Playing Lead Question

alfonso 3/21/2005 2:50 PM
The key of G Major lays out well on the neck. So, in the key G Major, the notes are G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G. Each mode then begins on one of these notes, ok here's the question. When I'm playing a song like "Autumn Leaves" which begins with Am7 D7 GM7 CM7, this is the scale I play Gmaj., I do change at the bridge to a Dminor pentatonic. As I am a beginner in playing jazz lead guitar I'd like to hear some different views on what scales are played by others... And Don, give me some pointers when you get the time.

Don Mock 3/24/2005 12:26 PM
OK Fretbaord, here we go.....Autumn Leaves is a great tune to work on to get down the fundamentals of playing jazz. I saw Mike Stern do a clinic last year, and he spent the entire time demonstrating ideas over Autumn Leaves. It's a great progression because it is split into major and minor key centers. You are correct about the first part being in the key of G major. But when the tune shifts to F#min7b5 - B7, you are now in the key of E minor. However, this is still the same key, as G major and E (natural) minor are the same. You can still play the G major over the minor section, but one scale that really works well during the F#min7b5 - B7 is E harmonic minor. This scale does a great job of creating extra tension over the B7 (b9 and #5) and sets up a strong resolution to Em. But remember, only play the E harmonic minor during the F#min7b5 - B7, and NOT over the Em7. Go back to G major (E minor) for the Em7. Hope this helps - Don Mock