In some pop and rock songs, there are passages of music where there are major chords two frets (a tone) apart, such as D and E or F and G. To improvise over these passages, one approach is to recognize that these chords are the IV and V chords of a major scale. For example D and E are the IV and V chords of the A major scale, so an A major scale will work over this passage. Likewise, F and G are the IV and V chords of a C major scale, so use a C major scale to solo over a passage of F and G chords.
Here are some practice tracks to try over passages of IV and V chords:
Example 1: D and E chords (2 bars each): Free MP3 Download
Example 2: F and G chords (2 bars each): Free MP3 Download
If you listen to Pearl Jam’s Better Man, you will hear just such sections as these! Have fun!