Music theory and applying it to guitar

[Matt Wildman]

So I’m reading a lot of different forums on theory and everything and I’m starting to realize how uneducated I am when it comes to applying actual music theory to guitar. I mean I used to play trumpet in my band at school and I already know a little bit of theory when it comes to trumpet. But I feel like I know nothing much when it comes to guitar. And I want to dive more into that. Don’t get me wrong I know the names of my chords and stuff but when it comes to lead I know that I’m basically playing patterns and I need to learn more about what things are called and everything if you will. I’ve decided to just start at the beginning of the lessons and go through them one by one. Any other suggestions for me?

 

[idssdi]

I Would say for lead try to know which notes make up the chords and which color tones would work over that chord. Also try to understand arpeggios you can almost kill 2 birds with one stone aince arpeggios are basically broken chords so you need to knownthe notes that make up chords.
I would really advice to know this stuff it helps you build melodies and helps with picking notes without using patterns all the time.
Another thing is the modes. Which nodes work over which chord. You can do pretty interesting stuff with some modal changing over each chord and stuff.
I hope this helps
If you need more help you can always just ask!

 

[Ed Seith]

Consider yourself lucky. I’ve been playing since 1984, and I’m just starting to get more into understanding that and incorporate it into my playing.

 

[Matt Wildman]

I’ll look into that stuff Ids thanks!

 

[Josh Wright]

There is a book called guitar scales in context, it has helped me so much with lead.

 

[Calvin Phillips]

yeah I wrote down all the scales or most of them, i’m not finished either. Guess I should write down the modes now too lol