Skip to main content Skip to navigation Skip to search
  • Lessons
  • Articles

Guitar Tutorial

Tackling Major/Minor Modes

Instructor: Al Joseph
Topic: Scales
Style: Rock
Begin Tutorial
  • Instructor: Al Joseph Level: Intermediate Topic: Scales Style: Rock

    Excerpt: Today, I've written 3 lines for you in Eminor/Gmajor. I don't play or think in terms of "Aeolian" or minor mode that much actually. I tend to hear the relative major mode. For instance, in this case we are in Eminor. I will hear the Eminor pentatonic clearly but when it comes to expanding my vocabulary I tend to listen for major triadic ideas. In other word...

    Media Length: 0:55

  • Instructor: Al Joseph Level: Intermediate Topic: Scales Style: Rock

    Excerpt: Lick #1 starts off with an A minor/C major triad idea moving to a Gmajor triad and ending with a D major triad. Very simple and straight forward. Remember we're exploring ideas for writing solos and lines so take note of the finger positions I'm using!

    Media Length: 0:42

  • Instructor: Al Joseph Level: Intermediate Topic: Scales Style: Rock

    Excerpt: Lick #2 starts also off with an A minor/C major triad idea moving to a Gmajor triad and ending with a D major triad as well. Once you have it down let's move on to Lick #3!

    Media Length: 0:44

  • Instructor: Al Joseph Level: Intermediate Topic: Scales Style: Rock

    Excerpt: Lick #3 starts off using an E minor/G major triad and ending with an E minor Pentatonic line. I hope this was helpful for you! Make sure to review my Root Connection Study from last month's Tutorial of Lydian. You'll not only learn really cool lines, but you'll learn a sure-fire way of visualizing your modes in a seamless manner throughout the fretboard! T...

    Media Length: 1:32

  • Instructor: Al Joseph Level: Intermediate Topic: Scales Style: Rock

    Excerpt: Here's the backing track. Have fun and practice hard! All 3 licks are tabbed out below.

    Media Length: 2:05

  • Instructor: Al Joseph Level: Intermediate Topic: Scales Style: Rock

    Excerpt: Here's the backing slowed down.

    Media Length: 2:22