what key is this lick in and what....

[dwest2419]

Yes, I need to know what key is this lick in and what chords or chord could I play over it?

E------------------------------
B----------------5-4----5-4----
G-----4-5----4-5----5-2----5-2
D-6-7----6-7-------------------
A-------------------------------
E-------------------------------

[Malcolm]

Yes, I need to know what key is this lick in and what chords or chord could I play over it?

E------------------------------
B----------------5-4----5-4----
G-----4-5----4-5----5-2----5-2
D-6-7----6-7-------------------
A-------------------------------
E-------------------------------

OK let's look at the notes you have:
G#-A-B-C | G#-A-B-C | E-D#-C-B | E-D#-C-B||

• Looking for something beyond just these four measures. You can of course have a chord for each of those two phrases which may or may not fit into one key/scale.
• The key of C will get everything but the G# and D#. BTW, I like the sound of the E-D#-C-B.
• The G#-A-B-C is like a chromatic run, which I know you are working on.
• And the G# and D# are out notes, which you are also working on.
• Moving on..... with what I would do to harmonize that riff.
• OK we looked at C which is an obvious choice.
• Got to go to A before you find the G#, but, you've picked up a C# which you do not need.
• Got to go to E before you find the D#, but, now you still have the C# and gained an F#.
• So with what you have I'd harmonize it this way................

If you like the sound I'd use the C scale and let the G# lead as a passing note to the A-B-C then to the four note phrase E-D#-C-B. You have a C in each measure and one like note per measure will harmonize. Cmaj7 will give you the C & B notes for harmonization in the first run and then you gain the E for the second run.

The Cmaj7 chord (C-E-G-B) under both those runs should work. If you would lose both of the sharps you would be in pure C, but, you already understand this. If you are going out - go on out for more than just one note, see where that takes you. IMO what you now have is two phrases with one bad note in each one.

If you go out on purpose, stay out for awhile - you take us out I would hope for a reason, or for some effect - when you get that bring us back in. Think about more than just four measures. We've talked about eight measure phrases, first four asking a question and the next four answering that question. Perhaps four measures in and then four measures out. Little more work on going out........... you are making progress, keep experimenting.

I gave G#/Ab a try, but, moved on. The above outlines the steps I use when finding chords for riffs. I don't work in minors that much perhaps the other guys may see something I've missed.