When learning to improvise on the guitar, the first scale that almost every player begins dissecting is the pentatonic scale. The pentatonic scale is the perfect collection of notes from which to begin one’s improvisational journey on the guitar.

The major and minor pentatonic scales of any given key contain the vast majority of the notes employed by the critical harmonies of the key, the finger placement required for the first position of the pentatonic scale is very comfortable (making it easier for players new to the guitar to perform), and it’s utilized throughout a wide variety of styles. However, a common struggle that many guitarists face is breaking away from the first-position pentatonic shape and exploring pentatonic patterns beyond the first position.

In this online flatpick guitar lesson, National Flatpicking Champion and ArtistWorks guitar instructor, Tyler Grant, outlines a variety of pentatonic patterns across the fingerboard in the key of G. These patterns can be transposed in any key, and are the key to breaking out of the first-position pentatonic box and unleashing your pentatonic improvisation across the guitar neck.

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“The pentatonic scale of any given key features five different patterns, which correlate to five different hand positions” Tyler explains. “Each pattern or hand position begins on each of the five ascending scale tones of the pentatonic scale moving up the neck.”

Wrapping your mind and fingers around the five different positions of the pentatonic scale will likely feel difficult at first. But, don’t fret, with a bit of time, analysis, and practice, these positions will quickly become second nature. They will also eventually help you understand corresponding chord shapes across the neck, which will in turn help you more easily target chord tones when you’re improvising.

“After working through these patterns and practicing them for a while, the goal is to let your ear be ahead of your fingers,” explains Tyler. “What I mean by that is—I want you to be so familiar with the scale and these patterns across that neck that you’re able to hear the melodic runs you want to play in your head before you physically execute them on the instrument.”

To learn more about pentatonic patterns across the fretboard and how to begin integrating them into your melodies and improvisations, dive into this online flatpick guitar lesson from Tyler Grant:

Pentatonic Patterns Across the Fretboard with Tyler Grant:

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Have you always wanted to learn how to play bluegrass guitar? Through our comprehensive flatpick guitar lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Tyler Grant, and get personal feedback on your playing.

Tyler’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner guitar to advanced performance techniques, improvisation, classic bluegrass tunes, music theory, and more. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as guitarists and musicians!

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