Mixing Different Scales
It is worth comparing the notes of the Blues scale with those of the major scale. Here are the notes of both scales. The numbers written under the note names are the scale degrees which indicate the position of each note in the scale.
Notice that the Blues scale contains both the b5 and the @5. It does not contain the degrees 2 or 6. Altogether, the Blues scale contains six different notes, whereas the major scale contains seven different notes. The major scale used by itself does not sound very bluesy. However, in Blues, Rock and Jazz, melodies often contain notes from both of these scales as shown in the following 12 bar Blues.
This 12 Bar Blues uses many of the things you have learned in the book. Practice this piece slowly to begin with, gradually increasing the tempo when you are comfortable with the piece. There are no breath marks in this piece, but by now you should be able to work out the best places to breathe.
Anywhere a rest occurs is usually a good place to take a breath. If there are no rests, breathe at the end of any whole note or half note. You now have enough musical knowledge to begin improvising, which means creating your own melodies as you play. Try varying the notes of some of the songs and examples in the book, and then make up some of your own phrases based on them.
The 12 bar Blues is an excellent progression for improvising, particularly with the Blues scale. Experiment and have fun!
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