This is a slower tempo jazzy two-chord progression. The track switches between a Cmaj7 chord and an Am7 chord. The key is C major so we are thinking major key, at least over the C major chord. Many of the previous jams are more rockers or minor key examples. So this offers up different soloing opportunities being in a major key.

What relates to all:

Since we are in a major key we can use C Major Pentatonic over both chords. Remember that when in major key you can usually solo overall the chords with Major Pentatonic:

C Major Pentatonic – C, D, E, G, A

Also try full C Major scales over both chords. This is a jam where major scales will sound quite good. Full major scales often sound great over slower or ballad type tracks that are very major sounding:

C Major – C, D, E, F, G, A, B

You have to use your discretion and listen to what sounds best to your ears. At times, full major scales can sound a bit stiff and sterile. However, in this jam you can use them to your advantage for killer licks. Try C major scales all over the neck and link them together. If you are not familiar with major scales or major scale links please see the written lessons in this series to see them all diagrammed out on paper – enjoy!

Treat each chord as a separate event:

There is a lot of exploring you can do as there is a lot time on each chord. Remember that slow moving changes and jams with lots of time on each chord lend itself very well to treating each chord as a separate event. Just be sure to feel when the changes occur and change your scale or mode appropriately over each chord.

• Over the Cmaj7 chord try C Major scales, C Major Pentatonic, C Lydian, (G major), and C major type triads and arpeggios.
• Over the Am7 chord try A Minor Pentatonic & Blues, A Natural Minor, (same as C major), A Dorian, (same as G major), and A minor type triads and arpeggios.