Lesson 13...Guitar Scales

Adding Passing Tones To The Pentatonic Scale

Welcome to lesson 13 on guitar scales. In lesson 9 you learned how to change the pentatonic scale into the blues scale by adding a passing tone (the b5). In this lesson you will learn a few blues licks that incorporate this new note.

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The pentatonic/blues scale is probably the most often used of all the guitar scales available to guitarists. Learning as many different ways to use these scales is definitely to your benefit. Just imagine what your friends will say when you rip off a solo using your new found knowledge.

Take a look at example one. As you play this example really listen to the sound of the blue note (15th fret, 3rd string). Hear how it adds extra color and spice to the pentatonic scale. Adding passing tones to guitar scales is a great and simple way to make your playing more interesting.

Example 1.

Example two utilizes triplets and ends with a bend. These type of blues licks work great in shuffles.

Example 2.

Example three in this lesson on guitar scales dips down into the lower notes. I recommend you really take time to work in the lower registers. I find this to be an often overlooked aspect of guitar playing.

Example 3.

At the Guitar Alliance they have put together 108 essential scales complete with tab in all of their available positions. Along with hundreds of audio examples, video and jam trax, you will find it to be an awesome reference no matter what your playing level. Click here to learn more.

Sign up for the Learn Guitar Online E-zine. Filled with extra tips and insights on guitar scales, guitar chords and other guitar related items, it is free and comes to you once a month to help you become the guitar player you want to be. That wraps up lesson 13. Thanks for reading and visiting. If you have any questions or comments contact me at bob@learn-guitar-online.com.

Click here for guitar scales lesson 14.