lesson
Changing Keys
The first rhythm track we used was in the key of A. At its current location, Pattern #1 contains only the notes found in the major scale for the key of A. Obviously, not all music is in the key of A. So in order to play in other keys, you simply move the pattern up the fretboard until it fits the key of the music playing. Here is where our old friend the chromatic scale comes in. Since the first pattern is in the key of A starting at the 2nd fret of the sixth string:
Pattern #1 - Key of A
If you move the pattern up one fret (one half step) it will be in the key of A Sharp or B Flat (all the notes were raised one half step):
If you move the pattern up another fret, it will be in the key of B.
Similar to the way barre chord shapes can be moved to create new chords, the major scale pattern can be moved so it will work in any key. Just follow the chromatic scale. Here is a diagram of what key pattern #1will be in at each fret (starting on the 6th string.)
The diagram shows pattern #1 beginning at the 2nd fret (key of A.) You need to move the pattern to the appropriate fret to play in other keys (5th fret for the key of C, 7th fret for the key of D, etc.)
Improvising In D
Let’s try some lead guitar in the key of D. Looking at the previous diagram, you will see you need to start the pattern at the 7th fret to play in the key of D. Here is a rhythm track for the key of D.
You can play along with this mp3 file of Rhythm Track: Key of D
Hopefully you have pattern #1 memorized by now. Here is how it looks at the 7th fret. Try improvising using pattern #1 at the 7th fret without looking at the book.
links
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Lead Guitar 3
- Key Notes
