learning to solo over chord changes etc.. what scales?

[veji]

which scales would you guys use to solo over C/F/G chord progression?

 

[Lillianreese]

The basic answer would be c Ionian f Lydian g mixolydian. Keep in mind all 3 scales contain the same notes, you would just use the c, f, or g as root notes.

 

[GtarLover]

You really have unlimited options, yet it matters what "feel" you are going for.
For example, C blues scale would be "bluesy, duh. C Minor Pentatonic would be more "rock." C Major Pentatonic would get a "happier" feel. Mix the major and minor for added flavor.
And we continue...Mixolydian is rock with a twist (many players use this, yet mix it with other scalar lines).
Then, if you want more...you can use C Dorian to add some interest. Really any scale "can" work, depending on how you use it.

So, the question is what are YOU looking to create as a feeling? It's a I, IV, V progression so you can do LOT'S with it.
The rhythm will also give a "feel" to the music, try to complement the feel while also having fun and creating interesting lines.

In my experience, the best thing to try is experimenting with the modes and scales to learn how each sounds in the context of the music.
Creating tension and/or resolve. Have fun, it's wild when you can mix things up and take the listener different places.

Hope this helps.

 

[War Admiral]

This is the thing...I don't know for certain what level of guitar player you are but from the question you asked I will give you this.
If you have to ask this question then what I think you should concentrate on is not all the scales you can use to solo over this but ask yourself what style you most like to play...pick the most popular scale used in that genre(I would suggest a pentatonic scale major or minor)...get it under your fingers and develop phrasing, melody, licks, and whatever quirky things that make you you. Once you can do this then start exploring other scales and see how it relates to what you already know. I cant stress this enough because if not you will only get confused and never get everything out of one thing...scales are only tools and knowing them doesn't mean you will be a good player...

Chris

 

[Tahoebrian5]

If you just play the c major scale over the chard changes it will sound fine.. But very much vanilla which is ok if that's what you are after. The thing to keep in mind is to try to emphasize a chord tone on the down beat of each change. The 1, 3, or 5 will sound the most in but you can use extensions like the 9 as well. The 7 typically would not be a good one because it is typically used as the last note in the previous chord before the change. Google guide tones or 3 to 7 resolutions for more info. Basically you want to set up which note to land on for each chord and then fill in between those notes with whatever you want.

 

[carl roa]

If you are trying to learn how to "play the changes", then I would recommend practicing arpeggios. Arpeggios are the notes of the chord played one note at a time. So start by creating your melodies and solos from chord tones only!

Soloing over basic chord progressions and making the changes can actually be a bit challenging .... lets look at the progression you mentioned:

|| C | F | G | C ||

The chord tones are:
C Major: C E G
F Major: F A C
G Major: G B D

Record the chord progression at a slow tempo .. then improvise using only the chord tones (arpeggios) for each chord. Try it in different parts of the neck. Start training your ear to hear the chords in your lines ...

This is a start ... and is the basis for playing over all chord changes.

 

[marshall_esp22]

whatever

 

[rabies]

I'd start with C Ionian (major) or C Mixolydian. You can add blues to basically any rock song you want.

I've noticed over the years after listening to hundreds of rock and jazz songs/albums that pentatonic, blues, dorian and mixolydian are very popular....