Learning how to solo on the guitar can leave you with more questions than answers. As a Guitar Geek, you know that learning to solo on the guitar can be a challenging process. Many acoustic guitar players ask themselves these questions:
“What’s the best way to learn to solo?”
“How do I start soloing?”
“Once I am soloing, am I even doing it right?!?”
One of the quickest ways to learn soloing is to start understanding the blues scale. Learning how to play the blues scale, also known as the minor pentatonic scale, can unlock new ways to understand soloing and help you gain confidence as a guitar player.
Pentatonic Scales for Soloing
In this video lesson, I am going to show you the blues scale, show you examples of how to use the blues scale in your soloing, and give you a solid foundation in soloing over a 12 bar blues and beyond. Learning the blues scale and the major pentatonic scale will get you soloing quickly and with style.
The key to understanding how the blues scale and the major pentatonic scale sound great in a variety of situations lies in understanding relative minors and relative majors. Without getting into too much musical theory, just take a moment to compare the notes in the A minor pentatonic scale, and the notes in the C major pentatonic scale…
Notice anything?
There are a lot of notes shared within those two scales — in fact, they’re almost identical! Using the power of both the major and minor pentatonic scales will allow you greater sonic flexibility in a variety of settings. Just make sure you understand the transition spots between each scale! Eventually, you’ll be able to smoothly transition from either pentatonic scale.
If you are looking for more tips on how to play blues guitar, be sure to check out some of our other lessons and videos at Acoustic Life.
Also, check out these guitar scales for beginners to kick-start your solo practice.
How to Learn Guitar While Having Fun
Are you looking for more guidance on soloing or you want to understand the fretboard better? You NEED to check out Tony’s Acoustic Challenge.
Tony’s Acoustic Challenge is a daily acoustic guitar practice method that helps you have WAY more fun with your acoustic guitar while getting better in the process. In fact, it’s rated 4.9 stars from nearly 500 reviews.
Learning to play guitar for beginners doesn’t have to be frustrating or tedious. That’s why Tony’s Acoustic Challenge makes understanding how to learn the guitar simple, digestible, and, most importantly, fun. Learn more & request your invite today!
Tony, is that a single 0 or double 00 Martin?
where do I get the jam track
Hello Tony, I’m loving acoustic Tuesday. After several years of growing cannabis and donating to patients. My wife asked me to take a year off. Great time to learn how to play guitar. I knelt in prayer asking for wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the guitar. When I opened my eyes from prayer.
My Copenhagen that had been a 39 year habit in my life. Was squarely centered in my view. I knew God was offering a trade. Instantly I knew I no longer chewed. There was no way I was going to miss seeing Gods hand at work. I started ordering parts for a fully customized guitar and speaker cabinet.
I found a luthier in Thompson ND to do this project. I stopped chewing June 2nd. Since then I have been on a whirlwind of a ride. I am taking classes through you and Guitar Tricks . I am enjoying both styles very much. While I’m not having lightbulb moments yet. I can see the lightbulbs and know I’m getting closer to lighting one up. I have an acoustic guitar I’m learning to play now. Pure joy ! I thank you for being part of my journey. Peace brother
Eric Dailey
My apologies, not June but April 2nd of 2019.
Peace