Question:
I'm not quite sure how to tackle this topic, but:
The way I do this is finding what key the song is in, which tells me where the half and whole steps are on the fretboard (that correspond to the notes in the major scale). Then just play the notes that come from the major scale in that key, and the different modes at different spots on the fretboard (which are the same notes in different places, so I don't even know why a scale is a certain "mode" unless it is started on a certain bass note)
This sounds pretty good when I try to jam along with songs. Am I on the right path to lead Improvisation, or is there some other method? I've read fretboard logic volume 1, which from what I understand tells me to do the same thing, just using the pentatonic scale, (and it's "modes" which are really just positions) which leaves out notes.
I know that there is no set method to doing this, because some people are great at it and have never touched a book or seen a sheet of tablature or music notation, but I think in essence, aren't they just mostly playing the major scale and it's various "modes", with a blues note and bend thrown in here and there when appropriate?
Answer:
I try not to think of playing a major scale as much as I try to think of playing a melody on my guitar.
But if you haven't done a search for soloing and improvisation in the Theory & Technique forum yet, it may be worth your time...
Answer:
This is an excellent thread. From experience, though, you can read all you want, but you've gotta get out there and get your hands dirty in soloing (poorly at first, but you'll improve if you work at it, I guarantee). Application of what you read is definitely important .
Answer:
Yeah, I have that whole thread and a few other from this site (and many others) saved on my ipod.
But from my very limited experience, it seems as though knowing the fretboard "diatonically" or more literally "heptatonically" is the most important step of logically improvising.
Right?
I know modal theory pretty well which is what I am thinking was in that thread. And can put various scales and patterns together that give me any note on the fretboard that is one of the seven notes in any key of the major/western tonality.
Another question: Isn't the minor scale just just the 6th or aeolian mode of the major tonality, and the harmonic and melodic scales simply tonalities of their own? (Sorry if I screwed up some terminology)
Answer:
The answer to your question is yes, and yes.
Answer:
Cool, thanks