Alternative approach - power chords

[Apple-Joe]

Maybe a dim thread title, maybe posted in the wrong forum. Anyway, my aim is that as many as possible read this, and thus increasing the probability for an answer.

You have probably listened to many hard rock songs, in which the progression goes:

E5 - D5

E5 - G5 - D5

... And so on. Also, in such songs, the Aeolian mode will be the chosen mode for melodic phrasing/soloing 8 out of 9 times. Don't you agree? Maybe 7 out of 9, but I doubt it.

I've thought about this lately, and that's why I ask:

Does anyone know of a specific song, or maybe a band who has an alternative approach to such progressions? This means, if the progression is: E5 - D5, the solo/melody is NOT based on the E minor scale.

The notes used in the mentioned progression are: E-A-B-D. So, if I'm not wrong, our possibillities for a scale choice is really (believe it or not):

E minor ('the standard choice')
E Phrygian
E Dorian
E Mixolydian
E Phrygian Dominant

There you go. So the alternatives are sometimes greater than we tend to realize. This is indeed true in my case. It's about time to change that.

Anyone who's got any inputs? Or even better: Suggestions on artists who explore what I have been writing about in this post?

[borge]

what about minor and major pentatonic or the blues scales?
theyre basic progressions, sometimes a 7 note scales can be a bit much.
check out some acdc for some wicked bluesy pentatonics over very simple progressions, angus youngs phrasing and vibrato are killer.

[Apple-Joe]

what about minor and major pentatonic or the blues scales?
theyre basic progressions, sometimes a 7 note scales can be a bit much.
check out some acdc for some wicked bluesy pentatonics over very simple progressions, angus youngs phrasing and vibrato are killer.

Yes, that would also work, but then again, it's very common. The reason I asked the question was to get suggestions on bands who treat progressions slightly different.

Anyway, I didn't think of the pentatonics as I wrote, and when I think about it, I really have to practice the MAJOR pentatonic!

I appreciate the reply - keep them coming!

[GuitarLausing]

My yakkety cents=

practice playing things that sounds good in the scale. Come up with original licks, play around with timing and intervals.

[borge]

Yes, that would also work, but then again, it's very common. The reason I asked the question was to get suggestions on bands who treat progressions slightly different.

Anyway, I didn't think of the pentatonics as I wrote, and when I think about it, I really have to practice the MAJOR pentatonic!

I appreciate the reply - keep them coming!
and theres a very good reason for that;)
but really, who cares what scale you use as long as it sounds good.
you could play an awesome solo using a lick from every scale you listed or an equally good one using just pentatonics, it really doesnt matter what scale/s you use its how you use it.

[Lynxo]

You know, I like the idea of using something that everbody doesn't. Nothing wrong with being different, in fact I think it's a good thing.

[Apple-Joe]

and theres a very good reason for that;)
but really, who cares what scale you use as long as it sounds good.
you could play an awesome solo using a lick from every scale you listed or an equally good one using just pentatonics, it really doesnt matter what scale/s you use its how you use it.

Well, yes, but my point is still that I want an alternative approach - no matter if that alternative approach is extremely unpopular, or how ever one might describe it.

And as we're on it; it's a good reason for it, you said. Now, is it? How come it developed this way? The major and minor scale as the "main" bases. Who "decided" this? What is it about these scales which is so extremely satisfying compared to the Phrygian mode or the Mixolydian mode? Maybe it's not a very good reason after all - maybe it is quite random, but made traditional.

I almost lost it there. Back to the main topic. Yes, good solos could be played using all of the scales I mentioned... So COME ON and give me examples on bands who do this! I'd be glad for concrete song examples.

EDIT: Lynxo: The 'facts' that "everybody use it" or "just for being different" in themselves aren''t good reasons for using something different. However, as "everybody" use A, maybe there is just as much to discover 'in' B.

[GuitarLausing]

Well listen to some Frank Zappa solos then. He also uses the pentatonic mode (with a few odd tones here and there) but still produces original and out-of-the-ordinary licks and solos. Check it out

[Apple-Joe]

Well listen to some Frank Zappa solos then. He also uses the pentatonic mode (with a few odd tones here and there) but still produces original and out-of-the-ordinary licks and solos. Check it out

Strange thing you suggested that today. Exactly the day I actually bought a Zappa DVD. Great.

[GuitarLausing]

Beware, for i am psychic.

The elder rose up and ...stretched out his hands. His fingers became like ten lamps ablaze.... He said: "Why not be totally changed into fire?"


(custom avatar for the guy that guesses where that second line comes from)

[Lynxo]

Hey, can anyone recommend a good Zappa album for one who hasn't heard him at all before? Of course, I've heard of him, though...:D

[gersdal]

Hey, can anyone recommend a good Zappa album for one who hasn't heard him at all before? Of course, I've heard of him, though...:D
Hmmm, I liked "Joe's Garage" a lot in the 80'ties, but I guess I'd prefer the mothers of invention records now. There's a Mothers of invention live in New York record from the 70'ties with George Duke on keyboard that is really great. They are doing all the impossible playing live... amazing.

[GuitarLausing]

The album "cheap thrills" pretty much got me into Zappa