This fun track is in the key is D and is wide open. The progression is a Dsus2 to a Dsus2/Bb chord. The chords move from a D suspended 2nd chord, XX0230, to a D suspended 2nd with Bb in the bass, X10230.

Since there is little chordal movement you have lots of soloing avenues. Remember that suspended 2nd chords are not really major or minor as they have no 3rd in them. The sus2 chord is a 1, 2nd, and 5th. There is no 3rd in the chord. You can usually tell a major from minor chord by looking at that 3rd degree. A major chord has a major 3rd and a formula of 1,3,5 while a minor chord has a flat 3rd, (b3), and a formula of 1,b3,5.

Since this is a rock jam staying more with a minor tonality works great. Playing the darker minor type scales over the suspended chords exudes a real rock vibe.

What relates to all:

Since the chords in this jam are so closely related, only one note difference in the bass, you will probably play more of what relates to all than treating each chord as a “separate event”. Although you can try and land on a Bb note over the Bb bass note in the 2nd chord.

Over both chords try D Minor Pentatonic and Blues. This is the scale of choice for most players and works great over this track:

D Minor Pentatonic & Blues Scale – D, F, G, Ab, A, C

(See all the scales diagrammed out in the written lessons section of this series.)

Also try D Natural Minor scales, (D Aeolian) over both chords. Remember that you can think in terms of major scales if you like to look at things from that angle. F major’s relative minor is D minor. The notes of an F major scale and D minor scale are the same. So you can play F major scales but just emphasize the D notes and it will be D natural minor, D Aeolian.

D Natural Minor = D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C

F Major = F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E

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

Natural Minor, (Aeolian Mode), exudes a sad, modern, and dark 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. Natural Minor scales sound great over minor chords. And, at times, you can also use Natural Minor over all the chords in a minor key progression, more on that in the written lessons section.

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

Over both chords you can also try D Dorian, which is the same as C major. Personally I like the natural minor sound better over this track but experiment and see what sounds best to your ears – enjoy!