Linear Solo Concepts Using Triads From The Major Modes Introduction The Linear solo concepts are a system devised to enable you to solo in a more focused melodic manner through a non-related chord progression. These lessons will take you through a series of non-related chord progressions devised from the major modes. What I mean by a non-related chord progression from the major modes is that you take a chord related to that particular key, for example, the II-7 chord in the key of C Major is a D-7 and add it to another chord or series of chords related to other keys. If all the chords in your progression are all related to the same key then you would play by simply choosing one scale or key. This system will help you change keys or scales without jumping around. There are 2 parts to these Lessons. Part 1 Once you have your chord progression in place I want you to play an ascending diatonic triad followed by a descending diatonic triad over the chord in question using triads pertaining to that particular key center (Mode). For example, if you were writing or playing an ascending/descending triad sequence over a D-7 chord all the diatonic triads found within the key of C major would be available to us. Once you reach the point of chord change simply change the current key center or mode to the new key center related to that particular chord in question. Your fist note in the new scale should be the next note available to your last note in the previous scale. The note will either be a half step or a whole step away.

 

When writing out the sequential diatonic triads you can change direction at any point in time. Once you have finished writing out your sequential diatonic triads through these set of changes continue the idea by improvising. Part 2 For part 2 of this lesson I want you to turn the sequential diatonic triads pattern into a free solo improvisation using both triads and related scale fragments. I want you to stick closely to the original concept, which is playing through the chord changes without jumping around the fingerboard.