How To Use Pentatonic Scale Patterns 1, 3 & 4

Just getting to understand theory and so your visual explanation on the use of pentatonic scales over the am chords (145) was very usefull

how can i download this video in my computer

I voted for the standard video view, but that may well be just because I'm used to it?

hi i don't like the flipped version to used to looking at it the 1st video

Sorry mate I cant see what the changes are?

I prefer the first version. The mirrored one looks backwards.

First version….

Hi John
Please stay with the first version i agree with Shelly

The standard (normal) version is what I'm used to seeing.
By the way, I liked your "rant". Learning to play by ear and emotion is the best way to learn any musical instrument.

The first screen is easier to follow and seems to be more of a standard with guitar DVD instruction of which I have many.

Many instructors teach the five forms for the pentatonic scale but do not really carry through with their instruction. For example, no one seems to show how to play a song ( I like country) and connect repeat connect the different forms. They do what you have done on this short tape — and say use this form if this chord is being plaiyed.

So, if you want to make a buck — think about it — pick a good standard song that is known in different genres — that moves about the fretboard and show us how to really repeat really play a song using the pentatonic scale.

Floyd

Hi Floyd, Nope. I am not going to show people how to play solos and songs note for note for a buck. It won't happen.

There are other sites that do that. My ultimate aim, and what I'm working towards providing is to give you the basic tools and show how they work.

It is up to you to work out the notes and learn what you want… by ear! I did that. I used to sit down for up to 8 hours a day learning songs, licks, riffs, solos etc by ear off a record on my turntable.

YOU have to get YOUR ears working. I cannot do that for you. YOU have to do the work.

I will be providing all the material and information you need (cutting through all the bullshit out there) to really get your ears working and make you a musician that doesn't need to ask "How do you play that song?"

If you teach a man to play a song, you have to teach him how to play the next, then the next and so on. But you're not really learning anything.

Plus… the rules are made for breaking. There are 12 notes. Pentatonics use 5. That's a very limitng (but cool) sound. But don't limit yourself because you only know the pentatonic scale, do it because it's what sounds good for your solo. You also need to learn how to add the other notes too.

And you need to train your ears to hear them and your fingers to find what you hear. Creativity is what it's all about. Connect with your emotions… order/chaos, peace/war, loud/soft, angry/loving, high/low etc etc. That doesn't come from someone else showing you how a solo uses the pentatonic scale. It can only come from within you and your ability to hear what you are playing or want to play and what 'emotions' you want to convey.

Learn to do the simple things really well. Then learn to combine several simple things to make something more complicated.

Hope this makes sense to you.

It's like the old fishing story… Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for the rest of his life.

So, sure, I could show everyone how to play a bunch of songs and make a quick buck at it, but I 'ain't gonna do it. I'm not going to be a traitor to music and guitar.

And I'm NOT going to do YOUR work for you!!!

I'm telling you like it is.

So don't be lazy. Sit down and get your ears working. Learn to sing everything you play. You'll train your ears and fingers to work together.

It's hard to start with and may take 2 or 3 years to be able to do it. But so what? Once you have it, you have it for life. Then your creativity will know no limits.

Check out the Phil Keaggy video again to see what I mean. Creativity is where it's at. Your emotions are where it's at.

Relying on someone else to show you what notes to play and where, so it comes out as a song, is just lazy and stupid.

My rant. Love it or lump it.

And don't take this personal. You raised a very good point.

I prefer the standard otherwise I have to reverse my thinking.

I prefer the first version. I understand how some may like the mirror though. It's a toss for me.

Hi Sir,

Surely the first one looks great ! The Mirror is confusing… (IMHO)
I hope this helps…

Thanks and Regards
Kush

I like the mirrored version for sure. Thumbs up!
I do want to add this bit of criticism though. What you are striving to create with all of your hard work is amazing and I can't wait to see what your product is going to be like. That said, when you realized you were tuned down a half step when you made this video, you should have taken the ten minutes to re-record the video at 440 tuning. I just think that doing something half way right is not what you are striving for, and when you say I made this video tuned wrong but I am leaving it this way, it projects an image of your true work ethic that is not really acurate.

The reverse image only works for the golf swing. It might work if you could see the entire guitar. This way you could see how both hands work together.

I prefer the 1st version Sir!!!!

Nathi.

The regular (non-mirrored version) is clearly better. The mirrored version is more confusing, because the orientation of strings and frets seems mixed up.

i like your site, and i like both views you showed. but i think your attitude towards showing full or even partial songs incorperating the scales you show is selfish. it's like me saying: i could show you how to fix your car, but instead, here's the tools you need, figure it out yourself!!

I might just be the only rebel in the bunch, at least so far, because I could sure get use to viewing your right hand guitar fretboard in the mirror image of mine. Once I got past the initial oddness of viewing your fingerboard as a mirror image of my own I felt a sense of unincumberdness. It's really freeing! I notice a direct transfer of your finger movement to my finger movement on the fingerboard, and I think it's because my brain is not having to interpolate your movements. We move in the same direction up or down the fingerboard rather than contrary directions. I can sure understand people more comfortable with what they're accustomed to–who isn't? Some of us are old enough, or young enough, to recall abandoning our typewriters for the the computer keyboard and complaining how the keys just didn't feel right. That's just embarrassing… Similarly, as it might be in this case, not all people will embrace change even for the better. That's OK. For people who will benefit from this format perhaps you might offer it in the private video lessons you perform, if it's no real additional burden on you to do this? Thank you for taking this interesting suggestion of a member and proposing it for the feedback of fellow members. Keep the dialogue going. I'm interested to learn how others may take to this revolutionary guitar video learning format proposal of yours over some weeks or months…

Standard version is more natural to me.

Lundee: Thanks for that. I actually agree with you myself. It lines up nicely.

I think once you get used to it, it is far better than the usual way. And I'll no doubt make both versions available.

Paul: Are you for real? I give you all this stuff for free and I'm selfish? Thanks for that.

What songs do you want to learn, and what songs do my thousands of other subscribers want to learn? How many hundreds of songs would that be? Do I have to cater to everyone's wishes and teach them all how to play the songs they want… and do it for free to boot? Is that what you want?

And I'm not showing you how to fix a bloody car. Your analogy is flawed. What I teach is NOT about songs. It's about the basics of being a musician, the theory and application of that theory to the guitar fretboard.

You'll either take the info and run with it or you'll just grizzle because I'm not prepared to take you by the hand and show you how to play your favorite songs.

There are plenty of websites that have tab, and other sites that show you how to play songs. If that's what you want… go there.

Am I being too harsh?

john, sorry if i was so harsh, you are giving alot for free! but i wish you would show a practicle use for your scales. if you want something in return please let us know!

Hey Paul. That's cool.

I'm just getting all this stuff organized. There will be plenty of practical application videos to come on the membership site. When I get it up.

Also, I'll be taking requests for videos from members. But I still won't show specific songs. I may, though, show some licks and riffs that are fairly popular. I'll be disassembling them and rearranging them in different ways.

I had a feeling you would take my reply in good spirit. Thanks for that.

john, sorry for any misunderstanding, i would like to talk to you on the phone, could i have your number?

Hi John

Just a quicky to say that I am finding your angle on the theory very easy to follow – and very useful. I have been playing guitar for 30 years now but have never really bothered with the theory aspect of it. I have probably got all those bad habits you talk about!!! Anyway, regarding the video's – My vote goes for the original concept (video #1). The mirrored version looks odd to me! This is only my opinion though..

Anyway, many thanks for making this info available – its priceless..

Tony.

Hello,
Hey Hey Hey, The fact is, you are providing another view, slant, perspective,
(and for free), And in my opinion the mirrored image, may be best suited to left handers.
I,ve played guitar for a wee while noo and think that this has got to be the best site for cutting through to method and understanding of implementation, to put it simply.

My suggestion for your site might be; to describe a chord of your choice each week not just usual E,min or D major, but something unusual E 9/11 aug or Co7add11diminished?.
Not just the shape but perhaps an instance of their uses to show emotional charachter. Just a suggestion.

Bye the way keep up the good work and don,t let the f***wits grind you down

Pardon My French!

I prefer the non-mirrored video – the mirrored is additionally confusing because of the strings being "upside-down" (if that makes any sense). If you're experimenting with alternative perspectives, another angle (intended) might be to film from the player's perspective (which is upside-down from the point of view of the external observer). So, looking at the video the bass string would be at the bottom with the fingers curling over the top (in reality bottom) edge of the fretboard. (If _that_ makes any sense).
I very much appreciate the info you are spreading around, John. It's very helpful, and generous.

THE STANDARD VIEW IS FINE FOR ME

I very much prefer the normal view. Thanks for everything you are teaching us.

Hey JB,

No, you are not being selfish. I like your "big picture" approach as compared to writing everything out or showing everything. Other guitarists found on the net also state that to learn to really play guitar well you have to delve into it. You won't master anything by practicing 20 minutes a day. I am an ex martial artist and realised at my age that I didn't have the time nor stamina as the younger guys did to be a fighter like the Gracie's. So now I have taken up the guitar at 45 and really enjoy it. Back in the 70's I wanted to fly like Eddie Van Halen. But since that didn't happen in 3 weeks I got discouraged. Not very realistic. I didn't accept the fact that Eddie practiced 12 hours a day. Now I practice around 2 hours daily and am deeply indepted to JB and others for giving me tools not just songs. JB, keep up the great work. Some impatient people want it all now and that aint a gonna happen.

John -

Wow! Thanks for sharing the Phil Keaggy video. Is that awesome – in every sense of the word – or what? If that doesn't inspire someone to want to learn and explore and grow musically, well, better check for a pulse.

Thanks again.

Hello I prefer the normal view… and thanks for sharing the Phil video. Do you have a video lesson about 9 th chord?

Hi There, I think it is better in the mirror for someone is playing left hand . But i like it better the nornal way.

Calum: I would like to try from the players perspective too.

I have been trying to figure out a way to do that. It's really awkward to try and film over my shoulder. I'd have to set up some sort of tripod system with a gooseneck of some sort. I'll look into that a bit more when I have time. If anyone has any ideas about how to do this, I'm listening.

Lillian: yep. 9th chords will be part of the videos in the member area. But you'll also find them in my Guitar Chords eCourse. Sign up for that at http://www.free-guitar-chords.com

Alan: You are right. It 'aint gonna happen. It's a lifetime journey. Best to learn to do simple things well than try to rush into stuff that's way beyond your capabilities.

There's so many people that try to learn something like 'Stairway to Heaven' from tab without realizing they need a couple of years playing experience first. Trying to bite off more than you can chew just sets you up for failure after failure. In other words, you just become very good at failing and never completing anything.

That's why I recommend Learn & Master Guitar for getting a solid working knowledge of the basics. That coupled with what I show here and on my soon to be available member site. (Shameless plug.)

Paul: Look at the very bottom of this page.

I would like to thank you for doing what you can for all of us who do not have a personal teacher.

Thanks for taking your time to show us both methods John, you did a great job as well. I can go either way with it really, understand that you're going from top to bottom anyway. This isn't brain surgery here.

Good effort again JB…I think the mirror image is better…once you get used to it!!! Keep up the great work….I look forward to your next contribution….

Hi John,

I prefer the standard view as well. On a side note, I really appreciate what you are trying to do here, especially as you are doing it for free. I have been ripped off a lot by so-called Guitar Instruction Websites, Ebooks, etc.. I think you have provided a thorough understanding in the the basic theory of guitar. (why a chord is a specific chord, why certain notes only work in certain keys, etc..) I look forward to when this whole Tortoise Guitar thing gets rolling. I really, really appreciate all your hard work. Thanks.

-James

Hi JB
I dont mind they both work for me. Sometimes having to think makes the lesson easier to remember and therefore easier to recall. Just as long as you keep up the great guitar tuiton I will figure it out which ever way you play. I really enjoy your teaching style. Thanks again.

Don

As a lefty I find the 'mirror' an interesting idea, although I guess I've been advantaged by the standard view . Why don't you be brave and produce both. Then we can select whatever seems best for our particular situation.
Regards.
Ken.

I guess I'm just used to the "standard" way. "Lefty" view makes me have to re-think everything…

Hey JB,

Don't mess with success (the non-mirrored way is preferred).

Thanks for what you ar doing. The quality of your free eBooks have been great. Can't wait until your new/revised site is up and running. I'm willing to pay/donate if it proves worthwhile.

Cheers,

Will

I don't like the flip. Both are easy when you get used to either one, but I vote regular.

i reakon the first one is better, i dont really like the flipped veiw

i like the regular

i like the standard presentation. thanks

Looks like I'm learning from a Left handed player. (Nothing wrong with left hand players), after all these years, just used to learning the other way. thank you, Roger

Normal view looks fine for me, I've become accustomed to that view now so the mirror doesn't really have any advantages. Still an excellent site JB, thankyou.

I like the first video. If you can do guitarist's point of view angle that would be helpful. Meaning a "birds eye view" seeing almost the top of the fingers. That might be helpful for beginners.

I must submit my request for "Normal" as the "mirror" is confusing to me. I would not be able to follow your instructions as well. The mirror is for people used to learning from someone sitting across from them and it is backwards. I do know about that as I have played on worship teams and had to sometimes follow the lead guitarist and its possible but not as a learning tool for me. As I said, Normal works for me best. Thank you for allowing us to add our input. If you decide to go to mirror, please give the rest of us the option for normal so we won't have to drop out.

I like the first vid better; it’s a little easier to follow. I think the idea of a vid is great it works best hand in hand with the print lessons to make sense of what you’re reading with a visual. I also agree with you about not teaching songs, in Art School the hardest thing was to stop photographing like my instructors and find my own voice its the same with music find your own voice and your own style.

Good Grief…LOL…Makes me wonder if some of these guys ever went to other worthless sites and checked out their freebies….

The regular view is best for me…You gave more useful examples of soloing and how to do it..here in this short clip than CDs I have purchaced for …well Im not telling how much I paid…LOL….Do you by any chance need a salesman here in the USA?>…I beleive you have the "Golden Egg" of sites for learning how to solo, use chords properly, and learning many styles of play, thank the Lord your leaning towards blues…the basis of all other styles. Im on the edge of my chair waiting for the next tidbit from you.

Some people dont realize whats in front of them…tuning down a half step is neither here nor there..I have been playing rythym guitar…and barley passable at that for 12 years in several bands….this cource is taking me…in my head…..further than I have been able to go b4….tuning is just tuning guys….doesent matter if he was a half step down…same fingering for 440……it doent matter…get it?…focus on what you need…and let this great site grow and prosper…

I appreciate this discussion because it reveals a lot about the way people want to learn. While the vast majority here have expressed an emphatic preference for the traditional point of view of student learning from a right handed teacher there's a noisy minority, including I think JB himself who knows that, somehow or some way, there's a more effective perspective to teach and learn guitar using video. The objective here is to find a means that strikes some balance. I find it interesting, for example, to learn that a left-handed player acknowledges an advantage of learning from a right hand player. If nothing else the mirror image proposal has at least got us asking, "Is there a better way?" A few people here have proposed yet another idea of filming the fingerboard from the master's perspective. That is, a view of the fingerboard with the base string at the bottom or closest to the observer. This is, after all, a most familiar perspective to any player, though for lefties and righties the nut must be opposite. JB acknowledges the merit of this video perspective idea though he notes the challenge of mounting his camera from a birds-eye view. One way to make this work, if JB is inclined and has access to a second camera or can be donated one, is to provide an inset image. One camera filming JB from an outside or observers point of view, the other mounted upside down and close to the chording or fingering hand. If we can agree to provide left-handed players the same advantage we will need to figure a way to reverse the image of the second camera view…

The videos are both good. But the first is better(Not the mirrow image.)

i like the normal way around (but i play left handed, so..)

Greetings from Chicago USA.
Thank you so much Tortoise for your website. It is very helpful.
I am familiar with the minor pentatonic and Major pentatonic scales but I have had trouble actually applying them and this tutorial is now helping me see the light.

I have two questions.
First, suppose I want to play solo when someone is playing in the key of Dminor
but includes MAJOR chords in the riff.
For instance , the Yardbirds awesome song “Heart Full of Soul” contains a solo that is played over this turnaround : Dminor, Gmajor, Bflat, Dminor ( i, IV, bVII, i ).
Now say I am on lead guitar and someone begins strumming the G major part,
do I then slide to the frets where I can play Gmajor pentatonic? And likewise when the Bflat major chord appears, do I as the lead then have to figure out where to go next to play a Bflat major pentatonic pattern.? Or do I just stick with all Dminor patterns thoughout the solo?

My next question is what should me as the lead guitarist be thinking when I am supposed to play a solo.
Let’s assume that
1. My ears are trained enough to recognize any chord, both major and minor.
2. I know all the major and minor (CAGED) patterns.

Whenever you are soloing (let’s say for this song) and you hear a dminor chord are you telling yourself (albeit very quickly!)
“I recognize this chord is a dminor, therefore I will find a place on the guitar where there is a d note. Now based on where on the fretboard I choose which d note to play (say 5th fret on the 5th string), I will pick the minor pentatonic pattern number which has root d on that string and fret (so if I chose the d on the 5th fret of the 5th string, I will pick the A shape pattern, i.e. the 4th pattern) and I will start playing notes in that pattern.”
And then you hear the G chord and tell yourself
“Now I recognize someone is strumming a G chord (or IV major) so I must figure out
which fret my fingers are closest to which contains a G note. Once I decide which fret and string has the G note I want to play, I will choose the major pentatonic pattern for that G note . I know there is a g note on the 12th fret of the 3rd string, so I will bring my fingers up there and start playing the major pentatonic pattern which has the G root note on the third string 12th fret. ( G shape pattern, i.e. major pentatonic pattern 5). Not that I will necessarily play a G note when I am in the G major pentatonic pattern 5, but at least I have to play only those notes in G major pentatonic patter 5(G shape) when a G major chord is playing”

So in a nutshell,
When playing a solo in the key of d minor
Can I include minor pentatonic patters as well as Major pentatonic patterns (and I will play the major pentatonic pattern when I hear a major chord)?
Does a good soloist react based on the chord he hears and plays that chord’s pentatonic

pattern and will choose which pattern # he will play based on where he is on the fretboard and what string he wants to play on?

Sorry for the long question, but anything you can suggest or how I should think while playing a solo would be much help.

Cheers
Dan
Chicago, USA

Hi Dan… that's a big question.

The simplest was is just play Dm pent over all the chords. It works.

Another thing is to change one note of the Dm pent to more accommodate the G chord. Normally, the G would be Gmin. But it's been changed to G7. Instead of a Bb note they add a B note. So just change the C to a B in your Dm pentatonic scale. That would make it a Dm6 pentatonic or a G7 pentatonic. Or what's called an 'altered' pentatonic scale.

There's a moving line in there too. E.g., On Dm you could emphasize the C note – then for G chord emphasize the B note – then for the Bb chord emphasize the Bb note – then down to the A note for the Dm chord again. You could do that with Dm pent 5th fret.

Or you could play off the triads.

Another way is to think C major scale for the G7 (or the Dm and G7) and then think Fmajor (or D natural minor) for Bb and Dm.

There's only one note difference. B or Bb.

As to what should you think? Well that's up to you. Depends what tools you have under your belt and how fast you want to think.

But combining pentatonics with triads is pretty cool.

I'll make a video to show what I mean. Later today or tomorrow. But I have to do some lessons for my members first.

P.S. With pentatonics, many people just think in minor, rather than major and minor.

For example… Gmajor chord think Em pent and Bbmajor chord think Gm pent.