First Step to Soloing - Minor Pentatonic

Hey what’s up guys,

First of all, I hope you liked the les paul studio review I put up earlier today.

In the first step towards soloing, the minor pentatonic scale is incredibly important as it can be used in most styles. So today I bring you guys a “short” lesson on the minor pentatonic. After learning the first position of the scale, gradually move onto the next positions as well.

Btw if you can't get the improvisation to work and the usage of this scale properly, send me an e-mail and I'll do my best to help you. universeofguitars@gmail.com

The Minor Pentatonic scale is often the first scale that people learn. This is because it is easy to play, very very useful and is the basis of much blues and rock improvisation.

(The numbers on the notes are my choice for fingering the note) 

Usage

In a chord progression, first thing you have to identify is the key of the progression. 

For example, in the progression Am F C G; the key is 'A'. Therefore, an Am pentatonic can be plugged in. 

• DO IT SLOWLY AND GET IT RIGHT
 Don't make any mistakes. Play it a few times perfectly at a very slow speed and you will find you can speed it up without making mistakes and developing bad habits you will have to correct later.

• USE YOUR FINGER TIPS 
Do not let your fingers "fold", use the tips the whole time, and definitely NO barres at any point. Ever.

• ALWAYS START AND END ON THE LOWEST ROOT NOTE
 his will help train your ears into hearing the sound of the major scale, very important. So start on the lowest (pitched) root note, play up as far as you can, then go back down as low as you can, and then back up to the root note.

• LEARN THE POSITIONS (SHAPES) ONE AT A TIME
It is very important that you get all five of these positions down... eventually, but please start with one at a time - much much better to be able to use one scale shape and play a solo than play five up and down and not be able to do anything with them :)

A root note gives the scale it's name

For example, the root note of the A minor scale is A.

PS: If you have any questions or suggestions please comment below.