7 Pentatonic Tricks That Will Make You Play Better Jazz Solos

[@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.

[@philipmentzingen9271]

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

[@jtayl711]

Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you, Jake! I really appreciate the support 🙂

[@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 :)

[@garyzimmer8061]

Jen...I don't know how I got here. Been playin' pro gigs, orch., big band, dixie, jazz, combo Bassoon, sax/flue, clar. , etc. for 50 yrs. As some one who taught grade 5, to college post grad., music I consider you a truly fine master of the craft that is so succinct in theory and performance. ce,rock

[@garyzimmer8061]

Ce,rock on

[@garyzimmer8061]

PSs...ce=contributing educator,rock on.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much, Gary 🙂

[@garyzimmer8061]

@@JensLarsen Thanks for responding . I subbed.

[@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. 😉👨🏻

[@piotrbalmusic]

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

[@Tolbens]

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

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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.

[@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!

[@JensLarsen]

The Most Important Scale Exercise In Jazz kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIvIY2V4g8und6M A jazz solo will usually follow the chord progression that it is played over, the most important way that you do that is by using arpeggios over the chords. You are probably already practice arpeggios, but chances you can do it in a better way than what you are doing now, and that is what I want to talk about in this video. 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

[@damonshanabarger2604]

If you think playing pentatonic scale is easy, you ought to try playing pentatonic scale three and four notes per string stacotto. Although this is performed by prog metal guitarist, it could actually be used effectively in Jazz. I have gotten incredibly fast at this, say one note at a time from 5th interval low E string to 22nd fret on high E string 4th interval of Am pentatonic scale. I have also been getting better at jump one back the same in both directions. I've been getting better at using these perspectives in all keys. I started working on this three years ago. I have also gotten very proficient at playing pentatonic and major scales with outside notes in Latin Jazz format swing. Sounds as good as what your doing except different. I have to admit that you have some ideas that I have not yet tried. Maybe worth looking into if I get the time. Cheers

[@damonshanabarger2604]

I'm only three persons, not five. Two are awaiting resurrection, little me and Betty. There are only twenty possible black holes in a cube space time continuum universe. These dwell within two sets of four energy fields. Because the universe is multi dimensional time wise, all twenty are within the four stacked negative electrons. The one in the middle is surrounded by the second which is surrounded by the third. All three of these are surrounded by the fourth negative electron. That's my soul. The universe is much more complicated than a calculator. Although factoring in the square route of twelve is E=MC√ 1.2988200 it must also be shaped like a cube and have a history that repeats itself infinitely. The twenty spirits dwell within the Trinity which is the unity of three persons in one. The other two of the three have independent reality through subspace frequencies. This is the one seated upon the wings of the cherubim which inhabits eternity. There is no mathematical room for anyone else in heaven, therefore they are cast down to the earth. The speed of light is a constant. That is forever. These twenty spirits, that dwell within the four stacked negative electrons, switch places with each other in increments of one every 88 trillion years. There is not a more perfect Union or any union greater.

[@christiankurtboutot5658]

reeeallyy suuuper your mignuting of your vidéo so that we can work efficiently...

[@efrainmusic]

Thanks . Gracias saludos desde México

[@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

[@wpdoyle]

I love this. If any thinks pentatonics are too simple, go listen to McCoy Tyner.

[@JensLarsen]

Exactly :)

[@joepiecora426]

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

[@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.

[@leabmusic4539]

Easy to understand tutorial, thank you very much.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@eisukeshimozuru1206]

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

[@JensLarsen]

Great. Go for it 🙂

[@matsuhart]

Thank you Jens, you are a gem!

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome!

[@miguecast]

Larsen, you have a space in the open source teachers hall of fame ! No, seriously. You make it real, buddie. thank you!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! :)

[@SIELband]

Thank you for sharing! God bless!

[@jameserenberger3425]

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

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@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 :)

[@georgetheonlyporge]

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

[@JensLarsen]

Glad to help!

[@danbobbington8033]

It's funny, I often think of these pentatonic scales and wonder if anyone else has found them. I accidentally discovered the major pentatonic with a flat 6 when working out how to improvise over a modal chord progression I made, and then I see it here. Amazing. Two of my favourites include 1 b9 3 5 b7 and 1 b3 4 b5 b7. There's so much scope for altering even these as well. A lifetime of discovery awaits.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Excellent comment. Those are both Japanese scales I learned long ago from a huge book of scales from all over the world that my best friends father (a jazz bassist) gave to him. They're some of my favorite scales still too. That line _"a lifetime of discovery awaits"_ is so true and it's that phenomenon that has kept me interested, driven and happy as a musician since I first tried to play an instrument.

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@Horus18303]

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

[@JensLarsen]

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

[@quicomedrano]

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

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@МаркРузвельт]

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.

[@BECOMEASALITTLECHILD]

Hello Lens, thank you for your teaching. I watched another video before this one. Stopped this one at 1.34 to look at and try to play the tab on screen. Just want to say that i personally find the way lessons progress too linear and progressive for me. Just stopping here and playing the sequence of the tab a few times and not very well ie missing notes and loosing where i was on the neck. But i kept trying not worrying about how it sounded and errors did happen but the notes and where they are on the neck did sink in and I found myself forgetting about the exercise sequence but just improvising on the notes in whatever order happened to flow out of me......I think this is what I want to say to conclude as if I were telling myself: 1. give the tab as shown at 1.34 2. keep practising to get the notes going over them 3. be creative with them playing what ever you want to, just let it happen! This mirrors other fields and I am thinking about studies I have been doing on spiritual matters. 4 paths. I will note all four after this note. We get so sequenced in our thinking. its all logical left brain. Linear (straight line sequence/conscious mind progressing from a to b to c to.....etc) and not radial (lines at different angles out of a centre -spider diagrams/mind maps . Right brain is radial (emotional coming from unconscious mind). That is where creativity happens and its creativity that is missing. So thats my suggestion. Just a little thing to consider. Eg give a tab sequence of notes. Help people learn them on the neck. Help them to be creative with them...rather than sequencing a whole lesson which is difficult for people to remember and so enjoyment is suspended.... I hope that I am not sounding disrespectful of your talent and what you are doing in your lessons because no that is not the point. I shall be watching to learn more from you.... It might not be your style but there's a tube video by Steve Vai where he gives the story outline of how he wrote 'For the Love of God'. Have a look at that if you're interested because he says it better than I could. Title is 'Steve Vai Guitar Lesson - For The Love of God - Alien Guitar Secrets: Passion & Warfare'. 1. Via positiva. 2. Via negativa. 3. Via Creativa. 4. Via Transformativa (Rev Matthew Fox)........I have to add that at this time I am more interested in watching your teaching than his. We go through phases/have different needs at different times..

[@JensLarsen]

Remember that not all lessons are made for your level, and some of my stuff may be really easy to others while very difficult for you 🙂

[@PetrovichJLA]

This video totally blew my mind

[@GByePorkPieHat]

Yes! This is super helpful. Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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 :)

[@BigBlackBe4r]

I am working on this after work tomorrow!

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it! 🙂

[@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.

[@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 🙂

[@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

[@jumemowery9434]

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

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you, Jume 🙂

[@mpoloria1]

Best guitar jazz teacher. Nice and thanks for sharing

[@dillpickle1960]

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

[@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

[@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 🙂

[@madadami81]

Wow great ideas and about 6 months worth of lessons in one shot

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂 Go for it

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@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!

[@maxkelter3561]

Your videos really inspire me to play jazz.

[@laodamasdimopoulos2655]

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

[@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 :)

[@Darrenowsley]

This is Value and is worthy of anyone's time

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! :)

[@vl292]

This is great! I find it amusing when you say simple pattern considering the framework which is pretty advanced stuff. Yeah, most can play that but not in the right place nor at the right time :D

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂 Simple and easy is often not the same 😁

[@spanishmossmusic3262]

@Jens Larson, When you spoke of the Am6 Pentatonic, you suggested raising the 6th scale degree but in your example you raised the 7th scale degree (G#). AM I missing something or did you accidentally omit the F# in the ii V I example?

[@JensLarsen]

I don't know. Can you give me a time stamp in the video?

[@sirius6136]

Great methods for understanding theories of solveing chord and soloing.

[@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!

[@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!

[@railcar123]

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

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome 🙂

[@jefframey9561]

Thanks for this! I love your vids!

[@JensLarsen]

My pleasure!

[@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! :)

[@PIKE-qi2qe]

very nice guitar video! thank you.

[@rodionbozh3298]

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

[@Geco-Bro]

For the altered chord I prefer to use the minor 6 pent just half step above the root.Tritone Substitution. Example Over the D7alt play Eb m6 pent.

[@JensLarsen]

Certainly works too :)

[@jeffzafiropoulos2393]

Very informative and succinct lesson. Tak jens

[@JensLarsen]

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

[@camilacosta9948]

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

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it 🙂

[@simonbaileyemail]

Thanks, brilliant, smooth and easy to understand. Subscribed

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much 🙂

[@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.

[@kamaismusic]

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

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome!

[@deanc.5984]

I need some simple jazz chords to get started in jazz. It can get VERY COMPLICATED for the "pop rock" guitarist!🤣👍🏼 ...I'll keep watching.

[@god7274]

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

[@ricklaino8996]

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

[@jimmaveety6343]

Hello Jens, you're videos and instruction are the best. Thank you for all you do !! Question - How do you keep up with the chord changes and perform chord-tone targeting while playing a song?

[@JensLarsen]

It is about thinking ahead, similar to how you read a text out loud. The main technique is usually referred to as playing towards target notes. Maybe check out some of these videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJCri4aLm7R-ra8

[@jimmaveety6343]

Thank You !! Your video "Best approach: Target notes on a II V I " is providing useful guidance...Your the only instructor I have come across that illustrates a solid approach to following the changes and chord-tone targeting. Your point about some notes are better targets than others is very useful too.

[@alexander89gogo]

You're a great guitar teacher, especially in jazz~!!!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! :)

[@AdKe1955]

Wow Jens, "simple pentatonic scales...." but the ways you show us how to use it is higher mathematics to me. I am really going to dive into this. Great stuff, as alwways, THANKS!

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it 🙂

[@david-ky7rt]

Excellent video, such a good teacher

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you David!

[@aptelbruno8316]

Thank you Jens for this good material.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it Bruno! :)

[@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!

[@ObedZeme]

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

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it!

[@MarkSmith-mj6oo]

Class as always Jens - in gratitude🙏

[@jeffreyEsoteric]

Besides being highly informational and useful, the entertainment value of this video is off the charts. You really had me laughing with some of this content. I use modelers also and am torn between continuing to bring an amp to gigs or not. Thanks for providing your insights into this subject.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you enjoy the videos 🙂

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

I like how these 5 note scales can get away from the bebop sound if anytime you don't really want to play bebop lines, but of course you could combine these 5 note scales worth bebop playing.

[@aldoleon7540]

Jens, wanted to point out that a few of your playlists are named “Learn Jazz Make, Make Music” with the word “make” twice. Thank you for your work!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! I will check it out 😎

[@adonislajara6955]

A wonderful lesson! thanks Jens

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome :)

[@martybalash]

Thank you for all of your amazing lessons, Jens.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome welcome, Marty!

[@diamondbreak]

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

[@johnclark1925]

Many thanks for doing these lessons and publishing them for us. I am going to set aside 1 hour a day to working through many of these lessons. I actually think this (4th) attempt at learning jazz/fusion might be successful as just by looking over a few of your lessons I can see huge potential for expanding my playing! 🏆 I will let you know how I got on - in one year. 😂👍

[@JensLarsen]

Great! Glad you like the videos 🙂 Maybe check out this post: jenslarsen.nl/how-to-learn-jazz-guitar-suggestions-to-begin-studying/

[@johnclark1925]

@@JensLarsen aha! That is perfect thank you!... because there are so many videos I was wondering where to start and in which order. So that will be really useful. Many thanks.

[@lobau2]

Muito obrigado pelo interesse em nos ensinar..

[@frankvaleron]

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

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you dig it!

[@dannybarton6170]

Fantastic lesson as always Jens

[@Andre-tq9gm]

Thank you jenss for your lesson 🙏🙏

[@JensLarsen]

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

[@Rosendomusika]

This is very useful, thank you

[@tomeuriera9256]

Great lesson! Thanks

[@JensLarsen]

You are very welcome Tomeu!

[@dannyatlas1533]

I relly ke the concepts that you explaining, thankyou

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you find it useful!

[@eternalrainbow-cj3iu]

Okay I see why your maj penta b6 Lick sounds so Good..you built it on D F# C F Bb chord shape, the 1st of 4...you make me study this lick on metronome, Thanks again...I am studying this on piano first later guitar in 16th all keys(of course)

[@asaphessiene4272]

Thank you so much Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! :)

[@kitingesta]

You are the real definition of "guru" osh...

[@mr.howard1]

Wow... subbed within 2 mins... thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks! Hope you find more stuff you can use :)

[@motafoka1]

Great video!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@Digitalpapii]

nice video man. another pentatonic a friend and myself have been developing, is harmonic pentatonic. would work well using the Eb over the D7 alt -- eb(b7) gb(maj3) ab(#11) Bb (#5) and D. (root)

[@Digitalpapii]

@jenslarsen

[@JensLarsen]

Yeah, the melodic minor pentatonic is a great option as well :)