This track is a slower tempo atmospheric progression. The chords mainly switch between an Em voicing, (079980), and Am9, (x05500). There is one other change to a Cmaj7, (x32000), and then to an Em9/D, (x54000). This track has some cool chord voicings so be sure and play the rhythm and add these chords to your chord catalog. The key is E minor and the track is wide open for all kinds of soloing opportunities.

What relates to all:

Since we are in minor key we can consider using E Minor Pentatonic & Blues scales as one option over all the chords as that scale relates to all:

E Minor Pentatonic = E, G, A, B, D

Furthermore, we can usually solo with a minor mode over all the chords when soloing in minor key. That mode is usually either Aeolian or Dorian and to find out which you have to analyze the chords.

As we analyze the chords we see a minor iv chord, Am9. That points us to utilize E Natural Minor over all the chords. Remember our key point for minor key soloing – when playing over all the chords in minor key, what “relates to all”, you can always use Natural Minor Scales, (Aeolian Mode), UNLESS there is a major IV chord or a minor ii chord, in those cases use the Dorian Mode. For more on that read the “Minor Key Soloing” written lessons in the written lessons section of this series.

So try E Natural Minor, (Aeolian Mode), to exude a more sad, modern, darker sound. The Aeolian Mode is a seven-note scale often used in blues, rock, jazz, and many other musical genres. It is also called Natural Minor or Pure Minor.

Aeolian is considered a minor mode and is always the 6th mode in any major key. Aeolian produces a sad, dark, and mournful sound that is different than minor pentatonic and Dorian. It adds melodic half steps and more lick and string bending avenues. Natural Minor scales sound great over minor chords.

If you are not familiar with Natural Minor you can use the concept of major vs. relative minor to play major scales. Every major key has a relative minor key that has exactly the same notes in it. So you can use that to your advantage. The relative major of E minor if G. E natural minor scales have the exact same notes as G major scales:

E Natural Minor = E, F#, G, A, B, C, D

G Major = G, A, B, C, D, E, F#

(Same notes – just emphasize the root of the mode, E.)

So if you know some major scales or just more familiar with major scales, play G major scales but start on and emphasize the E notes and it will then become E Natural Minor. This is the crux of playing in the modes of the major scale.

Also try both and mix E Minor Pentatonic & Blues with E Natural Minor, (E Aeolian mode). You can create killer sounds going between the five-note Pentatonic scale and the seven-note Natural Minor scale.

Treat each chord as a separate event:

The chords in this jam are moving fairly slow, which is perfect for treating each chord as a “separate event”. Remember, if the chords are flying by fast, you won’t have enough time to solo on each chord independently and you would be playing more of what “relates to all”.

• Over the Em chord try E Minor Pentatonic & Blues scales, E Natural Minor, (same as G major), E Dorian, (same as D major), and E minor type arpeggios.
• Over the Am9 chord try A Minor Pentatonic & Blues, A Natural Minor, (same as C major), A Dorian, (same as G major), and A minor type arpeggios.
• Over the Cmaj7 and Em9/D there isn’t a lot of time so you will have to be quick if you want to try to play over those chords independently. Try a major device over the Cmaj7 chord like a quick C Major Pentatonic lick or a Cmaj7 arpeggio. Try something from the E minor list above over the Em9/D chord. Remember to listen for the chord changes and change what you are utilizing as the chords change.  Mix it up, get creative, and just go for it…..and enjoy the journey!