Another question about guitar scales?

Question

I understand what a scale is, I know how to play a scale, such as a G major scale or C major scale. I asked someone I work with how do you apply scales to a chord, such as playing a solo or lead? He said you don't play the entire scale behind whatever chord you are playing, you bounce around in the scale. Everytime I try to do this, it doesn't sound right.

He showed me a G major scale starting from low E going to high E.

E 3-5
A 2-3-5
D 2-4-5
G 2-4-5
B 3-5
E 2-3

Could I just start the scale on G string, play 2-4-5 then play B string 5-3 and jump back to G string? I guess really what I'm asking here, is there a certain way you have to start a scale/solo/lead and/or is there a certain way it can be played? Can I play a G major scale into a C major scale and back again?

Answer 1

Try improvising using blues scales. As for using scales with chords, it may be easier to look at the chords first, then find the scale behind it. But I'm confused about just the same thing, and I'm supposed to audition for a district band in two weeks! That's what I'm doing, just finding out the scales behind the chords. It seems easier. I better find out soon, though!

You seem like a very knowledgeable guitar player. Good luck.