What is a pentatonic scale on guitar? On this page we take a look at the two main pentatonic scales used in guitar playing: the pentatonic minor and pentatonic major scales. We’ll find out how they’re constructed and how both can be used in your own guitar playing.
Guitar TAB and patterns for both scales have been provided, so you’ll be able to learn and use the scales in your own playing.
Let’s get started…
What is guitar TAB? On this page we explain what guitar TAB is and find out its advantages and disadvantages…
There are many types of electric guitars available today, but most are based on just a few basic styles that have been around for many years. In this article we look at the main kinds of electric guitar and examine their strengths and weaknesses.
This page contains jazz scales guitar notation with tab, diagrams and information on how to use scales in jazz improvisation.
Did you know that there’s an easy way to play jazzy Dorian modal licks? In this lesson we show you how to create Dorian mode solos using common pentatonic scale shapes.
Most guitarists are familiar with pentatonic scales and are confident playing them in one or more fretboard positions. The same scale shapes can also be used to play Dorian modal licks. Read on to find out how…
There are literally thousands of jazz guitar chords, but don’t worry: you don’t have to learn them all to start playing jazz.
On this page we’ll show you how jazz guitarists play many types of chord. We’ll start simple, then hit you with some complex ‘altered’ shapes.
Diminished arpeggios can be used by guitarists in any style of music, but they are particularly popular among jazz and metal guitarists.
In this lesson we show you how to play diminished arpeggios. We have also provided example diminished licks in jazz and metal styles. By playing these you’ll be able to hear how the arpeggios sound in a musical setting.
This quick lesson will serve as an introduction to voice leading in jazz guitar comping. On the way you’ll learn some sweet sounding 2 5 1 progressions, too.
This lesson will show you how to incorporate linked diatonic arpeggios into your lead guitar solos. It’s aimed mainly at jazz guitarists, but can be used in most rock and pop styles too.
First I’ll introduce the (very simple) theory behind the technique. Then I’ll provide some arpeggio shapes that you can use when you try the technique out for yourself.
At the end of the article I’ve included a few short licks to illustrate the technique.
Do you want to learn guitar scales and modes? Check out our backing tracks for learning scales and modes – written specifically for you to learn and use scales and modes in your improvisation.
To get started, try playing the following line. It’s not particularly musical: it’s simply all seven diatonic 7ths in the key of C. Use it to warm up and to get an idea of the sound of linked arpeggios.
This lesson provides an introduction to the 2 5 1 progression.
Even if you don’t play jazz, the 2 5 1 is a very important sequence of chords.
This lesson explains what ‘2 5 1’ actually means, and provides example chord progressions so that you can play it for yourself.
If you want to play some 2 5 1 progressions, examples can be found at the end of this lesson. Be sure to come back and learn the theory, too!
Quick test: can you tell where the 2 5 1’s are in the progression below?
