Improvisation — pop in C, relative scale New
This pop progression (C-G-Am-Em) is in C major, but the A minor pentatonic scale — already familiar if you've done the matching scale sheet — contains exactly the same notes: this is the relative scale trick, letting you improvise over a major song with a minor shape you already know.
Tips
The anchor point changes here: it's no longer the scale's own root that sounds "resolved", but the notes of whichever chord is currently playing. Try ending phrases on a note of the C chord to firmly ground the improvisation in the major key.
Chord progression — C
Bar 1
C
I
Bar 2
G
V
Bar 3
Am
vi
Bar 4
Em
iii
Fretboard position
root note other scale note
Chords
Suggested progression plan
Related sheets
- Pop in G — alternating bass fingerstyle (Level 4)
- Pop in C (with barre) — syncopated muted strums (Level 4)
- Pop in D — syncopated rhythm (Level 4)