Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question...

Q: One of my Dad's old theory books has a section on using superimposed scales to achieve polytonality. I don't get this stuff at all. The books short chapter makes pretty well zero sense to me. Could you perhaps make a video lesson that covers both the theory, and what it sounds like to play scales using them with the polytonality approach? Thanks Andrew.
Randall - Idaho Falls, ID. USA


A: Most of the time when we hear scales played with other simultaneous scale tones there's only one scale and we operate within the tones of the prescribed scale. With the superimposed procedure, we actually have two independent scales running together. Which can create sometimes nice combinations. And, sometimes rather odd dissonant sounding tonal combinations. It's important to take your time selecting pitches. And, keep in mind that just because an ascending combination worked well, it doesn't mean that a descending combination of the same scales will also sound good. Listen closely, arrange with care, and of course have fun with this.