This cool backing track is based around the Brothers In Arms era of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler. We have a looping chord progression in the key of G# minor that is played by a number of instruments, including a cool soul organ. Have fun!
Your best over this backing track is to use your G# minor and G# minor pentatonic scales over the whole track. This is in the key of G# minor, so you can't really go wrong with these scale shapes. Below we have drawn out every shape across the fretboard for both scales (minor and pentatonic). You can also have a bit of fun with the G# blues scale if you want to bring a bit more of a bluesy edge to it. Just remember, the blues note (b5th) is intended as a passing note only!
This track uses just major and minor chords (no 7ths or longer chord voicings). As you'll see in the video, Dan is playing the chords all over the fretboard, but if you want a solid foundation for the chords, here they are:
Ready to move on? Remember to check out every lesson in this unit first – then try the next unit...
Love a bit of John Mayer? These jam tracks will keep you grooving in that style for days! We'll provide all the scale shapes for you to reference as you jam over the track!