Lead Patterns With Major Scales and Modes

Lead Patterns With Major Scales and Modes

In Chapter 6 of Fretboard Theory Volume II I showed you how to narrowed your focus down from pentatonic scales that cover the complete neck to smaller sections like the lead patterns and riff boxes that many players commonly use. In Fretboard Theory Volume II Chapter 7 I will show you how to use these same patterns for major scales, minor scales, and modes. I will also cover a little theory on how the pentatonic scale relates to these other scales. But first, let’s figure out which pentatonic scales will work with what major scales and modes.

You can think of a major pentatonic scale as a mini version of a major scale. Let’s look at C major pentatonic. Its notes are C-D-E-G-A. The complete C major scale is C-D-E-F-G-A-B. We can see that the C pentatonic scale is contained within the major one. Similarly, we can find this pentatonic scale in any of the major modes with the same tonic: C Lydian is C-D-E-F♯-G-A-B and C Mixolydian is C-D-E-F-G-A-Bb. Below shows the different C major-type scales along with the pentatonic for a more visual comparison:

• C major: C D E F G A B
• C Lydian: C D E F♯ G A B
• C Mixolydian: C D E F G A Bb
• C major pentatonic: C D E G A

We can clearly see from the the previous scale list that it is actually the C major pentatonic scale that is common to all three major modes, something that we will take advantage of in Chapter 7. The same property can be seen when we compare the minor pentatonic scale to the different minor modes.

In This Chapter:

1. Using lead patterns, major scales and modes
2. Comparing parallel scales and modes
3. Playing in thirds and sixths

Fretboard Theory Volume II

Fretboard Theory Volume II picks up where the first book leaves off and takes your guitar playing and musical knowledge to a whole new level. You learn new musical concepts and explore advanced applications. There is information for rhythm guitarists, lead guitarists, improvisers and composers. Each chapter focuses on applications found in popular music and includes familiar song references.

Take Your Guitar Playing to the Next Level!

• Gain new perspective on keys and tonalities
• Apply new number systems
• Bring dominant function and voice leading into play
• Change keys, borrow chords and mix modes
• Employ chromatic passing, diminished and augmented chords
• Use the lead patterns preferred by the pros
• Target chord tones and outline chord progressions
• Discover the harmonic minor scale
• Play pedal point and pedal tones

Discover the Secrets to Guitar Songs By:

Led Zeppelin
Eric Clapton
The Beatles
Santana
The Eagles
Grateful Dead
The Rolling Stones
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Guns N” Roses
Fleetwood Mac
Tom Petty
Jimi Hendrix
Van Morrison
Allman Brothers Band
U2 and many more!

To learn more about music, including scales, chords, progressions, modes and more, see the Fretboard Theory page.