Land on THESE notes when improvising lead guitar - Guitar Lesson - EP527

If you feel like you're just playing up and down scales when improvising lead guitar, you need to learn to stop and create phrases. This lesson gives you a guide for which notes to stop or "land" on, while using the minor pentatonic scale.
To download the PDF downloadable sheet with the target notes, as well as a 25 minute version of the MP3 jam track to practice these techniques, visit: www.activemelody.com/lesson/l...
0:00 - Introduction
01:42 - How I got the idea for this lesson
03:34 - Key of A (playing "in the key")
05:35 - A minor pentatonic scale (pattern 1)
05:57 - 1 chord - first target note
06:28 - 4 chord - first target note
06:41 - 5 chord - first target note
07:32 - First example showing how to target notes
09:40 - 1 chord - second target note
10:07 - 4 chord - second target note
10:37 - 5 chord - second target note
11:15 - Second example showing how to target notes
13:33 - 1 chord - third target note
14:04 - 4 chord - third target note
14:20 - 5 chord - third target note
14:40 - Third example showing how to target notes
16:03 - Conclusion

[@some-other-guy]

"[constantly playing the pentatonic up and down] is just reciting the alphabet - you're not having a conversation". Nailed it!

[@ckdub2]

Let me tell you something brother! I’ve been playing piano for about 40 years and that’s how I earn a living, after 20 years I just got pretty good on bass in 2014 I took drum lessons for 9 months to be more percussive on piano… in 2013 I began to get get barre chords and double stops under my fingers… now I can play about 30 songs on guitar… 🎸couldn’t come up with a practical way to practice guitar solos other than learning solos like the 1 on Lionel Richie’s ‘hello’ 🤦🏾‍♂️ but this tutorial is my gateway to the guitar speedway 🚙💨💨💨 and I see another one of yours down below🤠 this is just what I needed! My prayers have been answered! Thank you Jesus 🙌🏽

[@abespain]

Great solo on that record.

[@MegaDeemus]

Hh

[@MegaDeemus]

Yes to Lionel riff. And while we are there; some of the most unique and inventive riffs ever occur on EASY... SUNDAY MORNING, 1977, VH1, at * 2:30, and 2:58. Kknda like David Gilmore's approach: making beautiful noises. Not really scales, chords, etc. Nope. Just wringing the instrument for great sounds.

[@bryonguernsey9794]

Oh boy , some of the praise on these channels is a little over the top . Sheesh.

[@amphibious4463]

The fact we can still be learning about music and perfecting our craft 40 years later and still exited is exactly what I love about it all!

[@KBorham]

I've watched this ONE lesson over a dozen times, its that good. I watch all manner of lessons from my favorite guys, but there is so much to be learned from this one. This lesson, and other free lessons by Brian are so good, I'm signing up for a year. An entire year of Active Melody cost less than TWO live lessons locally (which I don't enjoy). I'm not promoting, just stating facts, and justifying a year membership to myself, which both me and the teacher deserve. You are an excellent and enthusiastic teacher sir, with just the right blend of practical and challenging instruction!

[@DannyCoady]

This is probably the best lead guitar lesson I've ever seen and I've been doing this for years trying to learn how to play leads. I've been rhythm for over 40 yrs playing in bands and singing in pubs doing singles and I'm so bored with my playing but I'm going to try this again and hopefully see some results to bring it to my shows. Thank you very much for this.

[@AnthonyMinecraft0305]

this is literally the best guitar lesson ive found. Exactly what I needed at this point in my guitar journey

[@mohamedadam7453]

This doesn’t just open a door for me, it rather opens the horizon ! Thank you for being my best teacher who always used to deliver me with the break throughs on my journey

[@Lesterb602]

Thanks brother 69 year old long time beginner.i know it all but had a hard time putting it together.many of your videos have helped me tremendously.i learn good from you.we’re lucky to have you Thanks so much

[@woodyblakemore8401]

As a beginner, I find this to be one of your most informative videos.

[@stoneysdead689]

This really helped a lot man- thanks. What I'm noticing- when you were talking about like if we had a say a C minor chord or something in the song- the notes from that chord are always safe- this is true. But- if you'll figure out which one of those notes defines that chord- in other words- which note makes it not just a C but a C minor- the flat 3rd- that's the note I think it sounds best to resolve to- it really smooths things out and keeps you in the same groove as the rhythm so you're not floating off on your own. I've played for a really long time but- only recently started improvising lead. I've been playing lead now about 5 years I'd say- and I definitely had the problem you're talking about- where you just feel like you're noodling around in a scale but not really playing any specific melody. One thing that helped me was to start singing each phrase I played. It kind of forces you to start playing short-4-5- note, melodic phrases- because that's how most of us naturally sing.

[@JL-wl9tg]

Long time musician but beginner guitar player. These lessons really speed up my learning.

[@jackplace5665]

This has opened a new door. It has helped me break out of the pentatonic prison. Thank you for the clear way you teach. Will likely be subscribing to your lessons

[@TS-Music-57]

Thank you Brian, by keeping the lesson constrained to one area of the fretboard it really helps to relate to the underlying concepts you point out behind it all. 🎸👍

[@mattgleason5087]

This may be your best lesson yet - and that’s saying something because they are always so good. Thank you for all you do, Brian

[@adamreichmann1152]

I've been a subscriber for a couple of years and I agree that this is gold. Brian's been killin' it lately with all this guitar geography.

[@78tag]

I am a little embarrassed to admit that my search for this "feel" has taken me so long to find. Somehow, in the past, I must have missed the point - this lesson was like an arrow to the heart, dead center.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

What?? It's a good lesson, yes. But, Brian has MANY MANY lessons - way better 😉 how many have you even loked at so far? I'm guessing not many. I'd suggest a years subscription and go through all his back catalog.

[@bwalk009]

Finally!!! Thanks, Brian. This is shear gold when soloing. Where to start, land and pause!

[@PsychlerX]

THIS LESSON was made for ME! This describes my pitfalls and now I have ways to improvise with focus, thank you so much!

[@ma.angelina-kb4lm]

Teacher Bryan explains well his lesson plan. Gives his students challenges, assignments or homework, does interactive learning. The student is excited to do their chores. Before you know it, the student makes his teacher proud. Thank you, Sir. Godbless you and your channel.

[@lethaldose2000]

DOOR OPENED. MIND OPENED. IT"S OFFICAL. Great insight into simplifying the lead play and yet sound musical. Love it.

[@austinleedy2561]

The video I’ve been searching for my entire life. The way you communicate the info and show the diagrams while playing makes a HUGE difference on how quickly I picked this up. THANK YOU

[@kakarot666.]

This is the kind of lesson I needed . Or the likes of me needs.. who go up down on scales and boxes . Bluntly.. everyday and it doesn't help u upgrade . It simply waste time.. Thanks for the effor ❤

[@user-gf5fe6fl1s]

One of the best lessons I’ve watched so far. Gotta stop reciting the alphabet, start having conversations!

[@mikesolomon6130]

One of the best lessons online. God bless you sir!

[@Imtheboss333]

Just sold my Epiphone Standard Les Paul, bought a ESP Ltd Ec-256 with an upgrade to Seymour Duncan Hot Ridded jazz Humbuckers. All that being said, here I go again trying to learn blues and how to improvise on guitar. I just subbed because you have a way of teaching that is understandable to myself. Tks for taking the time to help others trying to learn guitar like me!

[@elizabethhardzog2894]

This finally clicked in my brain! Thank you!

[@jeffreyklaproth7794]

for me this lesson was perfect! The right amount of info at the right speed, with relevant analogies (don’t just recite the alphabet lol) great teacher!

[@Jack-cm5ch]

Please make more! The examples of phrasing are very helpful

[@winfielddixon5166]

Thousands of lead lessons, this is one of the best! Well done!

[@78tag]

I back-doored this one from EP 528. This is absolutely the way to break the "scale noodling" habit. This "simple" approach is the way to put some feel into your practicing. Thanks again.

[@semisitea]

Milions of great guitarist, but only a few can teach this well. ❤

[@m.alcholish9401]

Thank you so much. As an adult learner, this really bring me to the next level. So much open my eyes about learn how to solo. ❤❤❤

[@delcapslock100]

This is fantastic. I especially like that you can follow it with or without understanding the theory references (flat 7th, 3rd etc.). Just memorize the basic patterns for where to land on each chord (and phrasing) and you're making music.

[@maartenstevens9848]

One of the best impro tutorials I came across !

[@gnawbabygnaw]

I Always learn a lot when I stop by Active Melody! Thanks 🤙🤙

[@timnagel7294]

This was a big help. I’ve been playing guitar for years, but when you spend a lot a lot of the time, just jamming, you tend to overlook some things but this really helped. I’m trying to hone my lead skills right now.

[@williammoore2440]

You spoke directly to me…I feel like I’m just playing scales and I sound like your son. It’s hard for me to play with expression in my improv. Thank you for the light bulb moment

[@sianooi1192]

You make improvisation of riffs look so simple, smooth and very pleasant to the listener within four frets. 👍 Hope you can show us samples of max 8 notes per measure in your next video. Always good to copy first , then improvise our own.

[@StevieWonder824]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this video! Finally! A video straight to the point with some very basic ideas on how to play over the chord changes! Thank you so much for making this video! I’d LOVE it if you did another expanding into the next shape and connecting them or an example of playing in the key of the chord the band just landed on. Anyway, thank you so much for this video and I can’t wait to practice this and make some music!🙂

[@MegaDeemus]

Brian. I am learning a lot from You. Here is a thought: "Silence.The Ultimate Resolution."~Nikki 6 Fingerz

[@Domn879]

This is an essential lesson. I know this stuff but the reminder to apply it and not noodle is most valuable. In reality, hitting those single notes per chord is still preferable for most audiences than a torrent of musical diarrhoea.

[@pinepienaar7676]

Great lesson Brian, thoughtful playing tips as always, thanks! 👏🏻🎸

[@alessandrodilatte1659]

Love it love it love it!!! Thanks again!! It fits perfectly with the previous serie, really helpful for learning to play underlying the changes

[@frankortega4280]

This was an extremely valuable lesson Brian. Thank you for keeping it manageable with few but effective notes. I really started to grasp the notes which made the riffs sound more focused to the chords. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@stevepughlandman]

Brian, fantastic simplification and visual aids! One of your very best!

[@andylee7289]

Great lessons!!! straight to the point ,easy to understand. help me solved my question for all these years. keep it up .MAY THE LORD BLESS AND MULTIPLY YOUR TALENT. Thanks

[@timpage4212]

Great lesson Brian ,shows how a few notes can say so much,got me in the mood for the blues festival in Upton upon severn ,worcs ,England.

[@colinstevens5714]

Thanks Brian, first class, as usual!👍

[@lancelot6465]

Right on the point! Great lesson that shows us where to start and what is important for making music with all the scale stuff we’ve learned over and over. Not only for blues! Fundamental advices from a great teacher - thank you so much!

[@richardpenticost5695]

Great video for me, just learning how to play so a beginner at 75yrs old, thanks

[@carolerinn5095]

I have been searching high and low for a video to explain soloing like this. THANK YOU!!!

[@activemelody]

👍

[@nickmcauliffe2133]

Brilliant lesson - the doors this opens are huge, despite being a relatively simple concept - thank you for finding such an effective way to structure and communicate it!

[@EDGARDOUX1701]

This is VERY cool lesson Brian! Thank you and hope to see more on this.

[@briankierans2926]

Fantastic lesson. This is crystal clear. It really takes all the mystery out of following a I, IV, V blues. Love it. So empowering.❤

[@coloaten6682]

Absolute gold. Thanks so much! I'm mainly a intermediate keyboard player who wanted to learn to play guitar solos over my compositions. I knew the theory as it related to piano, such as pentatonic scales and I knew root notes and chord tones are very important, but putting all that together I had no clue. This lesson was huge for my knowledge! You teach in a great way as well, which is important because it's about getting your knowledge over and you definitely did that well. :)

[@Rewsteregg]

Hi, Brian, thank you! I've been struggling a bit with this and your instruction in this video is helpful!

[@flylippfantom8425]

I started a while ago to practice the scales melodic. And it's just like you say. Thanks Brian

[@StumblebumBand]

Absolutely gets me excited to learn how to follow the chord changes in the easy to understand way you are presenting it. That’s kind of where I am right now, trying to make my improvisation sound more tasty. You’re my guy Brian 😊

[@meeno_the_man]

As ever, the lesson starts so simply. I think, ah, just a refresher, and then you turn and bring a deep texture to the simplicity and I’m reminded why I love your teaching. You never leave any of us out. Bravo!

[@guntherlux7432]

By far the most informative blues improv note lesson, been waiting for this for years:)

[@ADAMSIVES]

Best teacher ever

[@kellymanny3883]

Great lesson and exactly what I’ve been searching for. This is the way I learned to solo with the diatonic harp.

[@rick4186]

Been lookin 4 a video like this so that i can make progress for such a long time. Thanks active melody.

[@Chimp_No_1]

So so helpful ! Thanks Brian !

[@281Boss]

What I love about your lessons is the simplicity of the approach that forces me to just think differently about how I'm playing and WHY. The "why" really helps. Thanks boss!

[@d.l.huntministries8131]

Oh yeah, this has me on fire to get started!! The best video for me for sure!! Thank You Brian..

[@bogdanradwanski9417]

Hey Brian. That's one of the simplest, yet wonderful road way to blues soloing . You're very good teacher!

[@dougdriever8058]

Always excited to get your lessons Perfect timing for me. Will have to consume this thoroughly.

[@3cardmonty602]

Great lesson, Brian. Thanks. Worth the money to become a member.

[@dragon007j]

This is the lesson I’ve waited for, explained perfectly 👍

[@javilobaton]

La mejor clase de guitarra que he visto desde hace mucho mucho tiempo. Graciassss desde Sevilla, España 😍

[@jerryfletcher2384]

Hi Brian, Thanks for this lesson. It's actually something I've been trying to piece together on my own for a while but didn't know all of the right information. I got so much from this. Thanks, Jerry

[@grenslitt]

Great stuff ! This is a fantastic gradient from which to spring. Thanks

[@HugoCervantes-HARO]

GREAT lesson!! Finally something 100% easy to follow and extremely ilustrative. Thanks!

[@dantedimaano9556]

wow I did not know how simple it could be. Thanks for the nice lesson and looking forward for some more next time

[@rostgrassfieldland8540]

I was drinking a glass of wine ! But it’s you solo that got dunk . I will definitely take blues lesson from you . Let me subscribe first to the channel ❤❤🙏🙏❤❤Great teacher

[@TheRichardmay1]

You make this so clear... thanks

[@kennethpierson82]

Thanks, very simplistic and making it really easy to practice and pick up

[@jeffmackinnon3124]

Your instruction on this video is very easy to comprehend I'm impressed by your simplicity. I sincerely thank you Brian for the clarification on safety notes etc... another fine lesson an thanks again...

[@high_plains_drifter]

Very nice, this is what Im long time searching for... Thank you!

[@bogray49]

been searching quite a while for something that can get me into playing single note after having been a chord player all my life - thanks

[@johnyblandofoz952]

Must say good lesson... well done mate please keepem commin WE ALL WITH YOU

[@kaushikanada9812]

Nice approach to start building the improvisation by playing one note at a change. Puts you in the mood of the chord progression.

[@neilbarton1902]

Fantastic lesson as always Brian. In my decades of playng guitar and banjo I have neve learned so much from anyone musically as in all of your Active Melody lessons. Keep up the excellent work.

[@brettgarner4882]

Exactly what I was after - thank you. This is awesome and super helpful. Love from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@samlawlor2059]

Hey Brian. Thanks for all you've done for me. Cheers, 🍻

[@RyanHeitz]

Having the live chord charts up on the screen while you're playing and explaining really helps concepts sink in.

[@jpec1724]

Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge. This provides different colours to soloing. Really interesting to add to sometimes stuck patterns

[@user-cj5jh3zp6v]

Clear description of how to approach blues on initial pentatonic scale.

[@housecatblues7946]

Another great simple lesson that continues to help improve lead guitar playing.

[@gregoryoswell5644]

Fantastic approach to show a simple way to see the import chord notes to land on in relation to a minor pentatonic scale. I'll be able to use this as a starting approach to take around the other positions. Excellent! People told me about mixing triads and pentatonics before but it sounded so complicated until I saw you lesson..

[@oldguydave7355]

Thanks Brian, super helpful. Thanks for the jam track.

[@robgerety]

Love it. Just what I need.

[@jcournoyer2]

You have so many accolades I won’t re-iterate. I will never noodle again. Not aimlessly at least. I can solo now following a 12 bar blues format and do this without a jam track and one can recognize it’s the blues. A goal I’ve been trying to reach for years. Yes, this would be a great course. I will eventually map this out mentally on the 2 runs I play. 1st run is combining patterns 5, 1, and 2 and run 2 is combining patterns 3, 4, and 5

[@michaelmerrullo2043]

Another great simple but very effective lesson. For me it's just more reinforcement ❤

[@user-gs4lq8zr6n]

What an unbelievable lesson. It’s exactly what I’ve been trying to figure out. Thx!

[@drutgat2]

Excellent stuff, Brian. Many thanks.

[@stevereynolds547]

Another stunningly beautiful guitar, Brian!

[@user-wv1mu1pv7c]

Great lesson kind of opened my eyes to phrasing a little more thank you.

[@triplec3804]

Nice Tele ! Just ordered me a new one from Fender on Friday. Cant wait !

[@ricardobarrera8708]

...muchas gracias por esta gran lección...es oro puro...un abrazo...!!

[@scottkline461]

Explained very well. Appreciate you for sharing.

[@derruuuuu]

Loved this lesson!