How to Connect Guitar Chords with Scales

Chords and scales are like the bread and butter of guitar playing. Getting them to work together can elevate your metal riffs and solos from “meh” to “whoa!” Whether you’re shredding in a death metal band or laying down some tight djent grooves, understanding how to connect chords with scales is essential. We’ll break down this concept into digestible chunks, exploring how you can seamlessly integrate these elements into your playing.

Grasping the Basics: What Are Chords and Scales?

First things first, let’s talk about what chords and scales actually are. A chord is a group of notes played together, usually three or more. When you strum an E minor chord, for example, you’re combining the notes E, G, and B. Scales, on the other hand, are sequences of notes played in a specific order. The E minor scale, for instance, is E, F#, G, A, B, C, and D. Simple enough, right?

Now, why does this matter? Well, chords serve as the backbone of your music, providing harmony. Scales give you the melody. When you marry the two, you’re on your way to crafting compelling musical narratives. Think of scales as your vocabulary and chords as the grammar. Together, they form the language of music.

The Connection Between Chords and Scales

You might be wondering, “How do these two connect?” The magic lies in the fact that chords are derived from scales. For example, the notes in a C major chord come straight from the C major scale. This relationship means if you know the scale, you can construct its chords and vice versa. It’s like having a map that shows you where you can go melodically and harmonically.

In metal music, this connection is crucial for creating riffs and solos that sound cohesive and intentional. You’ll often hear guitarists switching between power chords and scale runs to build tension and release. By understanding how scales inform chord progressions, you can start to craft your own killer riffs and solos.

Starting with the Pentatonic Scale

If you’re new to connecting chords with scales, the pentatonic scale is a great place to start. It’s a five-note scale (hence the name “penta”) and is incredibly versatile. In rock and metal, the minor pentatonic scale is a favorite. It’s straightforward and sounds great over power chords.

• First, learn the A minor pentatonic scale: A, C, D, E, G.
• Next, play around with the A minor chord: A, C, E.
• Notice how the notes in the chord are part of the scale? That’s your starting point.

Try playing an A minor chord and then noodle around with the A minor pentatonic scale. See how you can move between the two seamlessly. This exercise helps you understand how lead lines can fit over rhythm parts.

Using the Major Scale for Melodic Lines

The major scale is another fundamental tool for connecting chords and scales. It’s the “happy” sounding scale and is often used for more melodic parts in metal ballads or progressive sections. Let’s use the G major scale as an example: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#.

• Identify the chords in the key of G major: G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim.
• Try creating a chord progression, like G – C – D – G.
• Improvise a melody using the G major scale over this progression.

This method will help you build strong melodic phrases that complement your chord progressions. Remember, the goal is to make your lead lines sound intentional and tied to the rhythm section.

Integrating the Harmonic Minor Scale

When you’re aiming for that dark, exotic sound, the harmonic minor scale is your go-to. It’s widely used in metal genres for its dramatic and intense feel. For example, take the A harmonic minor scale: A, B, C, D, E, F, G#.

• Construct chords from this scale, like Am, Bdim, Caug, Dm, E, F, G#dim.
• Try a progression using these chords: Am – E – Dm – Am.
• Use the A harmonic minor scale to create a solo over this progression.

Notice the tension introduced by the G# note? That’s what gives the harmonic minor its unique flavor. This scale is perfect for crafting solos that stand out and captivate your audience.

Modes: Expanding Your Musical Palette

Modes are variations of scales that offer different tonalities and moods. In metal, modes like Phrygian and Mixolydian are popular due to their distinct flavors. Let’s consider the Phrygian mode, which is the third mode of the major scale.

• For E Phrygian, the notes are E, F, G, A, B, C, D.
• Try a progression in E Phrygian: Em – F – G – Em.
• Improvise using the E Phrygian scale over this progression.

The Phrygian mode has a Spanish, almost sinister feel, making it a favorite in metal. Understanding modes expands your creative options, offering new ways to connect chords and scales.

Bringing in Chromatic Notes for Flavor

Chromatic notes are the notes outside of your chosen scale. They can add tension and intrigue to your playing. In metal, chromaticism is often used to build suspense and drama.

For instance, in an E minor context, you might add a D# note to create a chromatic run. This note isn’t in the E minor scale but can be used effectively to lead into an E chord.

• Experiment with chromatic runs leading into a chord.
• Try a progression like Em – C – G – D, adding chromatic notes between the chords.
• Notice how the chromatic notes create movement and tension.

Chromatic notes can add a new dimension to your riffs and solos, making them sound more complex and interesting.

Arpeggios: Bridging Scales and Chords

Arpeggios are chords played one note at a time, and they’re a fantastic way to connect chords with scales. In metal, arpeggios often come into play during solos or intricate rhythm parts.

Take an A minor arpeggio: A, C, E. You can use this in a solo to outline the chord progression and create fluid-sounding lines.

• Practice playing arpeggios up and down the neck.
• Combine arpeggios with scale runs for a seamless transition.
• Use arpeggios to highlight chord changes in your solos.

Arpeggios offer a way to emphasize the harmony of your chord progression, adding a layer of sophistication to your playing.

Using Riffhard to Enhance Your Skills

If you’re serious about mastering the connection between chords and scales, Riffhard can be an invaluable resource. With lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists, you can dive deeper into these concepts. Whether it’s rhythm techniques or advanced lead guitar, Riffhard’s comprehensive library has something for everyone. Plus, the interactive player and downloadable tabs make it easier than ever to practice at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

Connecting chords with scales is a vital skill for any guitarist looking to improve their sound, especially in the metal genre. By understanding how these elements work together, you can create music that’s both powerful and expressive. And if you want to take your skills further, Riffhard offers lessons from top guitarists to help you achieve your goals. Dive in, practice, and watch your playing transform.