Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question:

Q: Can you explain how to use different scales in Blues progressions. I was on a guitar discussion forum where they were posting about playing major and minor pentatonic and even modes on blues progressions. But, I dont quite understand is how this works. I was taught that on blues progressions you are supposed to use the blues scale. I dont really grasp the modes yet, but my pentatonics are pretty good. Im curious about what other blues sounds I might be missing! I love blues guitar.
- Charlotte, Wales UK.

A: The Major and Minor pentatonic scales can be interchanged to offer a fantastic blend of major and minor thirds as well as color from the major 6th and minor 7th. In the video lesson we will examine how to do this and learn a series of guitar licks that demonstrate the ideas.

The complete lesson article for this video, is available on the Creative Guitar Studio website.

Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question:

Q: I have subscribed to your channel and watched a lot of your videos. My background is limited in theory, but Ive learnt enough theory to have questions. I will limit them to the following it would be great if you could answer them. They are

#1). Are there different rules for Harmonic Analysis? I have noticed that you always write all of the roman numerals as upper case. I see other teachers write minor chords as lowercase and major chords as upper-case. Can you please clarify this.

#2). I can hear major keys just fine in music, but I have difficulty understanding how to hear and know if a song is in a minor key. Are there any basic rules for understanding when songs are in minor keys?
- Thanks, Wayne Calgary, AB.

A: Thanks for writing in! The harmonic analysis may vary depending upon where you went to school. Berklee, Musicians Institute and University Programs, Departments and Professors/Instructors can and will teach differently. In the video lesson I cover the most popular types.

When it comes to Minor Key Theory, it is important to know what establishes a tonality of minor. A large part of this theory in Minor has to do with the Harmonic Minor Scale. In the video lesson I cover important principles of Minor Key resolve.

The complete lesson article for this video, is available on the Creative Guitar Studio website.

Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question:

Q: Can you make a video that goes over the concept of playing both major and relative minor scales over the same progression. For example; If there was a chord progression that went: Fmi Bbmi Db Eb could you demonstrate playing over it in two ways. Once resolving into the Major key of Ab Major and then doing it again but playing into the relative Minor, F Minor. Joe Satriani seems to have amazing control over this kind of thing and Id like to know more about it. I find it very difficult to do.
- Douglas - Seattle, WA.

A: Shifting from one tonality to another requires a solid understanding of targeting specific notes and using arpeggios to bring out the two sides of the key's color. In the video lesson I cover how players can target into the tonal center pitches of "F" for Minor Key sound and "Ab" for Major Key sound.

The complete lesson article for this video, (along with a PowerTab chart of the chord changes plus an MP3 audio jam track of the progression heard during the video), is available on the Creative Guitar Studio website.

Q: I watched your country guitar seminar video on YouTube and was wondering if you could do more of a beginners level video all about playing basic country bluegrass strumming. I just seem to only strum guitar with one or two basic strum patterns and could really use something fresh in my playing.
- Thanks, Jake - New Albany, IN.

A: Basic beginner level strumming is a great way to develop the popular open position chords on guitar. And, the country/bluegrass style works fantastic to help players achieve this. I've composed a very straight-forward piece in a simple country rhythm style. Hopefully it will help you learn a few new techniques to use in your own playing!

The complete lesson article for this video, (along with a PowerTab chart of the chord changes plus a FREE MP3 audio play-along track of the progression heard at the start of the video), is available on the Creative Guitar Studio website.

Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question:

Q: I have been searching for a good lesson about a concept called "Pitch Axis Theory", but I cannot find one that explains how to use it. Most of the stuff Ive found just goes on about Modes, but doesnt really cover how the shredder guys and the fusion guys actually use this concept musically. Can you please do a lesson about this topic, I really want to know more about it!
- Thanks, Joey - New York, NY.

A: Thanks for writing in! Pitch Axis Theory is essentially playing modal. There is a bass pitch which remains static and under that pitch we can perform scales of different types. There can even be another layer of harmony present under the bass pitch. This can influence scale types that can be used to create melody.

The complete lesson article for this video, (along with an MP3 audio jam track of the progression heard at the start of the video), is available on the Creative Guitar Studio lessons website.

Q: I was wondering if you can cover the sounds of Mixolydian as its used in Rock styles. I like the way bands like Guns N' Roses and Skid Row use this mode to make their music. But, I dont understand how to write chord progressions using this mode applied to a style like classic rock.

Thank you
Thomas, Germany

Thanks for writing in! There is a unique sound in classic rock played by artists like Neil Young, Guns N' Roses and many others that uses the Mixolydian mode. In the video lesson I will cover two popular chords that when used in major progressions will give you the sound you are after.

The complete lesson article for this video, (along with an MP3 audio jam track of the progression heard at the start of the video), is available on the Creative Guitar Studio website.

Q: I am a new subscriber and your lessons are helping me a lot... I cannot thank you enough!

My question is, Can you please cover the Harmonic Minor Scale. I keep hearing about how it is so widely used but after playing it, I cannot seem to get it to sound good over anything. I mostly would like to know where and when I am supposed to be using it. My favorite style of music is the contemporary jazz style. I purchased your album off of your web site and I'm sure that I hear you use it in your music. By the way I love your album. Hope you make another one soon.

Thanks,
Zack Paris, France
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THE HARMONIC MINOR SCALE:
This scale is a form of Minor which contains a raised seventh degree. The raised seventh offers a leading tone for strong resolution toward the scales tonic. This makes resolutions occur with far greater pull than is possible with the Natural Minor scale. It is often used in shred guitar music by players like Vai and Malmsteen.

The video explains the scales' basic structure and design. Viewers are shown two fingerboard patterns off of the sixth and fifth strings. Then, there is a thorough explanation of the harmony and how chords can be used in progressions to utilize the sound of Harmonic Minor scale.

The complete lesson article for this video, (along with an MP3 audio jam track of the progression heard at the start of the video), is available on the Creative Guitar Studio website.

Watch the "Chord Families Video Lesson" that was mentioned during the video.