Pentatonic Position Switching for Guitar

Changing position when playing the pentatonic scale can be a challenge, moving through the positions of ANY scale can be a bit daunting. You may find yourself "hopping" to the next shape just because "you can."

In this video I'll share some detail about the mechanics of position shifting through the pentatonic scale. I'll definitely do more on this subject, but this should get us started!

In the TABs I've included three more phrases like this one that will help give you practical applications for the concept.

00:00 Demonstration
00:09 Thesis
01:25 Introduction
02:22 Lesson
08:08 Wrap Up

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Thanks for watching!
Chris

[JnWayn]

This is a darn good lesson. I can say from the perspective of a learner that often the teacher doesn't see what the student's locus of confusion is even when they deliver a solid lesson, however I like the fact that you stress many times that you're handing us a line rather than a fish, so we can take it and build on, because one's own personal legworks along the journey are indispensable. Now, what this lesson triggered in my own mind is the realization that we too often see boxes as monoliths to repeat but in order to get a good understanding of their power we need to take them apart and reconnect them. In particular I know that for me it has been tough to remember the difference in intervals of the minor and major pentatonics but this lesson made me sit myself down and realize that there are only 2 intervals in the pentatonics, the step and the minor third. Descending from the root the next note must either be the flat 7th or the 6th - can't be anything else so this helps the thinking process and forces me to memorize that if its minor then its the flat 7th otherwise the sixth. Doing the same with all the other intervals, I have finally learnt the difference in a solid way then it just takes practice to make it my own. This was important because even though we set ourselves the constraint of starting each motif on its northside, the actual shape differs from note to note and until this is nailed down proper, it's a tough exercise to cogitate. So it goes from:

Root * step * minor-third * step
minor-7th * minor-third * step * step
5th * step * step * minor-third
4th * step * minor-third * step


I'm sure many easily see this and this isn't their struggle but it was mine and maybe others shared it with me

[bfiume]

I wish I had a guitar teacher like you when I was starting out.

[NHitesfmp]

I've been playing for 24 years.. I seriously just had the biggest "ah ha!!" Moment of my life. Thank you so much for all the informative content you put out. Keep it up🤘

[Dave-gfkd]

I love waking up, finding a Chris Sherland video, and thinking differently about my instrument and how to play it for the rest of the day! Thanks Chris!

[johnmattvain]

You knew exactly why you needed to be on YouTube didn't you.
One awesome lesson after another..
Just keeps on coming!

[dburton]

A genius teacher….. Your approach, ie., method of teaching is unlike anything I’ve seen. Outstanding, thank you.

[maryk]

I had to watch a few times. It's a great way to practice scales and get to know the fretboard more. Thanks for another useful and well -taught lesson.

[brucemartinez]

Thanks, Chris, as a true beginner this gives me a whole new perspective on playing in a linear direction, Thanks you are awesome.

[darreneden]

I love how you get us out of a box by creating a constraint. That paradox is magical. Thank you yet again Chris.

[BillBrown]

Another great video….Chris has quickly become one of the best teachers on YouTube. Thanks

[danielrenaud]

I really am enjoying the thoughtful nature of this channel

[ronrosepi]

It's like searching for an address of some place you really want to go and then getting the map and being able to clearly see how to get there. Thank you Chris!

[EclecticEssentric]

Inspirational! This was much more interesting than the title alluded to. Have a beautiful day and thank you!

[Jake]

Really liked this one! Already having fun connecting licks

[russelljoplin]

Chris + Constraints = Ever-increasing levels of fretboard consciousness! Another great lesson from the master!

[splashesin]

I'm catching up again. 😊 Recoupering from erranding marathons. Puttin' the guitar on, feeling happy!

[dieseldes]

Still the best lessons on Utube !! 👍👍👍

[annarakannan]

There we go again. Another masterpiece

[LeeFKoch]

Hi Chris, thanks for this lesson, which I found very helpful. It really is amazing how the grid of the fretboard can be used as a tool to improve your playing. And it's not that hard once you get it. After all, it is pretty logical, but I have found that I need someone to show it to me first. I love those "aha"-moments.

[hansenmarc]

There’s only one thing better than one of your lessons including exercises: a lesson that teaches us how to develop our own exercises! ❤️ Now *that* involves some solid understanding. Thank you.