© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2007

By Jackie Don Loe

~ Chord Scale Blues ~

One way to add a wide assortment of chords to your trick bag is to think in terms of chord scales. This method will help expand your chord vocabulary, and also offer many options when improvising on a groove or vamp. For this example we will use the G mixolydian scale, which is the fifth mode of C major. By starting on the first string at the third fret and ascending up to the 15th fret, we can play a G mixolydian scale entirely on the first string. (The mixolydian scale has the same step pattern as a major scale, except for the flatted seventh note.)

G Mixolydian Scale Chart

If we apply "Direct Harmonization" we can construct various chord possibilities. In this example, the G mixolydian mode will use several G dominant chords to support or harmonize each note of the scale. In this fashion each successive chord is to be related to the parent, which is G dominant. This systematic approach will help to organize a set of chords on the guitar that will greatly improve your comping technique and improvising skills.

Dominant Chord Voicings

"Direct Harmonization" of the G Mixolydian Mode

* The numbers following the chord letter are where you fret your fingers on the string. If there is a "0" then the string is open, if there is an "x" then no note is played.

Enjoy, and always keep your ears open.

     - Jackie Don Loe -

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