Target Notes the Easy Way (guitar solos to the next level)

Take your guitar solos to the next level by learning to target chord tones in your solos the easy way. Guitar teacher from Vancouver, Blue Morris, shows you how to know exactly where each important target note is based on chord shapes and pentatonic scale shapes.
As he explains, there's a hard way -- memorizing the theory and using that knowledge in the moment -- or the easy way which is just visualizing common shapes you already know.
These ideas will take your blues and rock guitar solos and improvisation to the next level.
🎸 Join my Patreon group for loads more guitar lesson content, including practice tips, jam tracks and more!
/ guitarlessonsvancouver
More information about Blue's book Guitar Soloing Like a Pro:
www.bluemorris...
This video makes reference to another video by Guitar Lessons Vancouver, titled "Stop Playing this Lick":
• Stop playing this guit...

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Tabs for this lesson are now available on our Patreon group! www.patreon.com/guitarlessonsvancouver This video references another one called "Stop Playing This Lick" which you can find here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6TWoYpmjsiZi7s

[@lanielucernas]

very good stuff.. i'm enlightened

[@johnmacmillan627]

Thanks ,Blue. Your input is much appreciated

[@papahoppa1776]

The mark of a great teacher is someone who can make complicated concepts easily understood. Good job!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Paul!!!

[@tonygreensmith7203]

I am 73 years old and regularly search KZbin to increase my bank of licks and understanding. I can honestly say I have learned more in a fortnight on your site than years on other sites. Thank you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great thanks Tony! Lots more to come. I plan to release one video every Saturday for the year.

[@philipdillon4618]

Blue, again awesome! I've been playing guitar on and off for 50 years, for the last 10 I've been trying to understand improvising. Of all the online instructors I've given time to, you are the first to have a simple presentation to pull it all together. Keep them coming!!!!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Philip! 😎

[@PhotographyAdventure]

20+ years of noodling and your videos are helping it all finally make sense, thank you! 🙏🏼

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great to hear thank you! Lots more on our Patreon too, if you haven't already checked that out: www.patreon.com/posts/96493793

[@thq4941]

Not surprised your channel's gaining interest. I've learned more from you in the last few weeks than I have in the past year. Thank you and please keep them coming.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great to hear! More coming every Saturday

[@Javelin43]

Thank you for the great Lesson! I always knew that chord tone was a common method to soloing but your explanation of how to implement it is outstanding. Thanks again,

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!!

[@russellcarre4726]

Love all your videos, I'm 68yrs young I can hold a tune down. But never stop learning. Your videos are great keep it up.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great to hear, thanks Russell!

[@jasonwojcik]

The youtube algorithm (the dark, unseen overlord) got me here! This video is pure gold! I am honestly baffled that nobody has approached the pentatonic scale and tone targeting this way. Thank you for making this video, I've gotten more out of this video than ALOT of videos on the same topic put together!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Awesome thanks Jason. New video every Saturday.

[@ZZZZAPZAP]

YES THESE RECENT LESSONS THAT ARE LINKED TOGETHER ARE GOLD. Incredible lessons Blue. It's finally all making sense to me. Looking forward to more! This is amazing.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Scott, really appreciate that!

[@peterdavies1185]

For someone who has been struggling with soloing over the chord changes, your lesson (s) are very good. You explain things simply and informatively. Excellent teaching ..

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great to hear thank you! Lots more on the channel and more coming :)

[@davidmarkabanes5275]

this is the most practical, honest, and very very helpful approach on approaching target notes. Kudos, Blue!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks David! More coming soon.

[@magnethomewood]

After watching tens of youtube guitar instruction videos about solo guitar, this is only the second to mention what targeting a chord tone actually means, and how to do it. Thank you, you've made me a better guitar player.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching 👍

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Yes I couldn't agree more. Still just a little confused on how you know what or where the 3rd and 5th are in any given chord.

[@bullcrap9409]

This mahn is great. Also check out Brian at ActiveMelody. In the same ballpark. Makes stuff understandable AND useable.

[@xbox123456789]

You really blew my mind. With using bar chord to find target notes.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks! Glad it helped.

[@craigewinger7663]

Great video Blue. I drew a diagram of easy shape next to a diagram of a 6th string bar chord shape and a diagram of funny B string shape next to a diagram of a 5th string bar chord shape. Then I entered the roots, minor 3rds, and 5ths into all of them like you did in your two targeting videos. This will really help as a visual aid to learn this targeting concept. I bought your two soloing books and have read them both twice and now I'm going to work through all the jam tracks and exercises. Craig Ewinger

[@00725817]

I know so many guitar resources and there are some very good ones. But your videos are on top of it all. I play 45 years on a more or less intermediate level, and now you explain me things that i thought i knew, in such a transparent style. The picture with comma and point/end of sentence will never go out of my head. I never thought of it in this way, i was more thinking of fretting the right note, not the function in a speech. Also the "enclosure" in another video, you explain it very much better than other YT guitar teachers. Why there are only 2 books and no patreon Content or video course. I think you would have a similar success like Paul Davids, Tom Bukovac or Jeff McErlain on Truefire ( with a little need of networking to get clicks). I hope you become teacher of the year at Truefire and get 3 Millions subscribers... I am so happy, that i have found your channel last week!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Hi OP, thanks! I'm only just getting started here. I teach guitar in person and am very busy with that. Just deciding this year to put more time into this KZbin Channel. Things are looking up. Thanks for your support!

[@jtaylorstudios]

I’ve been watching other lessons about targeting the chord notes when soloing to be more melodic. I understand that but this lesson really helped me connect the dots, thank you!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great to hear thanks!

[@scorpionleader1967]

I always hated the pentatonic scale. If I visualize the pentatonic scale on the neck, I'm already sunk. My playing sounds pentatonic. I can't get out of my own head. While playing to a backing track, If I use the G string to slide into a note and bend if necessary to get a note that sounds good, I am gold. I'm starting to see where the notes on the neck are, but it no longer rules me because I can pick up any major progression fairly easily. The G major scale mapped on the G string allows me to find other major scales and many minor scales by intervals. I don't know modes, so those progressions are usually a fail. But, using backing tracks, I find it hard to put my guitar down now. My melodic, lilting (slow)😝solos with very short less slow speed bursts are personally rewarding to listen to and play. I would like longer and faster bursts of speed, but I'm ok as I am right now. My goal is Neal Schon or Steve Lukather type melodic solos. I was a drummer and a singer, so I like my solos to sing as well.😍🤩

[@albertbentley56]

Just brilliant, made a whole difference to my views on the pentatonic on how to navigate it and make sense. Superior to other tutorials.👍👍👍🤣

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Albert! More coming next Saturday!

[@martynrandall7652]

Man you have nailed it, that is the best way by far to find target notes. With this and your other lessons I have stopped noodling and working on all those techniques. Sounds so much better. Cheers . Martyn

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Martyn!

[@Flashtofchannel]

Most interesting lesson i've seen on YT in YEARS Sir ! So thanks a lot for simply explaining what is so obvious for performers like you and so difficult to catch for begginers like me, in the same time 👍 🙏

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Awesome! Thanks Christophe, lots more coming. My goal is to post a new video every Saturday for a year.

[@bleeding_rose1990]

Im in Quebec, and man i wish i could one on one lessons with you ive been playing for years and legit learned so much from wayching your videos on youtube its crazy ! My soloing is becoming next level thanks to you! Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙌

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad to hear it, thanks for the great feedback!

[@00725817]

After being so infected with your Teaching-Style i just bought the kindle book. It comes 45 years too late... Perfect with the audio examples, backing tracks and with your explanations, that make me understand things, that i thought i knew, in a much better way. I found, that there are a lot of extremely positive comments from especially longtime players, saying, that they now understand their guitar playing much better.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Wonderful! Thanks for buying the book! Let me know if you have any questions about the book.

[@indexmiro]

Hi. I must say that this is the very best way to teach and learn. I have seen many channels but this is by far the best of them. I could listen to your lessons nonstop. I wish you millions of viewers!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you Miro! Lots more coming to this channel and my Patreon group.

[@davitong]

I love your relaxed presentation that allows me to ruminate your words while you speak.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks David!

[@russellcarre4726]

I do like the idea of the insights that you give, and then you play them to demonstrate the idea. Love it Great.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bmarr9589]

Love the easy way! Thank you for opening my eyes!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Me too!

[@CHDave336]

Awsome! Clear, logical, overvue, great examples for understanding over the ear. What a teacher, thank you Blue.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you for the extra support!

[@corybo]

Brilliant teacher. Well explained. Thank you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you!!!

[@kevinpuliatch4539]

Thanks for sharing your joy of music Tasty phrasing too Much gratitude

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching Kevin

[@jackschijven8219]

Excellently explained. Thanks.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Jack, more coming out this weekend

[@slipperedlobster]

Hey...you are a great teacher! Easy to understand and not boring or too technical.

[@justinisaac193]

Once again, amazing video that takes the complex and makes it understandable and applicable. Thank you

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you very much 😊

[@Pamelina1111]

I love the way you teach you remind me of Paul Rudd. I am sure you get that a lot. You're just chilling in your chair making learning fun .

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Pamelina! Lately I've been told Bill Murray, so Paul Rudd is a nice change. New video each Saturday!

[@Jose-xl9xt]

Great lesson... Very helpful! I will put it into practice. Thanks!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you José!!!

[@larryjones6061]

My eyes are opening...I appreciate that!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Larry!

[@larryk3408]

Nothing new but seen in a different light. With clarity. Great work. See you next week.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching, Larry

[@shane1472]

Another great video. Great guitar teacher

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Awesome thanks Shane!

[@Rick1198s]

“If there’s a simple way to do it, and it sounds good … “ Yes, I’m on board with this concept, and yes, you are able to convey this concept in a simple and very entertaining way 😊 Thanks once again for your efforts in making me, and many many others, better guitarists.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you very much!!

[@ChalkRourkeJamesDarren]

Must say this is a Wicked vid. It's helped me a lot in understanding some important factors in playing GD melodic, harmonizing solo's. I keep on referring back to it, due to slow learning. This why I find it and entered it into my A1, awesome for beginners that are like me, finding theory hard. The lesson is taught well. A must vid to watch for all soloing guitarist. Chalki 🤘🎸🎵🎶🎵🤘

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Glad it's helping!

[@DavidBerlind]

This is a great video. Thank you. I knew that targeting was important to make solos sound better, but this video really explained it and it helped to see the target notes in the graphics. Three points I would like to make to help others better understand this video... (1) you make use of the blue note --- 8th fret, G string (D#) -- without showing it on the graphical pattern (it does show in a tab that you flash up for a moment).. I sense that that is just part of your personal style to use the extra note in your solos (2) When you show how you end the Em lick on the root, you don't use the root in the Em shape as shown in the graphic. Your fretting hand leaves the Em shape to find the root in the Am shape where the m5 of Am and the root of Em are the same. That is an amazing transition technique that I just put into my bag of tricks and (3) there were a couple of times when you went from an unresolved bar to a resolved bar without strumming a chord in-between which I also thought was cool. No need to break it up. Just answer the unresolved lick with one that implies a chord and that resolves it. Thanks again.

[@bflatbluesband3202]

Very well taught. I will share this lesson with some my students , thanks !

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool thanks for sharing the video!

[@michaellnbnj]

Excellent lesson on chord tone targeting. Thank you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrism4948]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Chris!

[@keanstrydom8222]

I love the Larrivée acoustics in the background😱😱They are truly amazing instruments…

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Yes I have two of them. The dreadnought and an OM. They are both great guitars.

[@Ricardo1ful]

Thank you teacher. God bless you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks again Ricardo!

[@alfredoayala2506]

Thanks it is a very good lesson need more lessons like that one

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks! New video every Saturday, so long as I can keep it up.

[@jjnelson78]

You have a way of making sense of things to me that I haven't found with anyone else. Thank you! Keep up the great work. You were born to teach.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great thanks! Lots more coming to this channel and our Patreon!

[@ryanh4975]

Hey, man. This video is really good. Just gave me a really big breakthrough.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching Ryan!!!

[@pennythecat]

Excellent info and presentation-you are on to something.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks pennythecat! New video out tomorrow!

[@kalobpierson9753]

I like when u say how when ur talking Makes crazy sense A little more light in all the darkness Thank you sir

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Good to hear thank you 😊 lots more guitar lessons on this channel

[@neiltosolini2465]

The Holy Grail has been shared with the Guitar World. Without A Doubt the Most Informative lesson I have seen. Simply Genius , Well Done and many Thanks

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Neil! I really appreciate the feedback!

[@akinkent7283]

Wow just made it simple enough for me to follow and practice with intend Thank you so much been having trouble understanding chord changes Now you have revealed this concept to us all makes it so awesome . Thank you so much

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks! New video every Saturday

[@freespeech-advocate]

Great found thia lesson at exactly the right time, cheers,,🤟😎🎸

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Awesome! New video every Saturday. See you then!

[@gvranch23]

I wish I’m one of your student. You are the best guitar tutorial that I watch on u tube.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Wilson! That's really nice to hear 🎸

[@joemanuel5053]

i have learn more watching you than any other teacher on youtube you really know your stuff i started useing your technique and it has open up a new world to my playing , thank you so much . Joe

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for the great feedback Joe! I appreciate your support!

[@blackfender100]

Excellent video thanks so much !

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@craigewinger7663]

Great lesson Blue ! I've heard the term targeting before and thanks to this video I understand why it is done and how to do it. Thanks so much. Craig Ewinger

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you Craig!!

[@michaeladshead-sonofthecit3701]

These lessons are absolutely brilliant, your teaching style is perfect. I will watch all your videos please keep them coming 👍

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! 😃

[@mikecrystal6236]

DAMN!!! You are a great teacher! I found you about two weeks ago. I just got your books! Thanks

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Mike!

[@mikecrystal6236]

Best of luck! Hope it takes off

[@Bb-M4n]

Another great video. I think you're hitting a sweet spot with a lot of guitarists (myself included) who can play to a reasonable level but have hit a plateau. You're certainly helping to climb up to that next peak we can see in the distance. Keep up the great work.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Bb 🎸👍

[@98939893]

Great video - happy to see this channel growing - well deserved.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for your support!

[@jyegreen387]

Great tutorial. You are the most interesting and informative guitar teacher I've come across. A truly valuable source of knowledge and application. Much appreciated.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Lots more lessons like this on the channel and our Patreon group www.patreon.com/guitarlessonsvancouver

[@tonybirks]

Wow........ mate.... seriously been trying to learn soloing for years. Huge light bulb moment. So well explained thanks you so much. I will definitely be watching more videos.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great to hear! Thanks Tony. Lots more coming soon.

[@Junterhack]

My new favorite guitar teacher! Every lesson is so helpful. Hope you keep it going.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great thanks Mark!

[@lukesteverything627]

I recently found your channel here in England and you really are a brilliant teacher. Being new to guitar I'm trying to understand Blues scales and riffs. Getting the target 7th and understanding when to use the 'blue' notes is still a mystery. Maybe you'll cover that sometime. Thanks.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks! Blue notes anytime you want to sound bluesy 😎 New video every Saturday.

[@enriquesantana7409]

Thanks !!!!.....very easy ,and simple to understand. Encourage me to keep going.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad it helped!

[@chrisr530]

This was excellent! I am WAY overdue to start focusing more in my lead playing. Thank you for the clear method to implement this. Thx man

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great thanks Chris! New video every Saturday.

[@davewalton7401]

Like the lesson. As a rhythm guitar forced into the lead guitar roll recently, im obviously trying to find ways to fill in my leads. Love this lesson.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool thanks. A new video coming out tomorrow will help with that too.

[@byronsmith3392]

Great information that opens up the fretboard for easy improvisation

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool thanks!

[@Guitaraddik]

I just found your videos a couple days ago, your way of teaching is great! I've been watching a lot of lesson videos for the past 4 years and yours has become my favorite, thanks for these lessons. I'll be buying your books from Amazon for sure!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Awesome thanks Ray!

[@FatInMeGirth]

where were you 30 years ago? (never mind 😂) but seriously Blue, your on to something other youtube guru's don't do., clear, precise instructions. I've been playing for a while, yet I still got so much from your lessons! Thanks

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Glad to hear it!!

[@MacKinnon2k13]

Excellent video and some great ideas. Your a good teacher. Thanks for the lesson.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Gregory!

[@gertlarsson9285]

I’m so thankful that I have your instructions videos to watch (I mainly follow you and one more from us)! They are really helpful 👏🙏 a big thanks from a fan in Sweden

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Lots more coming here and our Patreon!

[@sabudjed1135]

Very good teaching.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! 😃

[@gonicjon]

another great simple lesson...just what i'm needing

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching Jon!

[@tianjohan4633]

Keep on posting, great stuff. Seen the chord connection and the useful lick. I'm finally connecting the dots. Best spent hour on youtube ever.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool thanks tian johan!

[@johnmahlmann6382]

Fantastic lesson.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks John!

[@Misterguitar]

Enjoying your lessons all the way from Vancouver Island!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool, that's not too far 😎

[@jeffcramer2463]

Great lesson! Thank you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching Jeff!

[@austinhall2362]

Super easy to understand. Man I pray 🙏 your page stays up. I'm supporting you. God bless you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Austin!

[@pauldirac6243]

Love your stuff. You're gonna make me a rock star. Thanks!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Paul!!

[@BillySoundFarm]

great hook. hits right between the eyes.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks!!! 🎸

[@rickslagle2827]

This is helping to find my way forward , Thank you , I have subscribe !

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for the sub!

[@davidt9841]

You're doing Great! I totally enjoy your lessons.. they're sensible, and logical. I like, and I'm subscribed! Like your hair, too!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for subscribing David!

[@rexangarcenez7782]

i hope some of the best guitarist can also model this kind of comprehensive explanation. I'm excited for the upcoming videos. keep up the great job sir.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for the great feedback

[@MaxRadin]

Really helpful lesson!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Max! New video every Saturday

[@jwilkinson341]

Thanks for the lesson

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching John!

[@martinsavage6838]

Excellent stuff again!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Martin!

[@joejoe41madmad]

Wow man , I think I could get use to your way.tank you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Joe, more next weekend

[@MustafaBaabad]

I feel the result immediatly after watching this video. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Wonderful, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@TheAnderson41011]

Thank you for this video man!!!! Really made me look at the board in a whole new way

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great to hear! Lots more like it on my channel and Patreon 👍

[@timemerson2691]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Tim! New video every Saturday.

[@NoMeWithoutYou1]

You're doing great! Thanks.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks ☺️

[@tomstegall1346]

Thanks again blue, awesome knowledge and great results

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks again for watching!

[@michaelrohatch7820]

Great lesson! So helpful. Thank you! Looking forward to your channel!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching!

[@criadoresdeimagem2451]

Thanks for sharing! Great video! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Lots more lessons coming here soon, in about a week

[@johnmacmillan627]

A real gem! Thx

[@guitarbbb123]

Good job my friend -Very useful lesson- awesome Blue🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bmcpsd31]

I say keep doing what you’re doing. Loving your channel so far.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for the support!