This ActionTab is from the Jamzone. Here we are playing a simple solo using the C major scale. All the backing chords (C major, A minor, F major and G major) are in the key of C major. That means the standard C major scale will work all over the backing chords in creating solos without any nasty clashes.

However, true to country style we are also using the minor 3rd (Eb) as a passing note. That means playing the Eb note briefly, en route to another note (usually E, which is the major 3rd note from the C major scale). Be careful with the minor 3rd, don't hang on it too long. This note can clash with the backing chords quite strongly, so be careful how you use it. Using it as a passing note is fine, because you don't dwell on the note. Do it right and it sounds good. Use it sparingly.

C Major Scale: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C

Just include the minor 3rd (Eb) before the major 3rd (E) to use as a passing note. This gives us:

Add minor 3rd: C - D - Eb - E - F - G - A - B - C

Here are the places where the passing note is used:

First time - A great way to make sure you play it quickly is to slide it like we do here.

Second time - Here it is played normally, but not for too long. Notice how this note almost demands the next notes to happen. In music-speak we say it demands resolution - which it gets from the very next note sequence. Unstable notes or chords create tension, which the listener desires to be 'resolved'. This is done by moving to a more stable note or chord. In the C major scale, Eb is an unstable note.

Third time - Play it and then quickly hammer on to the next note. Yet another way of quickly passing from this note to another, more stable note.

Fourth time - Another slide. This whole lick is just the same as the first lick.

Fifth time - Played normally, but not for too long. What's special about this one is that it is used to actually begin the lick. You don't have to use passing notes 'between' other notes. You can use them to begin or even finish licks as long as you are careful.

After that the solo continues for a little while before being repeated again one more time.

Practice the scales shown on this page until you get used to where the notes are, and then have a go at this solo. Next, try using the scale to make up your own solo melodies over the Backing Music. Use the tips we give here on passing notes to give your own melodies a more country feel, and have fun!