EP436 – Pentatonic Scales

[David E]

I’ve always been a bit intimidated to really delve into the Pentatonic scale anything beyond noodling in pattern 1 of the Blues scale and then I discovered this video. Something just clicked with this video out of all the Youtubers that I have watched on this very same topic. I think it has to do with finally understanding the very basics of the CAGED system after spending a bit of time on the course. Connecting the patterns to chord shapes. An eye opener for sure.

Brian recommends focusing on the minor pentatonic scale first. I’m wondering if it would be worthwhile learning some licks at this point. I was thinking of mixing in the Blues course but don’t want to stretch myself to thin. I have small kids with a limited time to practice guitar. Just trying to maintain consistency and avoid the bad habit that I have of going down too many rabbit holes.

[sunjamr]

Hey David, as a longtime member, and considering your family situation, here’s what I would do: Stick with the 1st Position minor pentatonic scale and work it to death. Try to make up a lick in your head, then work out how to play that in minor pent. This will be easier if you choose some jamtracks in minor keys. Am is great for messing around in minor pent. After you’ve absorbed all you can from 1st position, try to marry it to the 2nd position. You only really need the top 3 or 4 strings of the 2nd position at this point, since that’s where most of the cool stuff happens.

As for licks, Brian has a lesson (can’t remember the #) that demonstrates how to play some licks just using 3 notes. I actually think it was Am, but I could be wrong. And there are several others that offer very minimalist licks, the kind that a father with some little kids could easily handle.

Sunjamr Steve

[David E]

Thanks @sunjamr. Just circling back to this. I’m at the stage of the video where I am interested in expanding to use the 2nd position where Brian mentions that is where the classic Albert King, SRV style licks take place. I’m looking to learn those licks to break out of Position #1. Do you know of any easy lead videos that Brian has that mainly stay in this minor pentatonic extension range?

Thanks,

[David E]

EP436 has really been a lightbulb lesson for me. Just focusing on shapes 1, 2 & 4 and connecting them to chord shapes will be plenty for me to just noodle around for a bit. I love the activity of playing the chord and walking down the scale. It’s an awesome practice that I don’t need anything but my ear to get it to sound right, while improving speed and precision.

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