playing with different patterns

[DocRoop]

i've learned the 5 different patterns of the minor pent scale and when i'm improvising i like to move around to different patterns of the same scale. when i do this, i resolve to the same root note of the key i'm in for each pattern. it wasn't until these lessons that the idea was presented to me that when you play modes each mode has a different root note. i'm sure what i've been doing wouldn't be considered incorrect because i'm still playing the same notes, just in different octaves and the different patterns allow me to use different slides and bends and stuff like that. but what i'm wondering is if the way i'm going about it going to be a useful skill or should i be switching to the modal root note when i'm switching patterns. also, when i'm switching patterns but using the same root note would it be considered playing in different modes or playing the same mode with different patterns. i'm pretty sure it's considered same mode different patterns but just making sure.

[StoneDragon]

Both are correct. Switching to a different pattern can be switching to a different mode or it can be sticking to the same mode but switching positions. It all depends on how you treat the second pattern/position and the chord you are playing it over.

Let's take the chord progression Amin-Gmaj-Amin.

While the Amin is playing, You might decide to improvise out of the A natural minor (Aeolian mode R 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7) at the 5th fret. Maybe you decide to switch positions to the 7th fret or the 3rd fret... It doesn't matter. Everything you play will sound like A Aeolian so long as you line the patterns, root notes and positions up correctly. If you want a different modal sound, you have to change the intervals. You could decide to switch to A phrygian (R b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7) for example.

Now, when the chord changes to Gmaj, you have three options.

1) Stick with A natural minor (anywhere on the fingerboard you care to play)

2) Switch to G mixolydian (same scale but the root note changes)

3) Switch to any other mode or scale that might sound good over a Gmaj chord.

Option 1 is the "rock" approach to soloing. By sticking to Amin, you are pointing out the fact that the Gmaj is liable to return to Amin. This creates tension that is released when the chord progression does return to Amin.

Option 2 is more of a "classical" approach. By switching to G Mixolydian, you accentuate the chord change. This can be usefull in many situations, especially if the progression is going to hang out on the Gmaj for a while.

Option 3 is the "jazz" approach. Each chord is treated as a separate entity. This allows for the possibility of greater melodic freedom, but can just as easily make you sound like crap if you don't know what you are doing http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smile.gif

When the chord changes back to Amin, you have the same three options once again.

[ghodaddyyo]

That was some great information! For my improvisation, I need to get out of that Rock scenario. It's time for me to stretch out instead of playing it safe. Is there a Music Theory for Dummies around?

[StoneDragon]

You'll find it in the back on the shelf. It's sandwiched between neurosurgery for dummies and astrophysics for dummies http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Josh]

I'd pick up astrophysics instead if I were you. It's much easier.

[DocRoop]

thanx stone, that answered a lot of questions for me.

[Fusion]

You may want to check out Rich Severson's Theory and Technique courses. I am using them now and they are excellent; very thorough and well thought out!
http://www.guitarcollege.com/gctheory.htm

Jim

[StoneDragon]

Ok everybody.... start clicking on those banners and buying stuff from Musician's Friend so I can afford to buy these http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

[ghodaddyyo]

I'll just stick to your course Stone! With the money saved, I can support my GAS!

[StoneDragon]

I'm an instructional material hound. If I had the excess cashflow I would probably buy every book, tape and video on the market just to check it out.

[ghodaddyyo]

Sometimes I think that if I saved my money from buying instructional material, I could probably afford to go to Musicians Institute.