Soloing in D major

Online Interactive Music Education

	Soloing in D Major
The first thing we need to know about soloing over a song or progression is the key that it is in. If a popular song begins and ends with the same chord, there is a good chance that is the key. Ex. Tom Petty's Free Falling begins and ends on a D chord. Therefore we will solo in the key of D major. To learn the key of D major build a D major scale. W W H W W W H Start on D, Whole step to E From E, Whole step to F# (Bert & Ernie - Land on E, half step to F) From F# a Half step to G From G Whole step to A Continue with formula You should end up with 2 sharps. F# and C# 9th Position D Major Scale
Index finger looks after notes on the ninth fret Middle finger looks after the tenth Ring looks after the eleventh Little finger on the twelfth Reminder: Keep fingers as close as possible to the fretboard at all times.
		Listen

On the staff below a key signature is used instead of sharp signs in front of the notes. The # sign is on the 5th line F and the 3rd space C. This means all F and C's will be played as F# and C#. The high E shown on the fretboard is not shown on the staff above. D Major / B Minor Pentatonic Take out the 4th and 7th degree (note) of the D major scale and you are left with a D major/B minor pentatonic scale. Solo Away! Start by playing the D pentatonic scale shown above. Be sure to play up and back down. Listen carefully to the sounds. Some things to keep in mind when soloing:

Repetition Theme and Variation Use space (take your time) Dynamics (loud and soft)
Free Falling Lesson or SIGN UP The rule above about a song starting and ending on the same chord worked for soloing over Free Falling. It isn't always quite so simple. To learn more about improvising, creating great solos and knowing which chords belong to which key become a member.