Right, not often I ask a theory question but....
In this amazing version of Crowded House's Distant Sun, the first solo is played over the chorus chord progression of Eb, Bb, FMin, Eb. (I think!)
The second solo is played over the amazing outro hook, Eb, G, G#.
I kind of use CMin Pentatonic with a maj thrown in here and there, but it never sounds right. It isn't FMin, that's for sure.
What is the right scale, and is it the same for each part? I know Mark Hart is using a 12 string, but even then, CMin doesn't really quite work. Should I be using the major scale? I am lost.
(for the record, I know they're capoing and I think I've used the correct pitch chords, not the capoed chords)
Crowded House Distant sun live - YouTube
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
Comments
However, just rereading the question, I didn’t answer it very well. The key of the song is Eb, so the Fmin is the ii, Bb the V, and the Eb root.
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
Also natural 6 of F min is D, 2nd of C minor.
C harmonic minor would be my first choice for the G chord. So C minor pentatonic over Eb, C harmonic minor over G, back to C minor or F minor pentatonic for the Ab.
Or if in doubt, aim for G7 arpeggio for the G.
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
Chords for the second solo are Cm, G(7), Ab, Eb, G(7), Ab
I think it's a case of keeping things simple, but just understanding the differences between relative major and minor scales and how to apply them, even though they're the same collection of notes.
Solo one - Think Eb major pentatonic, same notes as C minor pentatonic but where you end phrases will need to be appropriate.
Solo two - I'm hearing more as C minor so C minor pentatonic and as @jazzlemming says, try C harmonic minor (or G phrygian major if you're pedantic) over the G chord to hit that B natural and Ab major pent (or Fm pent depending on your persuasion) over the Ab chord.
However, you should be able to get a great solo just using Ebmaj or Cm pentatonic scales.
the video?
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
Fuck yes. I now realise what I’ve done; they capo in 3rd fret, I do so on first fret (I learned it by ear!) and play A, Emin D shapes. I’ve confused myself
No wonder I couldn’t understand my own fucking maths. I’ve actually re-transposed it twice in my head
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
You seen this James? I reckon you will enjoy the story. His own solo at the beginning is bloody hard but worth a go too!
https://youtu.be/bB7x638PhVM
Thx buddy. What a piece of songwriting.
Ironically, the best versions are Neil playing it on his own...with an acoustic.
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.