6 Ways To Solo Over 4 "Simple" Chords [Dorian + Minor Modal Mixture]

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This lesson explores modal interchange AKA modal mixture between Dorian and Minor. Specifically with the tonal center of E. The four chords we are working with are Em - G - A and C, and these do not fit conveniently into a single mode of major. Therefore switching between scales is a valid and helpful approach to writing melodies or leads over these chords.
We explore several different varieties of scale-blending, arpeggios, and voice leading to discover new ways to solo over a set of chords without just repeating the same licks over and over.
If you’re interested in recording/production, you can watch my 1 hour tutorial on how I mixed and made the backing track for this video: • Producing Rock in Able...
If you’re confused about this lesson I recommend you watch the following videos:
Minor Scale: • How to write Chords an...
Dorian Scale: • Writing Powerful Doria...
Modal Mixture: • Using Modal Mixture fo...
Arpeggio Basics: • Getting Started with A...
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Table of Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:45 Method #1: Pentatonic Minor Scale
02:11 Method #2: Using the Minor Scale While Borrowing from Dorian
04:10 Method #3: Pentatonic Minor + Natural Sixth
05:19 Method #4: Using the Dorian Scale While Borrowing From Minor
06:41 Method #5: Using Arpeggios
09:19 Method #6.1: Finding and Highlighting Harmonic Movement
10:45 Method #6.1: Using Harmonic Movement Inside Licks and Phrases
11:59 Wrap-Up

[@velvetsteele]

Jake, I have to say that your channel is really one of the most informative, organized, easy to use and well produced collection of guitar instruction videos anywhere, on KZbin or elsewhere.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

very kind of you to say that, thank you!

[@velvetsteele]

Signals Music Studio 👍 Thank you!

[@BlaziNTrades]

I couldn't agree more.

[@Bradovski]

I thought only patrons got replies from Jake? ;-)

[@vadeguay]

Indeed it is!

[@queenpurple8433]

I’m surprised Jake doesn’t teach at the most prestigious music universities... wait w minute, actually I’m not. Those universities don’t deserve him hahaha he’s too good. And the fact that he makes it so quick and it’s free Is incredible

[@giovannielixir]

Pentatonic minor is the guitarist answer to most life problems.

[@phucyu8428]

It's like duct tape or super glue. It fixes just about everything.

[@Shayne_Mushin]

There r other possibilities, even if u can’t see them

[@Shayne_Mushin]

@@phucyu8428no. It ain’t. We’re talking about art, here

[@aaronblank2318]

@@Shayne_Mushin Learning scales is not art. That comes when you apply what you've learned.

[@slash196]

E-Kinda-Dorian is my new favorite mode.

[@NoHealerJustPain]

My first thought was "There is a house in New Orleans..." 😁

[@Spear_of_the_Raven_Ash]

So I wasn't far off?!

[@ChintanCG]

same

[@DMSProduktions]

You mean For Your Love!

[@geronimodiaz2310]

The same

[@stephanlappas4143]

And when he started soloing in Dorian it sounded like every Ghost solo

[@HectorSuxxx69]

This is the kind of stuff I’ve been looking for! People often say “you don’t need theory, just play with feel” which I agree with. However.....knowing why and where ideas work is interesting and helps you reach that “feel” faster. Thank you!

[@sureimhappy]

As a guitar player who mostly uses feel to get me through making my own music, there are times when I get stuck on where to go next and having some theory knowledge helps me get unstuck, but I always go with feel

[@mayday777]

1:33 you know a solo is gonna be fire when it starts like that

[@mayday777]

Also that Dorian pentatonic and the very specific one in E,was used in a Radiohead song,I think lucky

[@FunkadelicPancho]

This needs to be a series

[@smitty78787878]

Pianist here. You are by far one of the best teachers I've found on the tube. Thank you for doing these.

[@henrique88t]

Boy, his lessons are always a treat! Whenever he uploads anything, I almost always apply it immediately to something I'm doing.

[@yeesenchai]

Holy shit, this video is a wealth of knowledge for lead players.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

My G arpeggio suddenly shrunk up at 7:25, how embarassing

[@coa96vb]

Sudden shrinkage happens to everyone, don't worry! Jk, keep on rockin' Jake, awesome lesson

[@5966ramesh]

Not to worry. This video is very useful. I am going to compose using this chord progression. Thank you.

[@educostanzo]

Gosh, I'm always embarassed when my arpeggios shrink too, don't worry.

[@thedude110]

I've already called the police. People like you should go to jail forever

[@faselblaDer3te]

It's ok, it's just the cold water.

[@TheIst0NE]

This is brilliant. This video is brilliant, omg, I can't stress this enough... I, as a hobby musician without formal prior education, found so many answers and new links between topics with this video. This material is gold, I've watched this a couple of times already, and even the way you shed light on these solutions is satisfying to watch and listen to. Thank you so much for these videos, you explain topics in a wonderfully clear way! I dare to say that you are one of the best music teachers on KZbin, and definitely >the< best music theory teacher for guitarists.

[@x2mars]

I used to think musical ability was some kind of magical gift 🎁 . Thank you sir for showing me some great stuff

[@ravitejamedapureddy]

Ever since I started watching your channel, Ive realised my mistake for not taking music theory seriously for years. Thank you Jake. Love from India. You are the best. 😊😊

[@nsp477]

As somebody with no formal music theory education at all, I have to tip my hat at your ability to convey this knowledge in a way that is accessible and easy to understand.

[@glennw9927]

Just found this channel. Learned more watching this than 5 years of noodling on my own. Thank you.

[@uphoriacerise2731]

Im glad I found this channel, couldn't believe I've produced my first song.Thanks a lot Jake 😁😁

[@smaklilu90]

I like his teaching style... on point and gets to the meat as soon as possible without fuss. Unlike other tutorials that spend 7 min explaining what major scale is in a 10 min tutorial that is supposed to teach something cool lol.

[@SteffenThole]

I just can't believe how I never thought of method #4. Such a simple thought, such a bright, kinda sour sound, softened up by that C chord.

[@baldbearded9601]

I keep forgetting how much I love your lessons and the way you break down your theory in a clear but also very detailed way. You really are an amazing teacher and I have to watch more of your stuff. Thanks man 👌

[@matthewward5813]

As a musician of 37 years (Got my first guitar at the age of 13) I can tell you from watching countless channels on youtube, You have a way and a flow of teaching that is bar none one of the if not the best channel for learning beginning and intermediate music theory from a guitarists perspective. I love the channel and content. Keep on Rockin' my friend...

[@mykhedelic6471]

As much as my life has been eaten up by my KZbin addiction-- I will always be sure to watch Jake's videos. Plenty of new ideas and great consolidations of disparate old knowledge. Keeping it all circulating and fresh, the thought process practically applied with the healthy theory roughage.

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KZbin addiction, yep that's a thing.

[@sneezyIce]

I really don't understand why you don't have a lot more subscribers! Been subscribed a long time, and it's incredible how you are able to explain music theory in such a comprehensive way! So thank you, I learn alot from your channel!

[@anniecharbonneau4614]

What a great lesson! Do the same thing with Phrygian and Phrygian Dominant! One note makes all the difference

[@shivenchabria6514]

Fantastic lesson. I had intuited some of this myself, but it is very useful to hear you put everything together in a systematic and well-organized music theory framework. Your channel is on my top five list.

[@anthonymitchellalice]

I get such a lot from these videos. Thank you.

[@timrunion]

This makes me want to play again.

[@oscarwagner8263]

Do it!

[@1997Bobson]

Don't waste ur time and go right the fuck now to play some 035 maaaan

[@DavisidMatius]

May Inspiration be by your side 😎😎😎

[@Dave-ey3nd]

Thats the most awesome comment ive ever seen !! Play man play !!

[@user-to8tg1ly3r]

Man, your channel is a beast! And you explain everything in a perfect way! Bravo!

[@sergrito]

Love it, it´s simple, and yet, beatiful.

[@felixplaza823]

Excellent lesson as always! Thanks!

[@debasishdutta8352]

Jake really is the proof that great player doesn't necessarily mean great teacher. The ideas, concepts he gives out and in turn teaches, and that too freely to us ametures, really hats off man. So complex concepts but so easily explained practically! Any adjective would be an understatement!!!

[@Starbellyanimation]

You are great at what you do! Thank You!!

[@aptelbruno8316]

Clear, complete, detailed, pleasant - Thank you Jake.

[@justincase2600]

Jake always comes up with great ideas to look at common passages differently.

[@pablovasquez2166]

thanks for your lessons Jake.

[@gonzalosurvideos]

Bravo!!! Excelent video Jake!!!

[@jacksolomon451]

6.1 and 6.2 were solid gold, awesome tonal ideas there!

[@MrBriang1]

As always, great video Jake!!

[@5jkimmels]

Great, mind-opening lesson. THANKS!!!

[@tomchen7000]

very good lesson。Thank you so much

[@timwhite794]

Thanks. You’ve opened worlds of ideas

[@EclecticEssentric]

Always awesome! Thanks to Jake and the Patreons!

[@SoleaGalilei]

I love this channel. So much information, so clearly explained, no filler.

[@ALSchmiiProductions]

This is an excellent video. Thank you for making it. I had been working with my guitar instructor (Pre-Covid) about these exact things.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Must admit to these being my favourite guitar tutorials. Thank you.

[@SuvradipDasPhotographyOfficial]

If there is any channel on KZbin that really provides good music ideas then it's your channel. I'm proud to be your subscriber, sooner I'll be a patreon too. Keep the good work Jake sir.

[@jcugnoni]

This is just a gold mine! So clear and well demonstrated. Your are amazing ! Thanks.

[@ckannan90]

One of your best videos yet. All the individual lessons you’ve taught about modes etc are stacking up to super practical application

[@keithagnew5934]

Thankyou Jake. Top work as usual.

[@nelsonkerr1119]

Solid information - nice posting. Super useful.

[@noelmckinney9559]

Excellent, as always, thank you 😊

[@angellolopezaguayo]

Jake, you rock, amigo! Always excelent and really useful content. Gracias!

[@mvansome]

That descending arpeggio really made sense to me in terms of something I have heard countless times in solos but never really knew the mechanics of it. It finally made sense thanks to you simple explanation!! Thanks

[@bm8584]

Thanks for this wonderful lesson. Very useful!

[@ckjjclan]

Thank you Patreon peeps! This was AWESOME! Great video!

[@spiderjuice9874]

You have the gift of being a good educator

[@MrTheHeriyo]

Thanks for your videos man, they help a lot

[@CAJO008]

Great lesson, I am allways learning new approaches with you

[@joshuasydnee]

Another great lesson, you’re up there Jake with the best on the channel. I’ve got loads out of you lessons cheers 👍🎸

[@e2jw]

BRILLIANT!!! Thank you VERY much for this!!!

[@phitoman6964]

My favorite channel by far!

[@ArthurMaximilliano]

Jake! You're the man Incredible way to teach Love your videos

[@FabulousPiano]

fantastic lesson, thank you

[@sinkler123]

your videos Sir, are absolutely the best available of their kind. Thank you so much for sharing these with the public !

[@shafayetali3440]

You are the best guitar teacher i have seen so far

[@rjbeckham4786]

Outstanding bro....lots of thanks

[@greenatom]

Great as always! "For Your Love" by The Yardbirds immediately sprang to mind.

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Jake always be talking like you know exactly what he's talking about

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Jake, you're such an astute musician. Dig it!

[@syahrofidarham1495]

this video reallyy helps me alot. as always, thanks jake !

[@dip2109]

One of the best lessons of 2k20... Making this year a bit good. Thanks man ♥️... Love your lessons

[@fredcruz3343]

Very clear explanation Master👍🏻

[@rubeno1941]

Thank you so much, sir. Absolutely amazing, helpful, musical! I am learning so much from you!

[@nvantas]

Mind absolutely blown, I have so many more ideas now. Thank you Jake!

[@charlieruisseau2476]

your improv is exactly what I'd like to be able to sound like, it is ... good. like, woah good, exquisitely good!

[@lazaroreyes6732]

Hi Jack, thanks for this video, it is very usefull

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Really great teaching here, Jake!

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Thanks teacher I am finding my way heartily I 🙏 your good teaching. 💖

[@Vassilis61]

One of the best lessons...

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I love your channel, and I share it with all of my musician friends!

[@geronimodiaz2310]

Thanks My Man You are the Best teaching for guitar playing.

[@rpmusic22]

Thanks Jake, you are a great master!! Now I can see all the resources I have when I play a guitar solo over that chords progression!!

[@petecanthropus9947]

Good ideas ... and you also show a very good taste in your solos, they sound very "musical" despite being just examples.

[@MrPrincebass99]

Hey, that's cool, Jake. Great lesson. You make this stuff so simple!

[@pacojazztorius]

Another great post! Thanks!

[@brianhanington470]

When you got to the chromatic descent near the end, I heard Knopfler winding out in Telegraph Road as clear as a bell. What a delight to be studying theory (at your feet) and then have the epiphany that one of my favourite songs used a specific technique at a specific point. And now I can do the same in my own compositions. As always, thank you, Maestro.

[@tooofart]

Been watching many of your videos.. The content and presentation are awesome. You're an amazing teacher.

[@mikeivey8471]

Great & helpful information !! Thank you !!

[@rajanvijayudu1337]

Very informative and useful stuff sir

[@dougshankle7946]

Very helpful lesson!

[@travisschecter2022]

thx you for your videos, you're a really good composer

[@franknguitars7671]

Another outstanding lesson - You are a great teacher sir! Everything is easy and accessible and logical. Yet you don‘t oversimplify and you don‘t ramble - well done! The recorded tracks sounded excellent too.

[@globaltrekkerexplorer]

Great musicianship! Soloing over chords is an excellent video topic! You Rock 👊

[@duality4y]

i have been playing with a similiar idea but different chords. your video gives me plenty new ideas!

[@2Late4U2Run]

this video is excellent as usual, thanks you very much, i'm learning EACH TIME you post a new video! good job!

[@FactsPolice]

You know what man I really love you and your videos

[@5966ramesh]

Great Video. Thank you for the insights

[@devapriyaacharya4691]

Probably the most important lesson in solo making. Excellent breakdown. I just wonder how come this lesson has been posted so late. Thanks Jake.

[@jozsefvilmann9017]

Thank you very much-József Vilmann from Hungary !!!!!!!