Ok I'm running into some trouble with my scale theroy and i was wondering if some of you could help me out. I know that if I am using the scale of G major, I can also use its second degree A dorian or its third degree, B phrygian, and so forth. But if I am using G major, can I just use a different major scale in G, such as G lydian or G mixolydian? If I using the scale of G minor can I use a different minor scale and play G Dorian or G phrygian? I hope I am making sense? And also what scales should I use for soloing in jazz. What scales should I use for different kinds of music.
I would really appreciate it if someone could possibly direct me to a sight on this kind of stuff or a link on this page. I hope i am not asking to much. Thanks.

The most important thing is what's the chord progression. If your playing a major progression such as G,C,D The scales/modes in G work best. You can of course play any major type scale over any major chord or any minor type scale over any minor chord. In rock music where power chords are played most often, your scale choice is unlimited. This is because there's no third degree so any scale will work (major or minor,augmented,dim). Also keep in mind if your playing say a Lydian mode over a G major then you go to a C chord it won't sound the greatest as G lydian uses a #4 C# it will work though. I can't stress enough the importance of Chord scale theory.

You say what scale to play in Jazz well just pick one :giggly:
again it depends one the chord progression(s). You have to be skilled enough to know, on the spot, which scale/modes go over which chords. It takes pratice of course.

Let us know how your making out.

Thanks thats really helpfull. So its like the chords give you the basic sound and the scale choice determines the flavor of the song.

I think of all theory as scales just stack the scale tones up and make chords. I been forcing myself to get more involved in this theory stuff.

Grr, a post in the wrong section, get out you swine :giggly:
Just kidding.
Jazz is such a mix, you need to experiment and find what sounds best to you, I don't think there are any set rules

The first thing I do is humm a melody in my solo section.Use that as my main foundation.Then work around that.There is no such thing as a wrong note.Its all on how you apply it.Tension and release.Listen to Coltrane in his later years.Yes he was in advanced theroy but in all reality its all tension and release.What you feel.
Good Luck.