10 Years of Guitar Advice in under 10 minutes.

Summary

In this lesson, the speaker shares valuable advice for guitarists struggling with making scales, particularly the A minor pentatonic scale, sound musical. He explains how scales should be seen as tools and emphasizes the importance of focusing on root notes, adding rhythm, and breaking the scale into manageable boxes. By practicing with a metronome and gradually increasing tempo, players can develop a more musical and deliberate approach to soloing. The speaker offers a free lesson on soloing in any key, reinforcing the idea that using scales effectively is more important than just playing them.

Takeaways

• 😀 Scales are tools, not just sequences of notes. Their usefulness depends on how you use them musically.
• 😀 The A minor pentatonic scale is commonly the first scale learned by guitarists who want to start soloing.
• 😀 Merely playing a scale up and down doesn’t make it musical; it’s just conveying information.
• 😀 Root notes are crucial in making a scale sound musical. In the A minor pentatonic scale, these roots are found in three positions: low E, D string, and high E string.
• 😀 Adding rhythm to root notes helps create a musical vibe and makes them sound more engaging.
• 😀 The A minor pentatonic scale can be broken down into three boxes, each centered around a root note, which helps you approach soloing in smaller, manageable chunks.
• 😀 Focusing on one box at a time while practicing scales allows you to build musicality and control over the notes.
• 😀 Using a metronome for practice is key. It helps you stay in time, adds rhythm, and encourages fluid, deliberate note playing.
• 😀 Gradually increasing tempos from 60 to 100 beats per minute will help you gain comfort and control over the scale at different speeds.
• 😀 With consistent practice and a focus on rhythm, you’ll be able to play scales in a musical, deliberate way, making them useful in jam sessions or performances.

Q & A

Why does the speaker say they 'crashed and burned' when first learning the pentatonic scale?

The speaker expresses frustration because, despite learning the pentatonic scale, they were unable to make it sound musical or interesting. This led to a feeling of failure as they couldn't achieve the same results as their favorite guitar players.

What key is the pentatonic scale discussed in the video?

The pentatonic scale discussed in the video is in the key of A minor.

What is the main issue that the speaker addresses regarding learning scales?

The main issue is that scales are often viewed as just patterns or information, and without the right approach, they fail to sound musical. The speaker emphasizes that scales should be used as tools, not just memorized patterns.

How does the speaker recommend making the root notes of a scale more musical?

The speaker suggests adding rhythm to the root notes and experimenting with how they are played, rather than just walking through the scale mechanically. By doing this, the notes begin to feel more musical and purposeful.

Why does the speaker break the pentatonic scale into three boxes?

Breaking the scale into three boxes allows the player to focus on one section at a time, each with its own root note. This method helps make the scale more manageable and musical by giving structure and context to each segment.

What role do the root notes play in the approach described by the speaker?

Root notes are considered the most important notes in the scale because they define the tonality. The speaker emphasizes learning to make these root notes sound good as a foundation for playing the rest of the scale more musically.

How does the speaker suggest using a metronome during practice?

The speaker recommends using the metronome not just to stay in time, but also as a tool for creating a rhythmic foundation. They suggest treating the metronome as a drum loop, allowing it to inspire creativity and rhythm in playing.

What are the three tempos the speaker recommends for practicing with the metronome?

The speaker recommends practicing at 60 beats per minute (slow), 76 beats per minute (medium), and 100 beats per minute (fast). These tempos help build comfort with the scale at varying speeds.

What is the benefit of practicing scales at different tempos?

Practicing at different tempos helps the player become more comfortable and versatile with the scale. It encourages flexibility and prepares the player to use the scale effectively in various musical situations.

What is the 'free gift' the speaker offers at the end of the video?

The speaker offers a free lesson on how to instantly solo in any key, which includes guidance on finding any key on the fretboard and applying the same scale pattern to solo effectively.