For some reason, when I play leads they often come out sounding like middle eastern music. I've never really listened to middle eastern music, so I don't know where the influence comes from. It's something that just comes out in my playing, I don't do it on purpose. It's different, and gives the music a psychedelic feel. Is there a certain scale or mode that I'm playing that gives that middle eastern sound? I'm not complaining, I think it sounds really cool and so do others who I play for. I may not be very good, but I don't sound like anybody I've ever heard. I just need to work on stronger melodies and better timing when playing leads. My brother, a master shredder and excellent soloist, loves the middle eastern sound and wishes he could do it. To me, it's not something I learned, but something that just comes out in my playing, sometimes when I'm not expecting it.

I use a couple of bastardized scales that sound Indian/Middle Eastern.

Nice with an octave fuzz and a couple of sub octave pedals. And perhaps a pitchshifter giving a mi6th above.

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No no and no

Dick Dales surf style has roots in the middle east as far as I remember. Can you play surf tunes easily?

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...I for one, sure would appreciate the return of intelligent conversation, spirit of assistance and the simple yet effective ignoring of those who can't seem to hang with that...
Best regards,
rob

This thread reminded me of a video lesson from Friedman where he describes making up his own scales. He does mention it has "some name" like Harmonic Minor though, so that may be a starting point.

Not sure if this is what you mean, but it sounds middle eastern to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSaTAGsIBEI&t=21

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I do that, too, because I love combining styles!

I think it's Lydian scales mixed with phrygian scales that I use.

I must admit, I never really got into scale theories, I let my ears decide what sounds good to me!

Here's an example of a one-take jam of mine.
Every track (drums, bass, guitars) were first takes, just playing what came to my mind.

No pro equipment, just a Zoom PS 04 (internal mike) placed in front of an old Line6 Spider I, recorded in my bedroom. It's kinda traditional blues scale with intermediate "escapes" into eastern sounding scales, all mixed with old school kinda hard rock rhythms.

I called it "Heavy Blues":

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=4122487

Click on "Play HiFi" please.

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Kindest regards from Germany, Dee
My recordings --> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_mu ... dID=564337
STRATS ROCK!!! but Teles and Firebirds, too!

I do as I'm originally from the middle east (of Staten Island).

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You dig?

I'm going to try and figure out some of the Middle Eastern sounding stuff if I can, it sounds cool. Very original sounding and unlike alot I've heard.

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"I just go where the guitar takes me."
-Angus Young