K.I.S.S.

Keeping it Simple

||: C - - - | Dm - - - | G - - - | Dm7- - - :||

Try playing this progression and throwing licks in based on the C major scale:
C D E F G A B C
Occasionally, throw in a Bb transition note.
See how that works for you.

You have to know a bit of theory, and then feel it!

C Major Scale Chords

As a beginning guitarist, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your keys, beginning with the key of "C", which is all the natural notes, with no sharps nor flats in the key. Once you have mastered this key, then it is easier to graduate to the next key in the circle of 5ths, being "G". I found this pic to show the example of what I'm refering to.

E Lydian Mode Chords

After playing with E lydian mode all night, I see that some good chords to use in these progessions are E Major, F# Major, G# Major, B Major, C# Minor, and D# Minor. You can also add on to these chords with any add-on notes within reach that are still in the E Lydain Pattern (i.e. E F# G# A# B C# D# E), and thus create some very cool colors to your progression.

E Lydian

Last night I was playing around with the E lydian scale, which consist of the notes: E F# G# A# B C# D# E

It is basically the E major scale with a sharpened 4th. It has very tranquil tonal qualities and after dancing around with the chords and licks in this scale, I found that it made me very sleepy and tired, as if being lullabyed before bedtime. Very interesting!



Joe uses this scale often, as well as other modes, and you'll notice the sound when you're jamming with it.