The ultimate guide to the pentatonic scales for guitar (Major and Minor) - when & how to use - EP436

In this week's guitar lesson (more like a course), you'll learn everything there is to know about the pentatonic scales, where they come from, how they sound, when and how to use them.

00:00 Introduction
00:47 Where do pentatonic scales come from?
03:22 - Demonstration of major and minor pentatonic sound
04:34 - Forumla for WHEN to use major vs minor
05:19 - How to find the Minor Pentatonic Patterns
13:18 - How to find the Major Pentatonic Patterns
17:40 - Which notes can you bend?
20:52 - Mixing the major and minor pentatonic scales

[GuitarJoLa]

Brian, you need vacation now! This is a blues lead course all in itself! All those practice materials, videos, charts, tabs and jam tracks packed into one lesson, must have been a lot of work! Your dedication and consistency are just incredible! I'm so glad I have found you 4.5 years ago ♪💕

[rogereisenback]

The absolute best on YouTube I've been waiting for a lightbulb moment probably have to watch it a couple more times maybe take notes but truly helpful I don't feel lost anymore

[MJsap]

I’m so thankful for every single one of Brian’s lessons. This one is absolutely brilliant. Learning guitar online is difficult. You’re not able to ask questions as you go to help clarify certain things. With his lessons I have no questions. He explains things in a way that should make sense to everyone. Thank you for all you do to help us guitar players constantly trying to improve. -Sincerely a proud Active Melody member

[LissaDouglas]

Wow! This video was a complete light bulb moment for me! The way you explained joining the scales via your system made perfect sense to me. I also want to acknowledge your originality in your compositions ( lessons ). Original thinker, original composer. And also a generous guy! Keep it coming! And I love those stand-alone compositions !

[avonnabors]

We are spoiled by your wealth of knowledge and ability to convey theory clear and concisely. Thanks so much for the consistency.

[MartynStandage]

I was really stuck understanding scales and positions, only ever reached learning pattern one of the pentatonic, then I started checking out Brian’s lessons and everything became clear, a great teacher

[eunshim]

Wow. I've come across many many music teachers that understand the concept but are not able to verbally or demonstratively transfer the knowledge to their students.
This man is actually very gifted at articulating new ideas to learners. Bravo.
I wish I had you as a resource 10 years ago.

[jtm]

Wow, I was almost going to ignore this weeks lesson thinking, “ I’ve already put my time in the woodshed going through the pentatonic scales for the last ten years”. I’m sure glad I took a look at the lesson. Your insight and approach to these scales is a different than ones I’ve seen before. This was well worth my time. In addition, I plan on becoming a patron to support your efforts as soon as my Guitar Tricks membership expires later this year. Well done.

[ianrichardson]

I have to say that's one of the easiest to follow lessons on pentatonics I've seen.
The two intervals we remove from the two diatonic scales as Brian says can be a bit of a problem. My take on this, which occurred to me many moons ago when one of my brain cells worked properly for a few moments, is that by removing them we remove the two half steps. By adding one back in like the flat 5 (THE blue note) we create a blue note. Adding in the Major 3rd (as Brian does in this lesson) does the same, a passing note so a blue note in effect and so on. So we can see other notes or intervals as a blue note, not just the flat 5th.
Just thought I'd chuck that thought in the hat for anyone who might find it useful.

[lukesteverything]

It's so weird how anyone can dislike this. It's brilliant in every respect so a huge THANKYOU for showing me the light.

[Pokitchange]

I'm still pretty new on guitar but it was getting boring just memorizing how to play a song because I wasn't really creating or learning much. Learning about music theory is opening up a whole world of studying that I'll probably never be finished with. I love it! Just bought the Gretsch streamliner and I'm in love with it.

[philipp]

What an amazingly eye opening video. Without a doubt the most clear, concise (yet extremely thorough) explanation on pentatonics I've ever seen. Brian - you've outdone yourself yet again. Joining Active Melody (premium membership) has been the best investment I've made in my guitar playing journey. The progress and "lightbulb moments" I've had as a result is crazy. Please don't ever stop teaching.

[retiredguyadventures]

I've been a paying member of Brian's courses for about a year now and this is one of his best lessons... Just learning that you can use the minor pentatonic scales over the major pentatonic as long as you start in the major, but not vice versa was worth the time watching this!

[jedsettah]

Awesome lesson I have been looking and never found anyone who explained the pentatonic patterns in one lesson and so simply .. So much great information. I picked up the guitar after not playing for 30 years .All I had was Burt Wheedons guitar for beginners I knew no theory at all, but not knowing limits you especially if you want to jam, I somehow worked out pattern 2 all those years ago but did not know what it was I just Found those notes sounded right . I’ve learnt more from Brian’s lessons in the last year and it’s invigorated my love of playing guitar. If you are just starting out can play a few chords and are looking to play solos, the odd lick or jamming this is the lesson you need.Thank you Brian

[MJsap]

I’m so thankful for every single one of Brian’s lessons. This one is absolutely brilliant. Learning guitar online is difficult, not being able to ask questions as you go. With his lessons I don’t feel the need to. He answers any questions I could have before I could even ask. Thanks for everything you do for us players trying to get better every day. Sincerely a proud active melody member

[Gor]

Thanks! That explanation of the pentatonic scale in the first 3 min was great! Made so much just fall into place. I never knew the WHY of that scale. Really helps to understand how to use that scale.

[pariahgaming]

So far I’ve only watched 2 of your videos and I can say I’ve never connected with anybody’s teaching method more than yours. Thank you!

[stevefielding]

What a brilliant lesson! Literally light bulb moments. Brian, you are helping me so much, thank you.

[chesterburnett]

Brian: this lesson is by far one of your best (and I've seen quite a few). For me, It alone is worth the cost of a premium membership. So glad I re-upped this Summer. Cheers.

[davidlewis]

THIS is the most important lesson for me, in my life!!! This is helping me SOOO much! THANK YOU!!!