Western Swing Rhythm (Page 3 of 3) in pdf

Western Swing Rhythm Page 3

Western Swing Lead II

Another soloing approach is to change scales as the chords change. After all, G scale is perfect for a G chord

(G A B C D E F

G) since the 1, 3 and 5 notes of the G chord are in the scale. It is also perfect for the D7

chord ( 1 3 5

7) since the D, F

, A and C notes of the D7 are in the scale. This is an important rule to

remember: To solo over any dominant chord, use the major scale of the chord a fourth above the dominant

chord. Players who study modes call this the mixolydian mode. The scale starts on the fifth note of the major

scale (D mixolydian = G major beginning on a D note.) Therefore, we can solo over two chords with one

scale.

But the G scale is not perfect for the C chord. It will work as in our previous example but, the scale is

missing the F natural note we need to really fit the C chord well. By switching to the C major scale during the

C chord, we indicate the chord change with our note choices. This happens in measure two below. In measure

six, we don’t play an F natural note, but the G (5), E (3) and C (1) notes clearly spell the C major chord.

Notice also that the phrases generally begin on the 1, 3 or 5 note of the current chord. This is another way to

make the solo convey the chord changes.

Measure 1 G chord D note (5)

Measure 2 C chord E note (3)

Measure 3 G chord G note (1)

Measure 4 D chord C note (

Measure 5 G chord G note (1)

Measure 6 C chord G note (5)

Measure 7 D chord G note (Exception!)

Measure 8 G chord G note (1)

Ida Lead 2

Track 9

Western Swing Rhythm Page 3