PLEASE . . . Help

[Nature Boy]

what is tripping billies in? I dont understand how that "C" can be there in the verse . . . . also with the 777 5 7 jam in Lie In Our Graves and then the slow Jam is in D . . . I dunno anything about this and if someone could help me out that would be appreciated thanks

[MWR]

In the key of D you have two sharps: F# and C#.
If you build chords from each scale degree in a d major scale you get this "formula" of chord types:
D major, E minor, F# minor, G major, A major, B minor, C# diminished.
You'll notice the last chord is a diminished triad. If you don't know what a diminished chord sound like go and look one up and play it, there not very easy to put into songs effectively. So over time they started flattening the seventh scale degree and making it major or dominant. This yielded a far more useful chord and thats why the C# is C natural. It also creates a dominant bluesy feel within the context of the overall tonality.
Wow that was like a personal, online, theory, jerk session. I apoligize to anyone who read it.

[Trippin Hillbilly]

I wonder if dave actually knows theory....
He always says he doesn't know shit but I find it hard to believe sometimes.

[jeffro]

He took lessons for years, he has to know plenty. He just doesn't practice improvising, so he can't solo.

[mdel21]

I used to think Dave was one of those people that didn't know what he was doing, could just do it. But over time, I've realized he knows what's going on.

[ShawnRT]

Dave has a very inventive way of looking at chord formation. I've heard him say a couple of times that he doesnt know anything about theory, including something said about a song being in Bflat 'because Tim said so' on some DVD. I've wondered if Dave is being modest or if he really is just a super intuitive guitar player who knows nothing about theory. I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that dave knows more about theory than he lets on. His lack of self confidence in soloing might be what leads him to claim that he isnt a good guitar player.

He is in fact a GREAT inventive rhythm guitar player whether he wants to admit it or not. The world doesn't need another SRV, Hendrix clone anyway, so thats ok with me if he never wants to solo. It just leaves more room for the rest of the band or Tim (who is a very inventive solo guitarist to say the least).

[c_tietze]

Actually, I only think Dave took lessons when is was very young. Dave himself has stated that he doesn't know how to explain music very well. He does his thing and does it well. Just look at all of us here posting in an attempt to learn his tricks.

The guys writes so much material using mostly the same chords yet the tunes sound fresh and new each time. That could be because of his awesome rythym and the fact he's been playing for over 15 years.

Peace,

CJT

[Snyder]

In the key of D you have two sharps: F# and C#.
If you build chords from each scale degree in a d major scale you get this "formula" of chord types:
D major, E minor, F# minor, G major, A major, B minor, C# diminished.
You'll notice the last chord is a diminished triad. If you don't know what a diminished chord sound like go and look one up and play it, there not very easy to put into songs effectively. So over time they started flattening the seventh scale degree and making it major or dominant. This yielded a far more useful chord and thats why the C# is C natural. It also creates a dominant bluesy feel within the context of the overall tonality.
Wow that was like a personal, online, theory, jerk session. I apoligize to anyone who read it.

I can picture you like Will Ferrel in Old School, during the debate scene where he blacks out to answer the question and then snaps back into reality where realizes he just kicked some serious ass.

[MWR]

In the key of D you have two sharps: F# and C#.
If you build chords from each scale degree in a d major scale you get this "formula" of chord types:
D major, E minor, F# minor, G major, A major, B minor, C# diminished.
You'll notice the last chord is a diminished triad. If you don't know what a diminished chord sound like go and look one up and play it, there not very easy to put into songs effectively. So over time they started flattening the seventh scale degree and making it major or dominant. This yielded a far more useful chord and thats why the C# is C natural. It also creates a dominant bluesy feel within the context of the overall tonality.
Wow that was like a personal, online, theory, jerk session. I apoligize to anyone who read it.

I can picture you like Will Ferrel in Old School, during the debate scene where he blacks out to answer the question and then snaps back into reality where realizes he just kicked some serious ass.

Haha! I love that movie.

The interesting thing is Dave probably uses his ears exclusively but everything he writes will have a theoretical tie. Basically he has really good ears. He doesn't need "know" it he just needs to hear it. In general the only people who have that ability are the ones that listen to a LOT of different music over the years.
The reason he isn't into soloing is because he's more interested in a groove when it comes to playing and melody when it comes to singing. I think everyone who plays guitar has a bit of lead guitarist in them though. How can you not?