7 Pentatonic Tricks That Will Make You Play Better Jazz Solos

You might be getting Pentatonic scales wrong, and it is a really great and powerful Jazz sound even when you are using a very basic version of it. In this video, I am going to talk about how to come up with great pentatonic scale jazz licks and go over 7 ways to use pentatonic scales over chords I will start really simple and go pretty far out.
This pentatonic scales guitar lesson takes a look at how you can get some solid jazz licks using for the biggest part very basic pentatonic scale shapes and positions that you already know. For most guitar players the pentatonic scale is one of the first things we learn.
Find more Pentatonic approaches: • 9 Surprising Pentatoni...
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Content:
0:00 Intro - It is More Than Just an Easy Scale!
0:52 What is Pentatonic Sound?
1:10 #1 Minor Pentatonic - Difference between bop sound and pentatonic melodies
2:02 Comparing Bop and Pentatonic melodies
3:05 #2 Minor Pentatonic 3rd of Maj7
4:06 #3 Lydian pentatonic
4:26 #4 Minor 6 pentratonic on Altered Dominant
6:40 #5 Minor 6 pentatonic on Dominant
7:30 #6 Altered scale (maj b6 pentatonic)
9:30 #7 Lydian Augmented
9:53 Like the video? Check out my Patreon Page
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My name is Jens Larsen, Danish Jazz Guitarist, and Educator. The videos on this channel will help you explore and enjoy Jazz. Some of it is how to play jazz guitar, but other videos are more on Music Theory like Jazz Chords or advice on how to practice and learn Jazz, on guitar or any other instrument.
The videos are mostly jazz guitar lessons, but also music theory, analysis of songs and videos on jazz guitars.
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[@disfibulator]

You are incredibly generous providing this for free on YT. Thanks as always.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! I am glad you like the videos! 🙂

[@kurthammond6977]

If you are able, you can show your appreciation on Jens' Patreon page. We all gotta eat!

[@thuxta]

It's called monetization bro.

[@crespo1965]

Tommy Huxley bro he provides a lot more info than other and most you tubers. Supporting him on Patreon even at a $1.00 a month is helpful. I have been following him for 2 years and finally realized that he’s a kind person. And decided to make a small monthly contribution. But that’s me. Not judging. Keep playing!

[@verbotenco]

Pfftt.... this is just very rudimentary concepts based on relationship between scales sharing common tones. Even high school students have learned this at some point.

[@jackmeginniss6327]

Hi Jens, this is just a note of thanks. Thanks for your daily jazz guitar posts. Great stuff. I look forward to viewing your latest everyday.

[@MichelleHell]

I've been watching you for years now, but with increasing frequency as of late. Starting to realize you have a lot of these intuitive understandings of things that have always gone over my head. I grew up with computer software and have come to see composing a lot like painting, but with a steady tempo. You have a great way of showing how sound is shaped with time through rhythm, harmony and melody. I'm creating exercises for myself based on yours, and I'm hearing things with clarity and playing with intention. Now, 15+ years later jazz is starting to feel a little more accessible to me as a player. Anyone can play around with a DAW and synth, but playing jazz is so freeing because you begin to feel yourself become the master of self-expression.

[@randygomez9595]

Great lesson! I've been practicing using these pentatonic ideas in solos in my own practice time this past week and I'm really liking this approach. I feel like it's opened up another realm of possibilities for what I can play and it's easy to do because it's pentatonic scales and patterns I already know. Thanks for making this video!

[@jamessidney2851]

A lot of times I find it really helpful to take a new strategy like the ones you demonstrate in this lesson, and find a really good place to use it in a tune I already play, then do it right there every single time for a while. (As an exercise, of course!). Here is a good one that years ago helped me get the sound and fingering of your Lydian pentatonic substitution into my playing, and now it has become a bonafide go-to approach on the song: on Girl From Ipanema, at the top of the BRIDGE, throw down an F minor pentatonic on that big F#major7 chord. It just works like a charm every time, and best of all you get two full measures in which to play with it. Do this every time the bridge comes around for a week or two, and you will totally own this cool pentatonic substitution. Thank you for another great lesson, Jens. Now I have to find a few tunes with perfect spots to throw in that major b6 pentatonic idea. Any suggestions?

[@laodamasdimopoulos2655]

Fascinating lesson. Those pentatonic patterns sound like something completely different this way. That's mindblowing

[@randomstuff4176]

Excellent work again Jens. I have just added pentatonic riffs to the arpeggios you showed earlier. It is such a simple 'trick' and I swear it now sounds like I'm playing Jazz.. I may now get around to swapping my strings over to the flat wounds I bought earlier :) Thanks heaps for sharing.

[@shitmandood]

These are some great shapes I need to practice. I like seeing new shapes like the pentatonic b6 and onward in the video. Great shapes and great sound too.

[@TaiChiBeMe]

Just found your site and subscribed. I just began memorizing the 5 pentatonic shapes about a month ago. I've been playing classical guitar for years and since I am home stuck I thought I'd learn how to improvise... finally. Your explanation and examples are awesome though it took me a few listenings to catch on. My computer has been stuck on this one video now for days as I keep going back to it. Thanks for sharing!

[@Rosendomusika]

This is very useful, thank you

[@willy1986tralara]

man i just discovered your channel. i suck at improvising, also my flamenco guitar (the one i started learning with, after the old one i found in my garage) broke today and i have no money to buy other one. im just here to tell you that the work you do is AMAZING and im so so grateful with you because you choose to share it to us mere mortals, just f****g sharing it and thats the most kind and amazing thing to do. thanks for sharing maestro! monstruo!

[@tacomadc]

Very interesting, thanks. We tend to think about Pentatonic (5 note) scales as applying only to rock, but you showed they can get great sounds in Jazz too.

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

Great lesson - the way the pentatonic scales can bring out some of those colorful extensions from the major scale is a powerful strategy, wow.

[@georgetheonlyporge]

Excellent! Just what I needed. So glad I found you, Mr. Larsen.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad to help!

[@dillpickle1960]

This is a solid and rewarding introduction to pentatonic usage over ii v i's Thanks Jens.

[@ricklaino8996]

Once again, a very informative lesson. .....Thanks Jens!

[@paulsenn1281]

I love your videos so much Jens . I must admit I have to watch most of them over and over again, like this one, because there is so much there and you move very fast. But I would not want it any other way!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like them!

[@philipmentzingen9271]

I´m a metal dude, but I could watch this all day, the clarity of it is astounding! Subscribed.

[@mpoloria1]

Best guitar jazz teacher. Nice and thanks for sharing

[@thomasyoung8953]

been going through a lot of the videos on your channel and I gotta say thank you for explaining things in a very easy-to-digest manner. Cheers!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like them!

[@ObedZeme]

Thank you Mr. Larsen for this brilliant concept! I got to try them out.

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it!

[@TheSlovenianguy]

You've gotten so good at making your lectures appealing without compromising on content! Thank you for all your shared knowledge :)

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! Glad you like it :)

[@shipsahoy1793]

It's actually refreshing to always note that you respect and understand naming conventions based on context. There are too many self proclaimed "teachers" that don't impart proper respect and understanding of music theory and how to correctly discuss and implement it. Kudos Jens !!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! 🙂 Glad you think so, it is quite a minefield with some of these things

[@shipsahoy1793]

Jens Larsen - Oh yes I know.. I always enjoy your teaching, as it doesn’t mislead, as some do, and some of them should have enough experience to know better. 😉👨🏻

[@Tolbens]

A simple and understandable way for us the rock players to learn more jazz. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SIELband]

Thank you for sharing! God bless!

[@MarkSmith-mj6oo]

Class as always Jens - in gratitude🙏

[@god7274]

This is so so good you are a gift Mr. Larsen

[@RC32Smiths01]

You had me at Pentatonic scale! Always a great scale that is at the aid of everyone, and it's great in any situation, and sounds good! Great insight here man

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks RC :)

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@JensLarsen You are very welcome!

[@sirius6136]

Great methods for understanding theories of solveing chord and soloing.

[@christophersinisi1030]

Loved this lesson video! I learned some cool ways to use pentatonics that I can use immediately! Thanks Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Great to hear, Christopher

[@nathanbouton6700]

So, I've recently subscribed. I am grateful for your tutaledge. I think I have at least 6 months of practice for each video. I can't keep up! Thank you

[@derkjanvangennep4830]

Jazz (guitar) education at its finest!! Great teaching, great material (and a LOT of it) and great playing as well!!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you Derk! :)

[@eternalrainbow-cj3iu]

this is a very interesting tutorial, I remember your pentatonic lesson from a few years back, that was also interesting, now you give real nice adaptations which..I like especially the one with the #5...I was using it, but not the way you do...that is something I have to study! Thank You

[@pierorocchetti6015]

The simplicity of your teachings are like gold! Very precious video! Thank you Jens! Your humility is reflected in the music you make and for the patience you put in your "one-by-one" answers.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you, Piero

[@joepiecora426]

Incredible! Jens cuts through the BS and gives you the info that immediately opens doors for your soloing.

[@PIKE-qi2qe]

very nice guitar video! thank you.

[@KadrianThomas]

I don’t play guitar 🎸 but you make this lesson so straight forward to understand . Somehow I find that guitarist like you really break down pentatonics in a very digestible form. Thank you sir.🇯🇲👍🔥🔥🤜🏾🤛🏾

[@JensLarsen]

You are very welcome 🙂

[@martybalash]

Thank you for all of your amazing lessons, Jens.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome welcome, Marty!

[@tomislavsekerija1957TN]

Just like any "easy" one, like chromatic - it's easy to learn, but to master it it's another thing. Thank You for helping me realising different ideas of how to utilize such a simple, yet powerful tool.

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it :)

[@wpdoyle]

This is incredible. I know all of these scales but haven't applied them like this. It's like someone telling you to speak English in a foreign country, and having it all work!

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it :)

[@faisletoismeme]

Jens, you are an awesome teacher... thank you very much for sharing !

[@JensLarsen]

You are very welcome Marc!

[@juanmaggiore7910]

You've reallly open my mind to better understanding scales and great melodic playing. You're the best on the net!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you, Juan. Really glad you find the video useful!

[@juanmaggiore7910]

@@JensLarsen I'll sit down and experience it myself right away. Thanks for your reply!

[@jumemowery9434]

Jens is the *MASTER!* Thank you for helping to expand my musical universe!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you, Jume 🙂

[@jeffzafiropoulos2393]

Very informative and succinct lesson. Tak jens

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much Jeff! Really glad you find it useful!

[@aptelbruno8316]

Thank you Jens for this good material.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it Bruno! :)

[@kamaismusic]

Great lesson. Thank you. The altered pentatonic Scale on Bb is really nice.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome!

[@GByePorkPieHat]

Yes! This is super helpful. Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PetrovichJLA]

This video totally blew my mind

[@rodionbozh3298]

Your channel is priceless! Thank you for all your videos!

[@railcar123]

Lovin that Bb major b6 pentatonic Jens. I just learned something, Thank you.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome 🙂

[@nersesbackingtrack86363]

Thank​ you​ so​ much​😊

[@eisukeshimozuru1206]

Very helpful and I have been practicing the licks changing fret position and key .

[@JensLarsen]

Great. Go for it 🙂

[@music-collective]

Awesome info. I learned a lot. I plan to visit this particular video till I have it down. 🌻

[@Ranil_Liyanaarachchi]

I found this video very useful Thank you so much sir for continuing to know videos like this.I would love to learn jazz music..thank you again

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was useful 🙂

[@adonislajara6955]

A wonderful lesson! thanks Jens

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome :)

[@Andre-tq9gm]

Thank you jenss for your lesson 🙏🙏

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome 🙂 I am glad you like them!

[@dannybarton6170]

Fantastic lesson as always Jens

[@camilacosta9948]

Really great your videos, they inspire my work with the guitar, thank you

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it 🙂

[@asaphessiene4272]

Thank you so much Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! :)

[@jefframey9561]

Thanks for this! I love your vids!

[@JensLarsen]

My pleasure!

[@elpastor7155]

man, this helped me a lot! thanks jens!

[@JensLarsen]

You are very welcome 🙂

[@simonbaileyemail]

Thanks, brilliant, smooth and easy to understand. Subscribed

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much 🙂

[@tonyfaelens3626]

Great stuff !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@maxkelter3561]

Your videos really inspire me to play jazz.

[@nachollorens3279]

👏 A very good lesson about this subject.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you think so!

[@leabmusic4539]

Easy to understand tutorial, thank you very much.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@quicomedrano]

Gracias Jens Larsen, muy buena leccion !!!! saludos desde Barcelona !!!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@einemailadressenbesitzerei8816]

great lesson

[@dannyatlas1533]

I relly ke the concepts that you explaining, thankyou

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you find it useful!

[@Horus18303]

Thank you very much for this gift !! . Best regards from México !

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! I am glad you like it! 🙂

[@guitarabhi03]

Thank you sir

[@david-ky7rt]

Excellent video, such a good teacher

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you David!

[@matsuhart]

Thank you Jens, you are a gem!

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome!

[@AshberryMusic]

Hi Jens you are an excellent teacher. Thank You for sharing your knowledge (so much content) I have really gotten into Kenny Burrell lately. Love his tone and style. I was wondering what your opinion is and if you had any 'tips' for getting his sound. Cheers

[@TuncerToklu]

you are wonderful, thank you so much

[@JensLarsen]

You are very welcome

[@fractal618]

Thanks Jens! Some very useful suggestions for a different perspective on the “blues box”.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it, Joseph 🙂

[@fractal618]

These pentatonic approaches would be really convenient if in a handy printed reference.

[@JensLarsen]

@@fractal618 PDF through Patreon 🙂

[@Guitarmon8]

Can't wait to try this on my guitar!

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it!

[@jessieave7352]

Thanks Jens it's a big help

[@JensLarsen]

Glad to hear it 🙂

[@josemolina959]

Miss your lessons Jens! Been real busy lately, but, it’s time to go back to wood shedding. Thanks. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🎼🎶🎵🎸🎵🎶🎼

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks José :)

[@sbennett15]

nice breakdown

[@kendevries3212]

Fantastic lesson, Jens - one of the best yet for us rock guys. You can use all kinds of chromatic notes in between the Pentatonic notes. The Pentatonic scale is a skeleton onto which you can add all kinds of chromatic "meat."

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, but you will miss the diatonic stuff if you want to play bop though :)

[@tomeuriera9256]

Great lesson! Thanks

[@JensLarsen]

You are very welcome Tomeu!

[@BigBlackBe4r]

I am working on this after work tomorrow!

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it! 🙂

[@betteroffdeadd]

I was transcribing Pat Metheny's Slipping Away and I noticed a beautiful use of pentatonics too. Just in a few places, but it fits perfectly.

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, he is really good at that!

[@sonicsaviouryouwillnotgetm6678]

again so much usefull information. But I need to work through one of the chord videos first

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it 🙂

[@mr.h.5205]

awesome Thanks

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it is useful! 🙂

[@EclecticEssentric]

Thanks, as always!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it!

[@MarqueeMarks]

Some great ideas here. Thanks.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@noircol]

Great job as ever!!!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@sergiilomako6131]

Practicing pentatonics I come across a thought that every 9th cord is pentatonic. Thank you for your videos. Really helpful 👍

[@frankvaleron]

Great video Jens, this one is worth watching quite a few times :)

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you dig it!

[@danieldemaris2975]

Thanks maestro 🔥🤙

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@diamondbreak]

Your clips are not too long as in the past. Now they are perfect.

[@LuthieriadeBanheiro]

Amazing class!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@janikarppanen74]

Thanks Jens for the video and greetings from Finland! This was actually very useful lesson for a rock/blues guy like me. I might be a little bit closer to sound jazzy when Improvising with these familiar pentatonic shapes but in "new" musical context and without blues phrasing. Just have to turn my brains upsidedown :)

[@user-vh9xp6ej2n]

Thank you very much mister! You are my favorite! I really improve my understanding of jazz guitar playing with every lesson! I'm happy that i have such an apportunity to learn with you for free! May be I could donate by any ways? Just tell me how.

[@gauravmishra5639]

My new home for 6 month. youtube channel of jens larsen. after feeling stuck on basics 7th chords and 1-2 pentatonic scales for months i feel like your teaching will finally let me break that wall.

[@ericschwartz9982]

Once again Jens has given us a way to get outside "the box" we (or at least I) find myself confined to. Love the lesson. Keep enriching us Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! I am glad you like it!

[@christiankurtboutot5658]

it reeeeeaaaallyyyy sounds so greeeeaaaat !!!!!!

[@jameserenberger3425]

This and your Jimi Hendrix videos are some of my favorites of yours Jens.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂