Progressive Rock Guitar Lessons

This track is loosely reminiscent of prog rock artists such as Kings X, Dream Theater, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Jimmy often uses this track in his advanced guitar lessons to help his students build great chops and soloing techniques. A guitar track like this is not only fun to play with, but also illustrates some advanced lessons concepts such as parallel scales, pitch axis theory, and advanced modal visualization. The first section illustrates the parallel scales concept with the axis of pitch centered upon A. Over the first three chords [A, G, F#min] the A mixolydian scale is the scale of choice.

The fourth chord in the progression [Fmaj] is clearly out of key. It is useful to think of it as a “borrowed” chord from the key of A natural minor (A Aeolian). Thus the progression in the first section cycles between A mixolydian and A Aeolian. this requires a high level of scalar visualization to superimpose these two scales over one another and make things sound musical and in guitar lessons, Jimmy walks students through the various techniques and workouts that develop these skills.

The section section is a two chord vamp [Fmaj, Gmaj]. The Aminor scale patterns continue to work here as the scale of choice, however it should be pointed out that the progression pulls strongly to the F Lydian mode. Technically speaking, over the Gmaj, you are in G Mixolydian, however for most purposes the section would be said to be in F Lydian as realistically, the first chord in the progression generally sets up the perceived modality. There are exceptions to everything of course and modal theory is one of the most difficult subjects to teach. However at Guitar Lessons Atlanta, Cypher has developed a method to get you through it with minimal mind bending torture.

Enjoy!