Figuring out a scale in a solo

[heretogetlaid]

.... how do you do it?

 

I'm looking at the domination solo (pantera) and I can see it starts in e phrygian, but there are so many chromatic notes it seems, have I got it wrong, does it change... and if not.. how the hell do you decide to use all those chromatic notes?

[dsimon665]

I don't have an answer on how to decide which notes to use, but here are some thoughts on the first few measures of the solo...

I have read interviews with Dimebag and he has stated that some of the runs he does are based on symetrical patterns - not necessarily scales. Basically, if it sounds good then its good. It is possible to analyze what is going on in theory, but its also good to think about what is actually going on inside the head of the person you are transcribing...and to also listen to your own ear to explain what is going on.

In this solo, the first four measures have a minor second with a major third and each two bar phrase ends on a major seventh. The minor second and major third is a "phrygian dominant" sound and the major seventh at the end could be viewed as harmonic minor (there probably is a name for phrygian dominant with a major seventh but I don't know it). It is not as complicated as it is in writing - the major third is one fret above the 3rd note of the phrygian scale. The major seventh is one fret below the root of the scale. Its basically a minor tonality and he's using alterations to give it an exotic sound.

Chromatic notes can be used as passing tones, but in this solo I wouldn't classify all of them as passing tones. To me "passing tones" are notes that are rhythmicaly pleasing and do not sound out of place. Dimebag is using some of the chromatic notes in measure 5 and 6 to give a disjointed sound to the solo. The run itself is mostly the half-whole scale. This scale can sound like whole tone or diminished depending on which notes are used. Part of what stands out to me is the phrasing of these two bars. The first couple beats sound like whole tone, then it sounds more diminished. I have a feeling that Dimebag was not thinking in scalar terms on this run. The phrasing was probably more of a priority...and to have it sound disjointed.

[heretogetlaid]

Thank you very much dsimon! Registered in 2001 with 20 odd posts - you must only come out of the woodwork for something worthy of your attention.

I am surpised at how complicated this solo is. If you watch the Dime clinic on youtube Dime states that he's not one for sitting with a book and learning scales, it's mostly natural minor, pentatonics, etc. But in fact, based on your analysis, he's clearly thinking interms of many different scales, whole tone, diminished, phrygian...

I take from this that I really must learn all my scales before I can figure out solos like this. With Hammett it was easy (just pentatonic minor), and I thought Dime would be too, but clearly not.

[BlueStrat]

I've never approached solos from a techical standpoint with any success. I once read an interview with Clapton years ago where he said he sang all his solos. Then I hears Danny Gatton say the same thing, so I started thinking there must be something to it. Sure enough, after a few years of practice, I'm able to play pretty much anything I can sing, and I don't ever think about it. It just comes out, bypassing the conscious mind. It has made my solos more melodic and a lot less mechanical. Now, I don't ever have to think about what I'm going to play, what mode or scale I'll use, etc etc.

Just an idea. Everyone's different, but this way works for me.

[dsimon665]

Originally posted by heretogetlaid But in fact, based on your analysis, he's clearly thinking interms of many different scales, whole tone, diminished, phrygian...

Hey heretogetlaid,

I think you misunderstood my post. My analysis is just an attempt to pick the solo apart from a theoretical standpoint. I think BlueStrat has better advise. Here's the thing about theory: its only a way to analyze something. It is not the "truth."

Theory does not explain the musical process of the person who created the music. You should believe what you hear from Dimebag over what someone on one of these message boards states (like me )

Sorry if I mislead you. It is so hard to communicate over the internet. Its probably better not to try to analyze things to much, and go with how it makes you feel.

[Dawn]

Here's one more thought in regards to solos.

There are no wrong notes just poor choices.

[RossW]

Yup, I agree with BlueStrat. I like to play blues. It is called call and respond. I find it is a great way to compose/remember a solo. Listen to a Clapton song and you will see what Clapton is talking about.