7b5 can also be played or soled on these following chords Emin - Eb9 - Dmin9 - Db9  using locrian modes or phrygian or whole tone scales.

Here is a good link to start with.

http://www.guitarforbeginners.com/extcho...

Answer 2

You first need to know what Key the song is in.  The pattern for a major scale is: I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii0

Capital letter=major chord

Lower case letter=minor chord

the '0'=diminished

In other words, if the key is G Major, the A, B, and E will be Minor chords.  The G, C and D will be Major chords and the F will be diminished.  

This link is for an interactive circle of fifths, where you can choose any key (both major and minor) and it'll display what chords to play

http://randscullard.com/CircleOfFifths/

Answer 3

Here are some basic guidelines:

1. If the chord progression is I IV V--use pentatonic minor in same key,pentatonic minor in relative minor key,pentatonic major in same key,major scale in same key or natural minor scale in relative minor key.

2. If the chord progression has chords in addition to I IV V, use any of the above EXCEPT pentatonic minor in the same key.

If you would like some Absolutely Free lessons regarding chord progressions and scales:

http://www.may-studio-music-lessons.com/...

Best Wishes,

Lynne

May Music Studio

http://www.may-studio-music-lessons.com

Answer 4

If using minor chords, solo in minor.  If using major chords, solo in major, etc.  Don't limit yourself to these though

Answer 5

Daniel's reply is good, but I've never relied in the use of chords depicted by V, IV, iv, and so forth. I simply learned the three or more basic chords in every key signature and employ them as necessary. I understand music theory and can read and write it, however.

Knowing the names and positions of chords in a key is crucial for soloing and composing.

Answer 6

It depends on what key you are in or what key you find easiest to play in. You can start off with the usual I, IV and V. Say you are in the key of Dmaj. I=Dmaj, IV=Gmaj and V=Amaj. You can really experiment with chord progression. When you find something you like...then there you go. Other chord progessions could be. (capital letter meaning major chord, lower-case meaning minor chord.) I, V, vi, IV. Or...I, vi, IV, V. Something any questions, e-mail me at [e-mail].