We're re-issuing one of Chris's most popular lessons with re-mastered video and updated loop points. From Chris:   

This week I’ll be showing you another approach to navigating through the G and F chords on Red Haired Boy (or any other tune like it).

While you can just play a G mixolydian scale (G, A, B, C, D, E, F) over both chords, there are other options that might sound more colorful or surprising. The basic idea for this lesson is that you can just play 2 different scales over the 2 different chords. So for example, you could play a regular G major scale (G, A, B, C, D, E, F#) until you reach the F chord, at which point you would switch completely to an F major scale (F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E) for the 1 measure until the chord returns to G. When you play an F major scale you are including a Bb note (Bb is the 4th of F) which is distinctly different from the B natural that your ear is expecting. It’s colorful and your ear perks up.

We’ll illustrate this by looking at a Tony Rice solo where he uses this technique. Also, it bears mentioning that you can mix and match the scales used. Try G mixolydian over the G chord and regular F major over the F. Or you could use G mixolydian and then F mixolydian. They will all have their own unique tonal colors. Get in there and try it out!

Enjoy!

Chris

 

 

Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Bluegrass