Chords are A, C, and D for the double-stops as well as an E chord for the change . The chorus section is D, A, and E chords, and a long vamp on an A chord
This is a fun rock jam that presents some very interesting solo avenues. Like a few other rock tracks in this vault even though the chords are mainly major we still suggest utilizing some minor devices for that rock feel. Plus with the long vamp on the A chord we can try A Harmonic Minor to exude some different exotic sounds.
Since we are in a rock type jam but want a more minor feel consider utilizing A Minor Pentatonic & Blues as one soloing option over the chords:
A Minor Pentatonic & Blues – A, C, D, Eb, E, G
We also want to analyze the chords and try a minor mode over the chords. The jam is in the key of A. At first I would consider Aeolian or Dorian. But when you analyze the chords the jam has a very prominent D chord movement. And that D chord has an F# note. That note is in A Dorian but in A Aeolian it’s an F natural note.
A Dorian = A, B, C, D, E, F#, G
A Aeolian = A, B, C, D, E, F, G
So my choice would be to utilize A Dorian for this jam. The Dorian Mode is a seven-note scale often used in blues, rock, and many other musical genres. Dorian is considered a minor mode and is always the 2nd mode in any major key. Since Dorian is the second mode in any major key, to play A Dorian in this jam we have to ask what major scales 2nd note is an A note. The answer is G. G Major has the same notes as A Dorian:
A Dorian = A, B, C, D, E, F#, G
G Major = G, A, B, C, D, E, F#
(Same notes – just emphasize the root of the mode, A.)
Try playing G major scales but start on and emphasize the A notes and you will be playing in A Dorian.
Play your G major scales but focus and emphasize on the A notes for A Dorian. Try it and see how you like the sounds. Combine it with Minor Pentatonic and go back and forth between the two.
On the long vamp on the A chord try blasting A Harmonic Minor over that chord. While there is only one major scale there are three types of minor scales, Natural minor (Aeolian Mode), Harmonic Minor, and Melodic Minor. The Harmonic Minor scale is a very exotic sounding scale that will add color and depth to your sound.
While you hear Harmonic Minor played often in neo-classical, metal, and shred guitar, the scale is also utilized in flamenco, East European, Middle Eastern, and Indian music, as well as mainstream rock, jazz, and even bluegrass music.
Harmonic Minor has a very distinctive tone, kind of Spanish or Middle Eastern sounding. It is a Natural Minor scale with a raised seventh. Natural minor has a flatted seventh while Harmonic minor has a natural 7th. Remember the keynote in the scale is that 7th, and it is always a half step behind the root note. The scale degrees are almost the same as Natural Minor except for the 7th:
Harmonic Minor – 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, 7
Natural Minor – 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7
So try A Harmonic Minor over the long vamping A chord and see how you like the exotic sound. For more info on Harmonic Minor please see the coinciding written lessons in this series.
A Harmonic Minor – A, B, C, D, E, F, G#
A Natural Minor – A, B, C, D, E, F, G