Jam tracks tips

Use these tips to navigate our bonus backing tracks.

1. Swinging 12-bar with jazzy turnaround in A

This month’s tracks lend themselves superbly to our cover subject: the minor pentatonic scale. We’d like you to go through that lesson then use what you’ve learned to apply new ideas – not your same old ones – to them. Aim to use that scale exclusively to make great sounding music. It really can be done!

2. Straight ahead 4/4 stomp in A

The minor pentatonic can get you out of all sorts of scrapes here. Just be sure you target each chord with one of the scale notes that corresponds with it. It gets trickier with the IV chord and even trickier with the V, but it’s for your ingenuity to figure out how best to navigate your way through. Remember, all those bends, slurs and trills are still all at your disposal.

3. Funky reggae in Cm

The simpler you go on a track like this, the better. But when sacrificing note quantity and limiting your scale options, you’re left with one thing – feel! Feel also includes note placement so, again, ensure your targeting is spot on, your bends are accurate and your touch musical.

4. Medium tempo 12-bar in E

Okay, let’s slip those handcuffs off, stretch out a bit and add a few more notes to the pot. Start with the major 3rd (G#), then bring in the b5th, (Bb), the 6th (C#), and the 9th/2nd (F#). Again, it’s still about targeting notes – putting the right note in the right place in the right chord. Have fun!