MINOR KEY SOLOING MUSICAL TEMPLATE 3:
EXAMPLE PROGRESSION 3: Am7 – Bm
In this example we are in the key of Am. It’s a I minor chord changing to a II minor chord.
What relates to all the chords:
- A Minor Pentatonic & Blues scales over all the chords, as it relates to all.
- A Dorian mode over both chords. By analyzing the chords we see there is a II minor chord,
so we know from our rule to use A Dorian to solo over all the chords. A Dorian is the same as
G major. Play all your G major scales but start on and emphasize all the A notes. A Dorian =
G major
- Try landing on the hip chord tones when the changes come up.
- Am7 chord contains the chord tones A-E-G-C
- Bm7 chord contains the chord tones B-F# -A-D
KEY POINT: Keep in mind that at this stage of your lead guitar playing there is no
substitute for studying and listening for the sounds and relationships between chords,
intervals, and scales.A critical key in unlocking all the potential of these scales and modes is in learning their interval
structure and memorizing the above key points. This way you will know when it is appropriate
to apply each in a given soloing or improvisation scenario. Another key is listening and
studying the relationships between chords and scales. Examine each interval structure as
listed in the table below.
Major scale, (Ionian mode) 1 (root) 2 3 4 5 6 7
Natural Minor scale, (Aeolian mode) 1 (root) 2 b3 4 5 b6 b
Dorian mode 1 (root) 2 b3 4 5 6 b
Pentatonic Minor scale 1 (root) - b3 4 5 - b
Blues scale 1 (root) - b3 4 b5 5 b
As you can see above, Dorian is very similar to Natural Minor with the exception that the sixth
degree is not flattened. Natural Minor has a minor 6
th
, while Dorian has a major 6
th
. Although C
major and D Dorian contain the same notes, their interval structure is different. This is what
gives each its own unique sound. Dorian and Natural Minor also contain the same intervals as
Minor Pentatonic, but add the 2
nd
and 6
th
or b6th degrees.