wheatdesign.com | wheat's guitarbook

[ navigation: lesson one | lesson two | lesson three ]

Lesson One (posted 6/25/05)
Our objective is to learn how to solo using the natural minor scale. In order to learn how to solo using the entire length of the neck, we will break the neck down into patterns that cover a span of four to five frets. The first pattern is pictured below. In the first diagram, we can see the scale intervals of each note:

The G minor scale, showing interval names

In the second diagram, we can see the note names for each degree of the scale: The G minor scale, showing note names

Homework
Play these patterns up and down until they become familiar to you. Play along with a metronome at a slow to medium tempo. Focus on playing well rather than playing fast (speed will come with time).

After you have the basic patterns down, start playing small groups of notes at random. When you find patterns you like, repeat them until you have memorized them. Once you have two or three of these short patterns of notes (licks) that you like, practice connecting them together to form longer passages. Be mindful of what interval you're playing as you play. When you play any "G" you should know that you're playing the root of the scale.

Ready for more? Try Lesson Two!