Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

Learn a slow, blues guitar lead using the major pentatonic scale. EP260

Description

In this week’s guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play a slow (B.B King inspired) lead in the key of F using the major pentatonic scale. I’ll give you several tips for incorporating major pentatonic scale licks into your solos when you improvise.

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - For Premium Members

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Slow Walk-Through

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

  1. JRG says

    Hi Brian,

    This looks like a great lesson. I have been trying to use the Major pentatonic scale more but have had difficulty blending it over the 4 chord and the 5 chord. I suspect this lesson will shed some light on this problem for me. Thank you.

    Jim

  4. San Luis Rey says

    Thanks for another great blues lesson to build on Brian! I love the major blues scale ala BB King . This will be a great lesson to practice his style of vibrato. BTW my vote goes to last week’s grey background . Nice guitar find!

  12. Biker13 says

    Another great lesson Brian. And a great reminder that really thoughtful, soulful phrasing can render such beautiful results without having to rely on overly challenging technique. Such a pleasure to play this song. Great job! As always. THANK YOU.

  20. greg f says

    Ah – a delta blues piece in the key of F, according to your website, this is the first composition in the key of F. Love it! It’s very much like something from Tab Benoit. Especially the backing track! Would love more like this one! Thanks!

  24. Michael H says

    Great lesson Brian! Glad you are doing major pentatonic scale and I appreciate you explaining how to find the different patterns, its all starting to make sense. Sweet sound please do more of these lessons with Major Pentatonic. Thanks.

  25. Mark C says

    Dear Brian, You’re a gifted teacher. I’ve learned a lot.

    Three things would help me:

    When you show a pattern or a lick, please identify the key notes: “ This sounds good because it’s a fifth and minor third bent to a major together”; “This is where the root is in this pattern”, etc. Then I can begin to identify sounds.

    I get the three fret relationship between major and minor pentatonics, but why does it hold? I don’t get it. Has to be related to tuning.

    Finally, relate the five postions to the CAGED system.

    Thanks. It’s a privilege to learn from you.

  27. peter w says

    Just a thought. It seems to me after you post a lesson there is frequently enough a request for a walk through re the chords and rhythm arrangement. Why not make it a regular segment. Would round out the lesson and the experience. In the end making us better players. Thanks Brian.

    • Brian says

      When Friday comes to a close and I finally publish a lesson each week – I collapse from exhaustion. You’d be surprised how much energy goes into these each week. Staring at a blank canvas each Monday knowing that you have to 1) write, 2) record, 3) edit, 4) upload each week… that includes writing and recording MP3 jam tracks, creating the tablature, the on-screen tab viewer, and answering support emails – while marketing on social media in the middle of it all. I agree it would be great to include the rhythm and the chord arrangements, bass parts, keyboard, etc each week in addition – but I don’t have the facilities at this point. It’s not that I just overlooked that – it’s just that there are only so many hours in a day

      • Scott S says

        I think its ok Brian, I mean, I know I start worki g on a piece and then the next is another great piece I want to work, so I get atarted on that one and then the following week is another great one! We need time to catch up. Take a break, we need to catch up anyway!!

      • Scott S says

        What we pay for what? 48 lessons a year, from a master like yourself. Takea break and consider one lesson every 2 weeks. This membership is still an extraordinary bargain with 2 weeks per lesson.

        • Scott S says

          One more thing… when a new member signs up there is ALREADY so much good material available. I think its time we members helped you out by getting your site advertised. Facebook and where else?

  30. peter w says

    Hi Brian. I get it. It did cross my mind as I posted. All good. I think we all appreciate the effort you make to create something original and worthwhile every week.. That’s why we are members! Tks for the response. ( Couldn’t hurt to ask!)

  31. peter w says

    I just want to add that my ability as a guitarist as an avocation has improved considerably since I signed up with your site. I had played years ago but had fallen out as life has a way of getting in the way . If for no other reason than that you have me picking up the guitar and playing more. It can become tedious and uninspiring when it’s all about the mechanics…. you have me playing music. Thank you. The band may be getting back together!

  38. pan054 says

    Hi,
    Great lesson again. I’m struggling a bit with understanding the timing. For instance: bar 2 adds up to five quarter notes if you just add the notes and rests together. Obviously I’m misunderstanding something, maybe the ‘triplet feel’ bit? Can anybody point me in the right direction, please?
    Cheers

  39. Mike R says

    Just found this little ditty. What a beautiful lesson. You surprise me each week with the quality of teaching you keep putting out.. Thanks for teaching me guitar!

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