ExAMPLES

TRA CKs 10-12

Rock Ex 7 Here we are in D minor with a set of classic rock changes - a Im, bVI, bVII, Im progression. Staying in shape 1 throughout, notice how the repetitive string skipping lick works for both the Bb and C chords, proving just how easy it is to make the minor pentatonic scale work, even if you aren’t primarily targeting the key chord tones of each chord. Use your first finger to barre the 10th fret of the top three strings, and watch for unwanted string noise.

Rock Ex 8 These sequence-based runs are in F# minor. Notice how the whole segment is derived from the minor pentatonic scale, but still manages to include arpeggios containing some of the chord tones of each of the three chords. In fact the root, 3rd and 5th is played for each chord, except on the E where the 3rd (G#) isn’t in the scale (but the root and 5th are).

Rock Ex 9 Here’s a fast, ascending sequence using E minor pentatonic, which allows you to travel horizontally across the neck. Essentially we are going through the 5 CAGED shapes, sticking to the first and second strings exclusively. Try it out on other string sets to gain extra mileage from this lick and make sure you practise the rapid position changes at a suitably slow tempo at first. I also highly recommend using alternate picking to get this up to speed, maintaining a steady time-feel throughout, not least as the example veers into the final descending sequence, suddenly travelling backwards and vertically rather than horizontally.