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John Mclaughlin analysis of how to improvise over Dominant chords example
Hi Guys,
Just another “Quick” fire lick today from legendary guitar great John Mclaughlin!
This is a short lick doubled in unison with strings [or synth] and played in double time. It employs strict alternate picking starting on a down stroke. The lick exploits two “Dominant” chords, D7#9 and D7#9#11.
John Mclaughlin Guitar Lick:
John Mclaughlin analysis of how to improvise over Dominant chords example
Ascending John employs a simple pentatonic scale that exploits both the #9 [F natural] and the Major 3rd [F#]. Descending he employs the F melodic [jazz] minor scale.This is because the second dominant chord exploits the #11 [Ab]. It also creates an augmented flavour with the #5 [Bb] note]. This finally resolves to GMaj7#11 with an F#m9 arpeggio that finishes on the C# note [#11 of Gmaj7#11].
Although this line follows musical logic it is also slightly ambiguous which in turn creates an interesting and more original sound:
LICK:
John Mclaughlin “Dominant” Double Time Fusion Guitar Lick
VARIATION with Chromaticism:
John Mclaughlin “Dominant” Double Time Fusion Guitar Lick