Scales Question

[zbalz]

I was taking a look at the patterns of C Mixolydian and F Major a few minutes ago and it turns out they are the same exact notes and patterns on the fretboard....which brings up my question.

If I am watching someone whipping out a solo...and I want to know what key it is in...even if I determine the pattern they are using...how on earth will I know what key they are playing in if C Mixolydian = F Major = D Minor = whatever else.

In other words, since there are so many relative scales...how do I know what key someone is playing in? Are there common rules to soloing or playing in general that I would have to know?

-zbalz

[ghodaddyyo]

Try not to look at the patterns so much when trying to find the key. The patterns repeat themselves often, and are used differently depending on the key. Instead, listen for the root, with either the bass, or rhythm guitar. If you must watch the lead player, listen for what note he frequently comes to rest on.

I am studying modes with my guitar teacher at the moment, and have come to see many repeating patterns. When soloing, lead players tend to start from the root and explore out, but must come back home for resolution.

[slick77]

I too am just getting into modes,but from a different perspective,I play bass.What I,m learning is the bass line determines the mode.If I play the root,the solo can use any notes,but as I add notes to the bassline,I restrict what notes the solo can use,thus defining the mode.They tell me it gets easier with practice!

[StoneDragon]

Look at the chord progression and/or the bass line. Where does it come to rest? C? F? D? (to use your own examples)

That is the best indicator of where the tonal center is. See if the bass notes (or the root notes of the chords used) suggest a scale or mode when seen from that tonal center. Most rock stuff is pretty easy to nail down because rick stuff tends to stick to one key. Pop, jazz etc... isn't always that easy. That stuff can move through several keys before you even know where the root note is.

[Strat-n-Paul]

jazz can be really difficult, especially when trying to figure out what a seasoned player is doing, (Joe Pass, Larry Carlton, Pat Methany)etc. As they tend to use many different chord inversions, and move the "root" around in different places in the chord. http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/eek.gif

[MrSamson]

ghodaddyyo....well said.

http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/devil.gif