Minor over Major, Anthony Wilson, CMG Guitars
Guitar Practice
Playing Minor Over a Major 7th Chord
In the last issue, we looked at improvising while thinking Dominant 7th over a Minor 7th Chord.
Another way to add some color to your playing is to think/play Minor when when playing over a Major 7th chord.
Below, we have a vamp on a Gmaj7 chord.
While using a Major (Ionian) Scale or a Lydian mode (a major scale with a raised 4th note) would work over this, we can get some different sounds from playing minor scales/modes.
In the key of G Major (harmonized with 7th chords), we have 3 minor chords: Amin7, Bmin7, & Emin7.
If we think modally, we have a few options:
- A Dorian
- B Phrygian
- E Aoelian
- E Dorian (since E Dorian has the same notes as G Lydian, it works well here)
Below are examples of A Dorian, B Phrygian, and E Dorian. Play around with each of them over the backing track. The examples show these modes in one position to keep it simple, but of course feel free to explore these modes elsewhere on the fretboard.
Guitarist Spotlight
Anthony Wilson
Anthony Wilson is a jazz guitarist, composer, and arranger with a knack for blending tradition with fresh, modern sounds.
Anthony grew up surrounded by music—his father, Gerald Wilson, was a legendary bandleader and composer, so jazz was practically in his DNA. From an early age, he absorbed everything from classic jazz records to the sounds of his father’s big band, shaping his own unique style along the way.
Wilson made a big splash in the jazz world in 1997 with his debut album, Anthony Wilson, which featured a nine-piece ensemble. The album was a hit with critics and even earned a Grammy nomination, putting him on the map as both a gifted guitarist and a thoughtful composer. Since then, he’s released a bunch of albums that showcase his wide-ranging musical interests—mixing jazz with blues, Brazilian rhythms, and even a touch of folk and pop.
Wilson always seems to be exploring new creative directions. Albums like Goat Hill Junket (1998), Power of Nine (2006), and Frogtown (2016) showcase his ability to blend traditional jazz influences with contemporary sensibilities. On top of being a great guitarist, Anthony is also a dynamic singer, which help him stand out in the jazz world.
If you’ve ever listened to Diana Krall, chances are you’ve heard Wilson’s smooth, expressive guitar work. He’s been an essential part of her band since 2001, playing on some of her biggest albums and touring the world with her (check out Krall's album 'Live in Paris'). He’s also worked with legends like Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, and Charles Lloyd, proving his ability to fit seamlessly into any musical setting.
With his rich tone, lyrical playing style, and deep musical knowledge, Anthony Wilson continues to be one of jazz’s most respected and innovative guitarists. Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or just discovering his music, he’s an artist worth listening to.
Key Gear:
- Monteleone archtop guitar
- Gibson ‘69 Les Paul Deluxe
- Gibson '58 Byrdland archtop
- Fender '64-style reissue telecaster
- Fender Deluxe Reverb amp
- Fender '65 'Princeton Reverb amp
- Fender Pro Reverb amp
- Analogman King of Tone overdrive
Check out Anthony Wilson: Website | Instagram
Check out his song Frogtown (off of his album with the same name):
Gear Showcase
CMG Guitars
While guitars made in the United States are typically known for being high quality, they’re not usually also known for being very affordable (at least not compared to more budget-friendly imported guitars).
CMG (Chris Mitchell Guitars) flips this notion on its head, making exceptional guitars and selling them for affordable prices.
Based in Statesboro, GA, Chris launched CMG Guitars back in 2012 with 3 simple goals:
- Make a good quality instrument
- Make them affordable
- Make them in good conscience with respect for the world and the environment.
CMG builds guitars for the working musician by taking classic designs, and refining and tweaking them until they meet Chris's vision for the ideal version of some iconic guitar models.
One small, but unique and cool twist to CMG guitars actually with the naming conventions. Chris views guitars as very personal things that you have a relationship with, so he names them after people he loves, such as his wife Ashlee his brother Mark, and his mother Diane.
In addition to offering several standard guitar models, CMG Guitars will build the custom guitar of your dreams (check out some of his unique custom builds).
Check out CMG Guitars: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Trending
- Gibson announced the ES Custom Color Series. Available for the available on the ES-335 and ES-335 Figured models, the custom colors include Ocean Blue, Spearmint, Watermelon, Blood Moon Burst, Honey Amber, & Deep Ocean Burst.
- Taylor Guitars added 4 new all-solid-wood 12-string Grand Auditorium acoustic guitars to their lineup.
- Taylor Guitars also announced the 414ce Studio Grand Auditorium acoustic guitar. The 414ce Studio (MSRP $2,199 USD) is a lower-price version of their 414ce model, and features a sitka spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, a neo-tropical mahogany neck, and an ES2 pickup. Similar to the previously announced 214ce Studio model, the 414ce Studio has a 1-11/16" nut width.
- D'Addario interviewed Julian Lage to discuss the important topic of preventing injury while playing guitar.
- Cory Wong interviewed Greg Koch on his podcast, discussing teaching, making mistakes, modern blues, modeling, and more. Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell joined Rick Rubin on the Broken Record podcast to discuss his whirlwind of a career. Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Currently Spinning in the Office:
Lyle Brewer: Juno
Great solo guitar album for a snowy winter day (Apple Music | Spotify)
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