Scales For Obsessives (Iain Dixon)

A new approach that relates scales to chord symbols in a clear logical way for today’s improvising musician.

What scale can I play over this chord?

Scales for Obsessives is a method in which each scale is played together with a basic 4 note chord. The chord is obtained by taking the root, third, fifth & seventh of each scale. By doing this we create a connection between the scale and the chord. In this way the scale is no longer perceived in isolation, it now ​exists in a context - that context is ​the sound of the chord and its chord symbol.

This method will enable you to understand:

• which scale fits which chord,


• which chords live within each scale,


• how a single scale can be used over a number of different chords,


• how a number of different scales can be used over a single chord.

"A number of years ago I came to the realisation that although I understood chord symbols and could play scales, when I was improvising over chord sequences I still found it difficult to follow the chords and know what to play. It became clear to me that my chord knowledge & my scale knowledge weren't connected. I therefore had to find a way to connect the two. The exercise in this book is the end result... It had such an impact on my ability to understand what I was hearing and seeing... I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me." - Iain Dixon