How to Use Scales Over Chords

As a lifelong guitarist and music enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by the intricate relationship between scales and chords in music. Today, I'm excited to share some insights into this concept, providing a 30,000-foot view that even beginners can grasp. We'll explore the fundamental principles behind using scales over chords, drawing analogies from everyday conversations and fashion choices to demystify this essential aspect of music theory. Additionally, I'll offer examples and resources for those who want to delve deeper into this fascinating subject.

The reason I'm delving into this topic is that I received a request from one of my Facebook subscribers who wanted to understand the concept of using scales over chords. It's a topic that seasoned musicians often take for granted because, once you grasp the idea, it becomes second nature. However, for beginners and those looking to expand their musical knowledge, it's crucial to understand how scales and chords work together harmoniously.

Let's start by taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. When musicians gather to play a song, they often mention the key they are in, such as "We're in the key of C." This key serves as a central reference point for all the notes and chords used in the song. Imagine the key as the subject matter of a conversation, speech, or song – it sets the tone and provides coherence to the musical piece.

In essence, just as any discussion or speech has a specific goal or subject matter, music has a key. This key is a single, central note around which all other notes and chords revolve. It acts as a gravitational center, pulling everything towards it. Once the key note is established, it determines the other notes that will be used in the scale and chords, creating a harmonious structure. While delving deeper into this concept could lead us down a vast theoretical rabbit hole, let's keep our focus on the basics for now.

Now, let's dive into the core concept of using scales over chords. Think of it like a conversation between two people. If one person starts discussing cars while the others are talking about computers, it becomes socially awkward and disconnected. Similarly, in music, when two musicians play in different keys or one switches to a different key, the result is a clash of notes, creating dissonance.

To avoid this musical dissonance, we aim to match the notes of the chord with those within the scale. While it's unlikely that every note of the chord will align perfectly with the scale, we strive to include as many matching notes as possible. For instance, if you have a C minor chord, using a C minor scale would create a harmonious blend because they share the same tonal qualities.

Consider the example of a C minor chord and its corresponding scale. If we examine the pattern of the chord, we'll notice that all the notes within the chord can be found within the scale. This harmonic compatibility is what we aim to achieve when using scales over chords.

In the case of minor chord progressions, such as C minor, it's advisable to use a minor scale. Similarly, major chord progressions are best accompanied by major scales. These are the fundamental rules to follow. While there are other scales you can use, such as the pentatonic scale, which I consider one of the most versatile scales, it's derived from either the major or minor scales, making them the foundational scales for most music.

The pentatonic scale, for instance, is a simplified version of the major scale, achieved by removing a couple of notes. This scale is incredibly powerful and versatile, making it an excellent starting point for understanding scales and chords.

In summary, the three primary scales you'll encounter in music are major, minor, and pentatonic. Minor scales are essentially derived from major scales by starting and ending on different scale degrees. Modes, such as Dorian or Phrygian, are variations of the major scale starting from different scale degrees. These concepts form the basis of understanding scales and chords in music.

To successfully apply scales over chords, two critical pieces of information are required: the key of the song and whether the chord progression is major or minor. Determining the key is crucial because it identifies the root note for your scale. For example, if a song is in the key of G, the chords within that song will revolve around the G note. This knowledge helps you select the appropriate scale.

Additionally, recognizing whether the chord progression is major or minor is essential. For major chord progressions, use a major scale, and for minor chord progressions, use a minor scale. These fundamental principles guide your choice of scale, ensuring a harmonious and cohesive musical experience.

Ready to take your guitar journey to the next level? Click Here