Chord Scales are very important tools for the jazz rythem and lead guitarist. They provide a road map for the musician. While it is true that there is no such thing as the "wrong chord" or a "wrong note" but the incorrect usage of a note or a chord will sound wrong.

Chord scales will provide a map for the rythm guitarist to guide him/her to chords that will transition comfortably into others. It also provides the musician with a way out if a percieved "wrong chord" is struck.

For the lead guitarist they are a guide to the notes that are normally played in a certain key structure. This makes it easier for the guitarist to play in and out of the key structure without errors. Remember, it is only the "wrong note" if you accidentally hit the note.

Chord Scales

The chord scales are organized as follows:

Maj7 min7 min7 Maj7 Dom7 min7 HalfDim7 back to Maj7.

In the key of C the chord scale would be:

CM7 dm7 em7 FM7 G7 am7 b1/2dim7 CM7

Since in the key of G the F is sharp the scale would be:

GM7 am7 bm7 CM7 D7 em7 F#1/2dim7 GM7

The pattern, of course, is the same only the scale tones change