I started into serious electric guitar study five years ago at the tender age of 71. This video today showed me that I actually will be able to grasp an understanding of the application and use of pentatonic scales before I finish this last run on earth. As long as you're above ground it's never too late to learn something new! Marty and Chris, you deserve some kind of Nobel prize in music for this.
@@MrJimDG great question! I’m trying to boil these things down in a different way to see if there are easier ways to really see these concepts. I hope it’s working!
Agreed. Marty taught me 12 years ago. I'm just now past this point in my learning. This is great stuff here. I pushed over he hills and through the frustrations and same old sounds. When you breakthrough and finally understand this, it takes playing to a WHOLE nother level. Its basically all about that first chord. Now I can't listen to music the same. You Find the first chord in any song. THAT is the KEY...The key unlocks the circle of fifths which is basically all the notes that make up that first chord. Play scales off that, and if youre good....you play scales off the notes of the chord changes. Thats my youtube student opinion. I didn't think i'd ever get good. I still suck. but I can make music harmonize!!! Keep playing Shredi Knights!
Holy crap I suck too , although after thirty years of trying videos such as his and others have taught me more in very short time. Which has improved my actual playing a hundred times. Two bad they didn’t shut the country down when was 15/16 of we didn’t have this but this last 6 months of free time my playing has really came together. I have arthritis now wtf figures 😳
You know Marty This Guy is amazing the way he teaches. Man he made it so simple about learning scales on the guitar, it's unbelievable :he did say it will change the way you look at the guitar fret board and playing scales, he is 100 percent right. I understand so well now , Kudos to him and you Marty for having him on your channel to show guys like me these little gems, thank you. TB5
I've been looking for patterns like this for years. I can't believe it has been there this whole time, and the act that I found it in a free video is mind-blowing. Thank you for giving this knowledge away. You (and Marty) rock!
I've stumbled on this (unfortunately only after a few decades of plucking around) and can attest to the fact that it really unleashes one along the entire length of the neck...helping you "connect" or "extend" your solos rather than being stuck in one position. We paid for the entire fretboard. Let's use all of it! Thanks! Best regards, Todd
Yes! Figured this out for myself about 18 months ago after playing for about 2 years. It makes things much easier. Learn the first position and you have learned the two patterns that make up every “position”. Adjusting for the pesky G-B string narrow “gap” and you’ve got it all. Though that is the harder part. I also use this idea for arpeggios. Give me the root note and I can play any chord arpeggio forward or back (though I first might have to look up the chord formula).
Probably one the most useful ‘guitar philosophy’ videos I’ve seen. It’s great Marty is bringing in others to collaborate with, you gotta love the variety it brings. Thanks Marty and co!
Another good tip I came across re pent scales. Starting on bottom string, going up *two notes* per string - a pattern always repeats itself - 3X whole interval followed by 2X minor interval. For example - key of C - if you start with 2X minor intervals (G-Bb / C-Eb) the next two notes per string must be 3X whole intervals (F-G / Bb-C / Eb-F) to finish the next interval must be minor ( G-Bb). Always the same pattern sequence - 2X minor followed by 3X whole. Start with 3X whole? The next must be 2X minor. And so on! Hope that helps, did me!
I know the five pentatonic positions already, never really struggled to learn them but this still added another layer that makes it easy to traverse the notes in different ways and orders which helps me create more melodic phrases and not feel stuck inside forms. The key to both seems to be know your root note positions! Thanks guys
Major/minor ,all boxes player here. I understand what you're saying but some of those other boxes have some real sweet spots you must learn. On the other hand, I have never thought of it this way, so simple but effective. Nice tip!
Exactly what i teach anybody who wants to learn guitar. I suck at instructing and proper explanation despite being a life long player who's performed live for years and who is very comfortable creating and recording/mixing all only by ear. I lack the ability to properly compose and explain music. I admire your thorough and easy to understand instructions and demonstrations. I will be sure to pass this on to students who need proper guidance. Excellent vid and audio work! Thank you!
Again, blown away. After 30 years, knowing dozens of tracks simply by muscle memory. Songs as intricate as cliffs of Dover, to now whaling away at riffs I never thought of looking at through this light. Now, maybe I can begin to play the 7 scale methods I learned all to well but could never apply to anything of my own creation. But not until I master this inside and out. Good stuff! Thanks Chris, you rock!
Okay, wow. I'm 40 years old tomorrow, been trying to play and learn for over 20 years, and this made me feel like I know more than I actually do. Brilliant, thank you!!!
Honestly, I cannot be thankful enough for this video. I've watched so many video's that would change my guitar playing, but none of them actually deliverd. This one did. Huge respect and gratitude.
I find some online guitar teachers to get overly bogged down in theory, which often confuses and daunts the student. While they themselves are typically excellent guitarists, they aren't able to really demonstrate the core message of a lesson in a simplified, understandable way. Chris Sherland is a clear and rare exception to this and has a really clear appreciation of the student's position and how to get the message across. Bravo Chris (and Marty!)
Something that’s helped me is knowing that in the pentatonic scales,the root is 3 frets before the next note (same string)… followed by 3 strings of notes 2 frets apart… and then 2 of the 3 frets apart… on to infinity…
One key fundamental I love is knowing that your Minor scale is only 3 notes below you're standard Major. knowing this you can play both the major scale and natural minor scale both together you can instantly switch between the two at any moment. it's something that really blew the fretboard wide open for me personally. I use this mechanic all the time when i'm playing lead over a jam track.
Thanks to both Marty and Chris. Until now, I felt trapped by the 2-octave A minor pentatonic scale, played from the 5th fret 6th string, because I would get to the 1st string and feel like I had no where to go. Your teaching has opened up my eyes to the entire fretboard. Thank you!
Marty, THANK YOU for sharing with the rest of us your old guitar teacher. I’m sure Chris has wicked guitar chops in his own right, but there is no question: the man can TEACH. Thank you gentlemen for your guitar and music knowledge!
I’m 48 I picked up a guitar at age 7, I’ve never had a lesson, or can I read music at all. I have figured out some patterns by ear, of course struggling as I go due to no structure. Then this video👀!! I will use this lesson and keep on keeping on. Marty thank you sir for sharing this! I’ve learned a lot from you. Your awesome!
In everything I’ve read about 3 notes per string scales NONE OF THEM have ever said about sliding up and repeating the same pattern. The cognitive load is way simpler here! Thank you!
I started playing 7 years ago at the tender age off 55. I'm self taught. I know that offshoot of the minor pentatonic scale, the blues scale....I've had lots of fun with it, but I still couldn't quite "connect the dots", the way I wanted to. You just showed me how to do that!!! THANK YOU!! Marty & Chris!!
Good beginners lesson Chris, reminder, most of what you play in a Band is Chords, and understanding the relationship between those chords and the notes that work around them is fundamental, I've been playing and performing for decades, we didnt have this access to knowledge back in the day, we had to use our ears and be lucky enough to know someone who could show you, Marty has opened up a whole play book of songs for people to progress, if you are a beginner, give something back if you can and sign up to his in more depth material, on theory, Brian Kelly is superb, many light bulbs have gone on! For singing Ken Tamplin, back in the day I had to take a one hour bus ride, for a 1 hour lesson, then back again, a few bucks is gonna help these guys, and the amount of free content they have provided is superb.
Mind officially blown! I’m 43 and have been playing for fun since I was 10. I finally decided I want to actually learn and understand what I’m doing but scales are so tedious and terrifying but this shines a new light on things. Such a simple concept, why have I never heard this before! THANK YOU!
Mary and Chris -- Thank you both so very much! You guys have somewhat different styles but are both amazing teachers and coaches. I watch this video 4-5 times without a guitar in my hand so I didn't miss anything (sounds weird, I know), and I am so happy I did --- thanks Chris & Marty.... You made my guitar month, and it did change my guitar life....
At first I was like wtf is this all about with the not Marty guy!? Well I just saved this video to my all time favorite lessons playlist. That was some of the most beneficial time I've spent learning guitar on RUclips, thank you both!
Being a pattern guy myself (as in looking for or seeing), when I started to learn scales this started to show itself to me and it absolutely made scale playing easier. BGU has a blues scale guitar trainer (electronic flashcards) that allows you to do practice sessions using this same idea in a variety of keys and locations, major and minor. Great tool--and free. Great lightbulb video here.
Wow your right!! Been playing for decades and now I'm finally psyched to really learn gypsy, melodic minor, Bebop, etc all those impossibly incomprehensible scales in terms of actually using them because you can't actually remember them lol...
Great lesson for players wanting to break through thinking they need to have all 5 positions to these scales. I use this exact same technique. I really only know 1st two positions on minor & major pent. scales. You can use this technique & do amazing things! Thanks🎸
Great tip. I discovered this about 6 months ago when trying to learn some mode patterns. I found I could take the 1st Major scale pattern and play the modes by starting the pattern on a different note. Nice!
I guess that I don't have scale issues. But thanks! Another way is to take a scale, then slowly learn a string or 2 lower, then higher, then frets left, then frets right of it. Then you know the connections from anywhere on the neck (but be wary of the b string).
Wow, this is absolutely brilliant. I've kind of been doing something like this instinctively but this is a concise method and is a much better way to go about it. I can't wait to put this into practice, thank you both so much.
Something so simple and common sense that’s right in your face but you dont see it till someone points it out to you. Something I can use that I already know how to do but never do. It’s the problem of our time, to much information. Great video, Thanks guys
anyone who wants to learn guitar and isn't already subscribed to Chris's channel really needs to sort that out. I'm fairly sure I learned this "root-to-root" concept on Chris's own channel some months ago (if I recall correctly, he used the major scale as the example) and have since applied it to all the scales I know and it's one of the first things I also apply to any new scales I've started learning since (well, I say "learning new scales" but in truth you're only altering one or more notes of a scale you already know). Guys, if you're learning to play guitar, I really can't recommend Chris's channel enough - use the power of "curiosity" that Chris integrates into everything he teaches and you'll be golden - you end up learning all sorts of things (in this case where all root notes are on the fretboard for me) without actually realising that that's what you're doing. Scary good lessons.
It is a very well thought out approach and I can see it helping people. TBH though, I feel like learning the 5 positions of the pentatonics is just something there's no way around. This approach relies on knowing where your root notes are, in which case it's just as easy to figure out the shape you're in. Just my opinion of course. After 30 odd years of playing, if I had to give someone a foundation for playing lead in an hour or less I'd stress the chord shapes associated with each scale shape and get them to land on chord tones.
My thoughts exactly. I feel that if you know where the A roots are, you will likely know the 5 positions already. Also he keeps saying they’re the exact same shape when in reality they aren’t quite. Still a good guide though.
Maybe the best tip on learning scales I’ve ever heard! Simple, but powerful difference it is to acknowledge the shape of each octave rather than the shape of both connected. Thanks!
Marty and Chris, I have an interesting challenge for you, Theres got to be a simple way to incorporate open strings into scales, with the E minor pentatonic every open string is a note in the scale so you can use open strings in that scale wherever you are on the neck. I know depending on the key there may be none available but for the most part there’s usually a few you can use. Im of the belief theres a simple solution to everything. I think you guys may be on to something. We’ve got to stop starting guitar players out by locking them in a box. I learned that way years ago and am still fighting to lose that habit. Im not a teacher, Im just a frustrated player. I know I can do great things if I can bust out of this jail. Thanks, you guys just made my day with this video.
I've been playing for a while but still a beginner and I know the 5 patterns of the pentatonic scale but never noticed the same shape from the root until this video now I can see it easily.. Thank you for such great information.
I had been looking at the scales like this for a bit just playing scales in octaves starting with the index finger. When you fall off the fingerboard at the bottom, remember that the top E string has the same notes as the bottom E string. This helped me visualize the 5 patterns, since I had the basic shapes in mind. Great video!
You have to learn the full scale run from the first fret to 12th. All the other notes you miss in the scale while running down the neck can be figured out later
After 20s playing by ear I learned all my modes in the key of c (a barr chord ) and just move the modal positions up down the neck wherever to what ever key I choose to play, also mix with the caged system then make up your own scale sounds🤔 and like yourself I keep track of it all and simplify it by looking for the octive or pedal the notes ,widdle hammer on,pull off ,bend, tap, pick scrape ,arpeggiate..ect 😅 for interest 🤷♂️
One thing that I didn't hear you say is that the patterns for the major and minor pentatonic scales are not the same. They both follow a 2-2-2 pattern when starting with your index finger and 1-2-2-1 when starting with you ring or pinkie finger but they are not the same. There are 4 patterns to remember, not 2. This is still extremely helpful and I can see the fretboard much better. For instance, A minor starting with index finger would be (E) 5-8, (A) 5-7, (D)5-7, and the A major would be (E)5-7, (A)4-7, (D) 4-7. A minor with pinkie is (E)5, (A) 3-5, (D)2-5 , (G)2 and A major is(E)5, (A)2-4, (D) 2-4, (G) 2. I believe the patterns that you played were both minor scales. Please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you again. This was an eye opener for an advanced beginner.
As a 58 year old grandad who's decided to take up guitar for fun, I couldn't afford the proverbial sports car, this makes complete sense to me 😀 I really have been struggling with this stuff! So thank you guys for a great video 👍 Thank you, thank you, thank you 👏👏
Jim, I’m laughing because I stumbled upon your post. I’m a 61 year old grandpa who built a hotrod but not nearly what I d amagined to have at this age. But like you I picked up a guitar and love learning the ins and outs. Much respect for the players out there. Lots of work, but wished I started a long time ago. I’ll think of you as I struggle along👍
When I started to recognize that the same shape occurred in each scale position, things got easier. I'd also recommend that teachers and students focus on the number of the finger, vs the number of the fret. Thinking about all the different fret numbers is information overload to the brain.
Marty, I notice that in your instruction course on the Pentatonic scale in Am, your fingering follows this concept when you start on the D string. Verrrrry interesting.
I started into serious electric guitar study five years ago at the tender age of 71. This video today showed me that I actually will be able to grasp an understanding of the application and use of pentatonic scales before I finish this last run on earth. As long as you're above ground it's never too late to learn something new! Marty and Chris, you deserve some kind of Nobel prize in music for this.
Well said indeed Sir!
Good for you brother
This is a very well said comment. You’re never to old to learn something new! So true!
Right on! Love your name, btw
Kieth Richards says playing guitar keeps him alive.
Thanks for having me on the channel again Marty! You're the GOAT and your community is amazing!
Chris that's what I call a "Ruby slippers" moment - you're a fuckin legend 🙏🐹
@@guineapigvampire Thanks mate!
thanks for this, i truly mean it, im going to go play my guitar now until my fingers bleed
been playing guitar for 30 years, why has no one told me this before.
@@MrJimDG great question! I’m trying to boil these things down in a different way to see if there are easier ways to really see these concepts. I hope it’s working!
A title you might think is clickbait but turns out to be 100% legit.
Thank you Marty and Chris for another great video!
Agreed. Marty taught me 12 years ago. I'm just now past this point in my learning. This is great stuff here. I pushed over he hills and through the frustrations and same old sounds. When you breakthrough and finally understand this, it takes playing to a WHOLE nother level. Its basically all about that first chord. Now I can't listen to music the same. You Find the first chord in any song. THAT is the KEY...The key unlocks the circle of fifths which is basically all the notes that make up that first chord. Play scales off that, and if youre good....you play scales off the notes of the chord changes. Thats my youtube student opinion. I didn't think i'd ever get good. I still suck. but I can make music harmonize!!! Keep playing Shredi Knights!
Holy crap I suck too , although after thirty years of trying videos such as his and others have taught me more in very short time. Which has improved my actual playing a hundred times. Two bad they didn’t shut the country down when was 15/16 of we didn’t have this but this last 6 months of free time my playing has really came together. I have arthritis now wtf figures 😳
Usually when I see videos that make such a claim I ignore them but when Marty does I know it will be good
You know Marty This Guy is amazing the way he teaches. Man he made it so simple about learning scales on the guitar, it's unbelievable :he did say it will change the way you look at the guitar fret board and playing scales, he is 100 percent right. I understand so well now , Kudos to him and you Marty for having him on your channel to show guys like me these little gems, thank you. TB5
You bet darethomhens! So glad this was helpful.
Totally agreed. Wish I saw this 5years ago. Love your work gentlemen.
I've been looking for patterns like this for years. I can't believe it has been there this whole time, and the act that I found it in a free video is mind-blowing. Thank you for giving this knowledge away. You (and Marty) rock!
same 🖤🤘🏻
I've stumbled on this (unfortunately only after a few decades of plucking around) and can attest to the fact that it really unleashes one along the entire length of the neck...helping you "connect" or "extend" your solos rather than being stuck in one position.
We paid for the entire fretboard. Let's use all of it!
Thanks!
Best regards,
Todd
Yes! Figured this out for myself about 18 months ago after playing for about 2 years. It makes things much easier.
Learn the first position and you have learned the two patterns that make up every “position”.
Adjusting for the pesky G-B string narrow “gap” and you’ve got it all. Though that is the harder part.
I also use this idea for arpeggios. Give me the root note and I can play any chord arpeggio forward or back (though I first might have to look up the chord formula).
Probably one the most useful ‘guitar philosophy’ videos I’ve seen. It’s great Marty is bringing in others to collaborate with, you gotta love the variety it brings. Thanks Marty and co!
Another good tip I came across re pent scales. Starting on bottom string, going up *two notes* per string - a pattern always repeats itself - 3X whole interval followed by 2X minor interval. For example - key of C - if you start with 2X minor intervals (G-Bb / C-Eb) the next two notes per string must be 3X whole intervals (F-G / Bb-C / Eb-F) to finish the next interval must be minor ( G-Bb). Always the same pattern sequence - 2X minor followed by 3X whole. Start with 3X whole? The next must be 2X minor. And so on! Hope that helps, did me!
I know the five pentatonic positions already, never really struggled to learn them but this still added another layer that makes it easy to traverse the notes in different ways and orders which helps me create more melodic phrases and not feel stuck inside forms. The key to both seems to be know your root note positions! Thanks guys
I've been playing guitar for 25 years and this may be the most freeing concepts I've ever come across. Thank you.
Major/minor ,all boxes player here. I understand what you're saying but some of those other boxes have some real sweet spots you must learn.
On the other hand, I have never thought of it this way, so simple but effective.
Nice tip!
Exactly what i teach anybody who wants to learn guitar. I suck at instructing and proper explanation despite being a life long player who's performed live for years and who is very comfortable creating and recording/mixing all only by ear. I lack the ability to properly compose and explain music. I admire your thorough and easy to understand instructions and demonstrations. I will be sure to pass this on to students who need proper guidance. Excellent vid and audio work! Thank you!
Again, blown away. After 30 years, knowing dozens of tracks simply by muscle memory. Songs as intricate as cliffs of Dover, to now whaling away at riffs I never thought of looking at through this light. Now, maybe I can begin to play the 7 scale methods I learned all to well but could never apply to anything of my own creation. But not until I master this inside and out. Good stuff! Thanks Chris, you rock!
Okay, wow. I'm 40 years old tomorrow, been trying to play and learn for over 20 years, and this made me feel like I know more than I actually do. Brilliant, thank you!!!
You most certainly do :)
It was funny that the ad that played during the lesson started off with "Stop playing scales.....".
:DDD
😂😂😂
Rude!
I laughed big time
Honestly, I cannot be thankful enough for this video. I've watched so many video's that would change my guitar playing, but none of them actually deliverd. This one did. Huge respect and gratitude.
Another beautiful video with Marty and Chris.
You just blew my mind, I usually get really bored watching these videos but I'm glad I pulled through this one!
Sweet!
I find some online guitar teachers to get overly bogged down in theory, which often confuses and daunts the student. While they themselves are typically excellent guitarists, they aren't able to really demonstrate the core message of a lesson in a simplified, understandable way. Chris Sherland is a clear and rare exception to this and has a really clear appreciation of the student's position and how to get the message across. Bravo Chris (and Marty!)
Something that’s helped me is knowing that in the pentatonic scales,the root is 3 frets before the next note (same string)…
followed by 3 strings of notes 2 frets apart… and then 2 of the 3 frets apart… on to infinity…
One key fundamental I love is knowing that your Minor scale is only 3 notes below you're standard Major. knowing this you can play both the major scale and natural minor scale both together you can instantly switch between the two at any moment. it's something that really blew the fretboard wide open for me personally. I use this mechanic all the time when i'm playing lead over a jam track.
...or start on your middle finger and play a different pattern!
Thanks to both Marty and Chris. Until now, I felt trapped by the 2-octave A minor pentatonic scale, played from the 5th fret 6th string, because I would get to the 1st string and feel like I had no where to go. Your teaching has opened up my eyes to the entire fretboard. Thank you!
Wow, best comment I could have hoped for Scott! You are welcome!
Marty, THANK YOU for sharing with the rest of us your old guitar teacher. I’m sure Chris has wicked guitar chops in his own right, but there is no question: the man can TEACH.
Thank you gentlemen for your guitar and music knowledge!
Things that I once knew that got lost in the sands of time. I needed to hear this again. Thank you thank you thank you.
I’m 48 I picked up a guitar at age 7, I’ve never had a lesson, or can I read music at all. I have figured out some patterns by ear, of course struggling as I go due to no structure. Then this video👀!! I will use this lesson and keep on keeping on. Marty thank you sir for sharing this!
I’ve learned a lot from you. Your awesome!
In everything I’ve read about 3 notes per string scales NONE OF THEM have ever said about sliding up and repeating the same pattern. The cognitive load is way simpler here! Thank you!
I started playing 7 years ago at the tender age off 55. I'm self taught. I know that offshoot of the minor pentatonic scale, the blues scale....I've had lots of fun with it, but I still couldn't quite "connect the dots", the way I wanted to. You just showed me how to do that!!! THANK YOU!! Marty & Chris!!
Good beginners lesson Chris, reminder, most of what you play in a Band is Chords, and understanding the relationship between those chords and the notes that work around them is fundamental, I've been playing and performing for decades, we didnt have this access to knowledge back in the day, we had to use our ears and be lucky enough to know someone who could show you, Marty has opened up a whole play book of songs for people to progress, if you are a beginner, give something back if you can and sign up to his in more depth material, on theory, Brian Kelly is superb, many light bulbs have gone on! For singing Ken Tamplin, back in the day I had to take a one hour bus ride, for a 1 hour lesson, then back again, a few bucks is gonna help these guys, and the amount of free content they have provided is superb.
Mind officially blown! I’m 43 and have been playing for fun since I was 10. I finally decided I want to actually learn and understand what I’m doing but scales are so tedious and terrifying but this shines a new light on things. Such a simple concept, why have I never heard this before! THANK YOU!
I've rewatched this so many times and always pick up something I missed the time before. Like wow this is good
Mary and Chris -- Thank you both so very much! You guys have somewhat different styles but are both amazing teachers and coaches. I watch this video 4-5 times without a guitar in my hand so I didn't miss anything (sounds weird, I know), and I am so happy I did --- thanks Chris & Marty.... You made my guitar month, and it did change my guitar life....
I already know all the scale shapes but I never saw it like that, that brings new light the scales for sure!
Thank you so much to Marty for having him on thank you man seriously
Wow ,great lesson .that's the content the world needs to know ..thanks Marty and Chris .from the Philippines .Mabuhay kayo
You bet, Joenar!
Epic stuff and pretty eye opening way to look at scales.
6:24 - "lets just pause here for a moment"
And the ad just kicked in!
Perfect timing! 🤣
Great lesson as always
At first I was like wtf is this all about with the not Marty guy!? Well I just saved this video to my all time favorite lessons playlist. That was some of the most beneficial time I've spent learning guitar on RUclips, thank you both!
Been ignoring this video for weeks in my feed thinking it was just click bait with that title. Was proved wrong. NIce work Chris.
That only took 40 years to learn! These episodes with Chris are some of my favorites. Thanks
Dude! Way to prepare us for the commercial. That was the first time I’ve seen that and it was smooth. Thanks!
Being a pattern guy myself (as in looking for or seeing), when I started to learn scales this started to show itself to me and it absolutely made scale playing easier. BGU has a blues scale guitar trainer (electronic flashcards) that allows you to do practice sessions using this same idea in a variety of keys and locations, major and minor. Great tool--and free. Great lightbulb video here.
Holy scales Batman this is probably the best lesson I have ever watch!!! Mahalo Chris and Marty! You guys are amazing!
This changed my life😀
Wow your right!! Been playing for decades and now I'm finally psyched to really learn gypsy, melodic minor, Bebop, etc all those impossibly incomprehensible scales in terms of actually using them because you can't actually remember them lol...
Great lesson for players wanting to break through thinking they need to have all 5 positions to these scales. I use this exact same technique. I really only know 1st two positions on minor & major pent. scales. You can use this technique & do amazing things! Thanks🎸
This is a great way to think about scales.Thanks, Chris and Marty.
Great tip. I discovered this about 6 months ago when trying to learn some mode patterns. I found I could take the 1st Major scale pattern and play the modes by starting the pattern on a different note. Nice!
I guess that I don't have scale issues. But thanks!
Another way is to take a scale, then slowly learn a string or 2 lower, then higher, then frets left, then frets right of it. Then you know the connections from anywhere on the neck (but be wary of the b string).
Wow, this is absolutely brilliant. I've kind of been doing something like this instinctively but this is a concise method and is a much better way to go about it. I can't wait to put this into practice, thank you both so much.
Something so simple and common sense that’s right in your face but you dont see it till someone points it out to you.
Something I can use that I already know how to do but never do.
It’s the problem of our time, to much information.
Great video,
Thanks guys
anyone who wants to learn guitar and isn't already subscribed to Chris's channel really needs to sort that out. I'm fairly sure I learned this "root-to-root" concept on Chris's own channel some months ago (if I recall correctly, he used the major scale as the example) and have since applied it to all the scales I know and it's one of the first things I also apply to any new scales I've started learning since (well, I say "learning new scales" but in truth you're only altering one or more notes of a scale you already know). Guys, if you're learning to play guitar, I really can't recommend Chris's channel enough - use the power of "curiosity" that Chris integrates into everything he teaches and you'll be golden - you end up learning all sorts of things (in this case where all root notes are on the fretboard for me) without actually realising that that's what you're doing. Scary good lessons.
It is a very well thought out approach and I can see it helping people. TBH though, I feel like learning the 5 positions of the pentatonics is just something there's no way around. This approach relies on knowing where your root notes are, in which case it's just as easy to figure out the shape you're in. Just my opinion of course. After 30 odd years of playing, if I had to give someone a foundation for playing lead in an hour or less I'd stress the chord shapes associated with each scale shape and get them to land on chord tones.
My thoughts exactly. I feel that if you know where the A roots are, you will likely know the 5 positions already. Also he keeps saying they’re the exact same shape when in reality they aren’t quite. Still a good guide though.
Good Lesson! This gave me a new perspective on the pentatonic scale!
Thank you .. This opened some doors to learning every root. And learn the neck better in notes knowledge/locations.
Oh boy what a lesson, one of the most important in my guitar life so far. Thank you Marty and Chris!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Maybe the best tip on learning scales I’ve ever heard! Simple, but powerful difference it is to acknowledge the shape of each octave rather than the shape of both connected. Thanks!
I have played for forty years and this is an amazing but simple route to take! Kudos and thanks for the logic.
OMG I'm a beginner in electric guitar, this video just opened my mind! Thanks for posting it. Saludos desde Chile!
You bet! Glad you liked this!
Wow, this is brilliant. A lot of people get locked in the Pentatonic boxes. This is the key to unlock the box.!
This approach to scales is so simple, but sooo effective. Really appreciate these tips. Thanks Chris! and Thanks Marty!
For f*ucks sake! I've been playing for 30 years and this was somehow the simplest explanation I have ever saw of what I was doing. BRAVO
Holy shit thank you for this. I'm a beginner and this type of pattern recognition helps immensely!!
It's T.H.E. way to go!
Marty and Chris, I have an interesting challenge for you,
Theres got to be a simple way to incorporate open strings into scales, with the E minor pentatonic every open string is a note in the scale so you can use open strings in that scale wherever you are on the neck. I know depending on the key there may be none available but for the most part there’s usually a few you can use.
Im of the belief theres a simple solution to everything.
I think you guys may be on to something. We’ve got to stop starting guitar players out by locking them in a box. I learned that way years ago and am still fighting to lose that habit. Im not a teacher, Im just a frustrated player. I know I can do great things if I can bust out of this jail.
Thanks, you guys just made my day with this video.
Once again, nicely done Chris, even though no mention of the Hungarian goulash scale. Used to eat that up.
That scale has never sat right with me...leaves me unsettled...frankly, it gives me gas :P
That was really cool. As a genuine beginner this made a lot more sense than many other things I've seen regarding scales.
I love the phrase “ work your tail off “ I’m gonna be using that as well as this lol
I've been playing for a while but still a beginner and I know the 5 patterns of the pentatonic scale but never noticed the same shape from the root until this video now I can see it easily.. Thank you for such great information.
You are so welcome James.
I had been looking at the scales like this for a bit just playing scales in octaves starting with the index finger. When you fall off the fingerboard at the bottom, remember that the top E string has the same notes as the bottom E string. This helped me visualize the 5 patterns, since I had the basic shapes in mind. Great video!
Thanks Riley, great context!
Mind is blown. Not here yet and my guitar is in the shop. This definitely looks doable today.🤙
TOTALLY doable!!! You got this.
Hey marty just wanted to thank you for teaching me how to play the guitar i will be forever thankfull!!!!!
You have to learn the full scale run from the first fret to 12th. All the other notes you miss in the scale while running down the neck can be figured out later
This guitar lessons about scales is Fantastic!!!! I will be applying this to my scale learning, very clear and detailed.
After 20s playing by ear I learned all my modes in the key of c (a barr chord ) and just move the modal positions up down the neck wherever to what ever key I choose to play, also mix with the caged system then make up your own scale sounds🤔 and like yourself I keep track of it all and simplify it by looking for the octive or pedal the notes ,widdle hammer on,pull off ,bend, tap, pick scrape ,arpeggiate..ect 😅 for interest 🤷♂️
This is one of the best things I've seen in a good while. I'm going to watch this again later a couple of times, I think.
One thing that I didn't hear you say is that the patterns for the major and minor pentatonic scales are not the same. They both follow a 2-2-2 pattern when starting with your index finger and 1-2-2-1 when starting with you ring or pinkie finger but they are not the same. There are 4 patterns to remember, not 2. This is still extremely helpful and I can see the fretboard much better. For instance, A minor starting with index finger would be (E) 5-8, (A) 5-7, (D)5-7, and the A major would be (E)5-7, (A)4-7, (D) 4-7. A minor with pinkie is (E)5, (A) 3-5, (D)2-5 , (G)2 and A major is(E)5, (A)2-4, (D) 2-4, (G) 2. I believe the patterns that you played were both minor scales. Please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you again. This was an eye opener for an advanced beginner.
Marty and Chris, you have absolutely no idea how grateful I am. Thank you for the lessons.
Thanks for taking time to teach such a great lesson
This is so eye opening for a beginner like myself!! Thanks for the help, can wait to apply this knowledge.
You bet!
As a 58 year old grandad who's decided to take up guitar for fun, I couldn't afford the proverbial sports car, this makes complete sense to me 😀 I really have been struggling with this stuff! So thank you guys for a great video 👍 Thank you, thank you, thank you 👏👏
Jim, I’m laughing because I stumbled upon your post. I’m a 61 year old grandpa who built a hotrod but not nearly what I d amagined to have at this age. But like you I picked up a guitar and love learning the ins and outs. Much respect for the players out there. Lots of work, but wished I started a long time ago. I’ll think of you as I struggle along👍
Very Good way to think and see. I think I’ll replay this over and over! Marty thanks for this great substitute teacher❤️ Hope you are enjoying vacay!
Dude you're a lifesaver thank you
This didn't sink in until I was playing to a backing track. Then I applied this and thanks.
I like blending the major and minor scales together
Ok this is probably the best video I've seen in years! Thank you!!
Another great lesson!
When I started to recognize that the same shape occurred in each scale position, things got easier. I'd also recommend that teachers and students focus on the number of the finger, vs the number of the fret. Thinking about all the different fret numbers is information overload to the brain.
Great way to put it makes you think in a different way... Excellent lesson thanks much for the share
Very great technic n knoledge precision. Thank's !
I just subscribed this man's channel as my gratitude of his beautiful teaching and very comprehensive way of demonstrating how this stuff work.
Wow, I can’t wait to try this when I get home.
Marty, I notice that in your instruction course on the Pentatonic scale in Am, your fingering follows this concept when you start on the D string. Verrrrry interesting.
That was awesome. Going to try this later. Thanks for the video
Thats a chunk of GOLD right there! Brilliant!
Nice lesson and nice conceptual approach. Thanks!
You bet!
Best scales lesson ever! 👏👏👏👍👍👍
Thanks Alberto, glad you liked this one!
We appreciate you too Chris 💗
I saw where you were going . And to be honest , I never thought beyond the A string on these patterns ! Well done !
This was amazing. I’m going right to my looper and putting in some simple progressions so I can put your information to work. Thank you so much!