How to Play The Pentatonic Scale (Fully Explained)

[@slowdownnurgonnaa]

Ur my guitar wendigoon

[@kevinnickens]

Not kidding, this is my favorite comment I’ve ever gotten. I LOVE Wendigoon, and this to be compared to Wendi is an honor I’m not ready for

[@slowdownnurgonnaa]

@@kevinnickens highest honor i can bestow 👌🏾

[@coshuloser]

this is so true

[@khatkhopaokhongsai9503]

​@@kevinnickensď

[@twisterfatezenith9056]

@@kevinnickens hey Kevin! You taught me something I’ve been trying to understand for years man wow… how do I contact you for some lessons man I’m serious!

[@Casey250]

A short time to learn. A life time to master. The pentatonic scale was so confusing for so long. This hit the points that took so much time to piece together separately.

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks man!

[@waynefranklin2222]

Wow, great break down my friend. I will most definitely subscribe to your channel. Thank you.

[@josemateu8929]

Great lesson, bloody useful thanks

[@steelbender58]

Been playing guitar for about 53 years (self taught) and finally swallowed my pride and started lessons to understand pentatonic scales and fretboad. This is a good video as it follows exactly where im at in my lessons.

[@Mr.EeToMyself]

My once met a kid that knew so many songs from temperature that it broke my heart. He could been so precisely, and every note was bought on. I'm not a very good musician, but I do understand the pentatonic and modes. So the first time I tried to expwayne that there's a pattern there that he's not aware of and he plays all the time was a disastrous. It was maybe a couple weeks or before I see him again. But when I did he asked about it. I gave him the quick lesson. Ironically, as well with another young musician who I had just been in a fight with. In order to turn him into a man. We went to the bar to see his favorite band. And guess who was the lead ari

[@Void3.0]

The only person I’ve found that puts dots where the finger touches. You have no idea how many videos I’ve went through I just couldn’t see it or understand the shape being made so I’m very grateful. Thank you. 💜

[@klaaskgatle1543]

Thank you for putting dots where the finger is pointing

[@troybrannelly5554]

agree it so finally clicked with me because as you said he is the only person have also seen put the dots there make it so much easier to see

[@saviourakpan1676]

I am glad I wasn't the only person who noticed that. Thank you sir!

[@guitar-begginer-tips-224]

Good lesson I never see some teachers teaching well like you. Thanks

[@johnking1687]

This is the best and easily understood explanation of the Pantatonic scale and Minor I've ever heard and I'm 77. Great presentation method.

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks!

[@JamesAllen-xk8bc]

I love your teaching style, dude. So many guitar “teachers” assume we already know these concepts and blow right through them. Thank you’

[@dalejarman2754]

Thank you I’m 74 and just learning to play the guitar. Been learning for about 7 months. Your video finally explained what the Pentatonic scales are. I’m a new subscriber, keep up the great work!

[@juha2031]

YOU DID IT. Finally someone told me why A in the thickest string can be the same than A on a slimmer string. They don't sound the same but still are same note. Just an octave away from each other.

[@stevanrose7439]

If y learn the low E string you have learned the high E string. Play on.

[@tune_m]

What I think is cool to add is that in scientific pitch notation the thickest string is denoted E2 and the thinnest string E4. This notation is based around A4 being set to oscillate at 440 times per second (440Hz, also known as concert pitch). Any octave you move up or down increases or decreases the number in front and the note frequency doubles or halves. So the standard set of guitar strings spans two octaves! And moving up an octave can always be done by moving 12 frets, since there are 12 semitones/notes per octave (counting all sharps / flats included).

[@keithferg451]

I just want you to know you’ve helped me understand the pentatonic scale and the way you teach it is superb

[@williamweiss3620]

I started playing 40 years ago and I played open chords as a rhythm guitar player. I started teaching myself guitar theory using the internet. I've been on numerous sites but now I found a home. Thank you for your fantastic way of teaching guitar.

[@rikityrik]

No kidding, he did an amazing job. I was absorbing all that info instead of it going right out the other ear. Best teacher I’ve found for dummies(me). lol jk

[@JustinMace-t6b]

I stumbled on your Pentatonic Scale (Fully Explained) and I have to say, it’s changed my life. In all of the years of being the frustrated guitarist, you explained it all in a 10 minute video. Thanks a million!🎉🎉🎉

[@kevinnickens]

That’s awesome! So glad the video helped

[@davidmunoz3268]

clear, concise so helpful. absolutely love your videos.

[@kevinnickens]

Awesome, thank you!

[@moinmubarak6752]

It's been 4 years since i started learning guitar and them gave up cz I didn't understand what use are scales. Your guitar map and now this video are giving me a new beginning. Thanks

[@jeroenvanpoeijer4339]

You just got yourself a new subscriber. I recently wanted to get back into playing guitar and I think I got off on the wrong foot almost 14 years ago. Your way of explaining things motivates me to start relearning the guitar. Many thanks!

[@tobychinchin]

i'm in the same shoes as you my man, and kevin really explains things in a clear and concise manner.. one of the best vids i've found

[@frankdardano3182]

😮In 1967 I had a friend show me this exact thing. It had no name but could be used for most anything. Since once you know the notes correct, it is easier to play in any key. I quit lessons at age eight, because they told me bending strings was incorrect. In the 50s you played the note, dont even consider bending to pitch. I became self taught. YOU have given everyone the key now they only need a quality guitar, or one they like, and some time. GOOD COMMUNICATION, IT IS SO IMPORTANT,YOU ARE A GREAT SPEAKER, YOUR MESSAGE IS CLEAR.

[@loganshoemaker938]

This is literally what I have always needed when having the pentatonic scale explained. You did an incredible job in both localization and visually explaining everything in such a way that it was able to be easily absorbed. Thank you!!!!

[@zacharysanvicente2276]

Thank you so much for this video! As a guitar player who refuses to learn music theory (but realizes the necessity of it due to it's creative unshackling), I can't thank you enough for making it easy to learn for someone who has NO prior music theory knowledge.

[@coderscommunity2918]

Man, that's the best video I've ever seen explaining it. I finally understood these. Deserved new subscriber)

[@jesselokken]

I started playing guitar just a week ago, and this is by far one of the most helpful videos I’ve seen.

[@OakAthainNerin]

If I hear James Hetfield say “grab your guitar” one more time I swear to god

[@MascarasMil]

And the idiot next to him mimicking his voice but not doing it very well

[@amaylor500]

Get musician, and let’s play 😂😂

[@JakeTurbo8642]

Get your guitar get yousician and let’s play (enter sandman starts playing) the best way to play like us is to play with us

[@Jöe-877]

I thought i was the only one with my youtubw ad being possessed by papahet lmao

[@purity99film]

get yousician. and lets play. the best way to play like us, is to play with us.

[@davidburgos1264]

This by far is the best explanation of the pentatonic scale I have ever seen , my friend, you are a great music teacher of scale, keep rocking on.

[@bjornerickson6075]

As a person with a piano background this explanation finally put sense to me hearing of root notes and what Pentatonic is exactly... And how to use it. Thanks man, really appreciate this video things are finally starting to make sense after 8 months now from me picking up my strat😊

[@rikityrik]

I’m a hard person to teach, but not for lack of wanting to learn. I just want to say you really are an exceptional teacher. Checking out the rest of your stuff and subscribing.🙏

[@Mike_2112]

As a beginner, I'd pay a lot of money for a subscription or membership if I could only find someone that uses those colored dots where your fingers go in their online video lessons. It makes things WAY EASIER for me to see what's going on. Brilliant!

[@Dendron99]

Best explanation of the pentatonic scale on KZbin!

[@tobychinchin]

actually tried it before but didnt really bother trying to understand it.. after your explanation i actually realised that one of my favourite bands actually use the pentatonic scales alot in their solos.. this video has really helped me in my guitar journey..!! this is an awesome resource

[@kevinnickens]

Awesome! I'm glad this video helped you understand it more!

[@frankdardano3182]

I am very impressed so here it goes, you are either one IN a million, or one OF a million. You are a great example of the latter. You joined a small group of go too individuals, that I refer my friends to watch if they are serious about learning to play. Where were you in 1958, the year l started on a 12.95 Stella. Thats twelve dollars, not twelve hundred! Man, could I have teacher who really helped learn, not take my money, and confuse me as a lesson! Keep it up, good people, will have good things happen, it is just that way.

[@bobstraw3010]

My phone dinged which alerted me you liked a comment I made, which made a few months ago, which made me wonder who the heck is this? I just went back to your channel to jog my old memory and wow! THANKS for the reminder & this time I saved a few videos like this one & shared your link with some friends. Sorry for using so many words here but really like your content. Best to you!

[@TheRealDanielMartin]

The best guitar channel on KZbin

[@jaymo8206]

Man, I've been playing all WRONG! Being self taught, play by ear and not having much music theory knowledge, this tutorial opened up my mind & ears! Thanks bro.🎸

[@rokomagellas9633]

You are the only one on youtube who explained this with no fuss,finally I understand some thigns about the scales...great job

[@teodortsanov8011]

I started learning guitar 4-5 months ago, this video has been the most useful one so far nn my journey

[@pleasureabada9532]

Have been lost for 3yrs learning guitar, glad I found your page today

[@arpitogope8112]

This is the best explanation of the pentatonic scale I have ever seen. Wish I had seen this when I was 20. Thirty years too late.

[@denay6895]

Finally after years of searching, I finally understood pentatonic and its application. Thank you sir...

[@billfoley3151]

Wow someone who has simplified the the meaning and logic of the pentatonic scale well done my friend I understand it now thank you

[@Sxndip]

Most helpful guitar video I’ve ever watched thanks for motivating me to pick up the guitar and practice again

[@DavidKerner-en1ww]

Keep these easy-to-understand videos coming.

[@somewhereontwowheels9363]

I stumbled on your video and glad I did. Such a simple concept and scale when simply explained. Everyone else just says ‘and here’s pentatonic scale… without saying what it is. Well done!

[@RonSiebert-ou4xh]

Great lesson for my grandson to understand as a beginner! Just a little informative sidenote, the upper guitar part of your Layla demonstration was actually played by Duane Allman on his 59' Les Paul, Eric Clapton played the rhythm on his Stratocaster! Clapton was considering asking Duane to join his band full time, but the Allman Brothers Band was really beginning to take off at that time, so Duane declined the invitation!

[@Emem-ch1bf]

I have fr yet to find a guitar video where i fully understand whats being said, until I found this video and channel, thank goodness! Clear explanation, thanks man!

[@raykarena4595]

Been playing for a few years just found your channel makes things easier cheers bro

[@badboygwp2517]

Thanks master, it helped me so much. I came here after month of memorizing whole fretboard . Now, I am confident to go with your other videos.

[@anthonyvillaa]

I don't know why, but this video actually inspired me to play my guitar more so than other videos. Maybe because all the other knowledge I got to know prior (thanks to you) is being interconnected in to one bigger 'thing'. That or because this just scratches my itch a little bit more lol, thank you!

[@kevinnickens]

That's awesome! Thank you!

[@joseroberts6635]

Coming from piano to guitar kept struggling to get the concept. Very well described along with animations to get the pattern down.

[@malexdico50]

@kevinnickens I am writing an ebook guide for people who want to learn how to play the guitar and I am including your lessons in it, putting them in the right order, so they can learn them step by step at their own pace. I have copied and pasted the links to your KZbin videos so my future readers will be routed to your tutorials. I find your channel very educational, fun, and beginner-friendly. All your lessons are well-explained and organized. P.S. I am an average guitarist. Started learning when I was 14 years old, currently I am 27. I admit I still have so much to learn. I'm also a writer-wannabe that is why I'm writing this ebook guide about guitar for beginners.

[@jexterviloria8268]

how’s the ebook going

[@overlook237]

This has confused me for ages. I dont get much time to practice due to work and family but this video is definitely a lightbulb moment. Thanks very much.

[@rickharrison3606]

Been playing and writing for a while..finally decided to check out some lead info.. this was absolutely fantastic ! So glad I found you! I subscribed so I'm all ears... and fingers.. thank you 😊

[@5OMETIMER]

hands down best guitar teacher

[@tracylang6060]

I have been in a Pentatonix rut. As a new guitar player, I have a lot to learn and I didn’t understand how the Pentatonix scale worked. Your video has shown me a lot and I’m heading to my guitar right now. Thank you for the explanation.

[@krishnabhatti9804]

Such a useful video, best one I've seen so far that really explains the A major pentatonic scale i was introduced to last week as a beginner guitar player, thank you Kevin

[@jasontrent5569]

This got broke it down so easy for me, never thought i’d understand something about music theory! Thanks bro☝️

[@Shefightsdifferent]

Thanks so much for the break down visually & verbally! So appreciated!!

[@jackearhart3680]

I’m two minutes into this video and love it, thank u for being so straight to the point

[@cgh1026]

Thank you so much for making this video!!! Most video i watched on this topic were way to confusing.. so again thank you

[@cancel1913]

This video and lesson is so good that I instantly subscribed!

[@Akiosama1009]

I think the main thing that this video should mention is that the scale shape is movable along the fretboard. The notes that were displayed in the sticky notes represented the notes in the A Minor scale, even those beyond the first octave of the scale. I think that the idea as presented missed the main merit to the Minor Pentatonic Scale shape, the moveable nature of the scale. (All scale shapes are moveable - but since this is being shown as the basics of Pentatonic, the fact that the shape could be used for any root on the 6th string would be useful for the beginner.) It would also open up more of the fretboard for using the Minor Pentatonic, knowing that you can just start on a different root note and still have a valid shape/scale. Thanks for the info - the video did a good job of showing the shape itself. I think it could benefit from just a little bit more theory (the moveable nature of the scale, and the intervals making up the scale itself as a prior comment mentioned.) Also, looking forward to future videos showing your dad’s progress!

[@mixerD1-]

Tutor explains things clearly and simply, then professor comes along to make a fk of things.

[@ivoroid]

I just want to say that you literally change my view in terms of Guitar Theory so as the discipline. I really can't believe we're getting this for free. I wish you the best.

[@dicecreamman1739]

Very helpful. I am new and old at the same time. I have learned some scales, but didn’t really know what to do with them until now. Probably should take some classes. Thank you. Keep it up.

[@ghadah8459]

Thank you very much! I have watched other youtubers and I felt dumb not understanding anything even though the titles were “beginner” and felt like intermediate kinda level and I kinda stopped playing guitar after that, but I stumbled across your video and man you explained it straight to the point and with no complexity at all which made me excited to play again! Thank you!

[@alliancegaming3815]

First off you have taught me more in ten minutes than I've learned in hours lost in the internet abyss. Secondly is it me or is the video on how to solo in major chords not out yet? (Mentioned at 9:43) thanks!!

[@daviddelarosa7271]

This is the best explanation of the pentatonic scale. Wow ❕ thank you for making the this video! Can't thank you enough and please keep making these videos guitar sage 😊!

[@denisplante1983]

i`m only a beginner, but brilliantly explained. So good that i have now subscribed. Keep up the good work as it really does help 👍

[@kevinnickens]

Awesome, thank you!

[@CecilCorringham]

Thanks

[@kevinnickens]

Thank you!

[@syd24]

This is the best video explanation I’ve come across! I was so confused about the pentatonic/major/minor terminology and this finally gave me the bigger picture. I’ll definitely watch your video on the major pentatonic scale. Thanks!

[@Couch00]

7:43 how do you know the keys of a song?!?

[@rusticrichmedia]

Best explanation I've ever heard!

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks!

[@andaniletlalo2877]

Ive been lookin for for this. Thank you so much❤❤❤

[@kevinnickens]

You're welcome! Glad this helped!

[@MaryWatkins-sh4di]

OMG Great tutorial! I was so intimidated by the Pentatonic capital P! Watching your video reminds me of when Toto pulled the curtain back from the "W"izard of Oz! You are a terrific teacher, the visuals are very helpful.

[@ooueyygooey]

Dude, I’ve watched so many videos on this. Yours is the first that explains scales so clearly. Thank you!!!!!!

[@johnsighill792]

This is the best explanation I've found on youtube.

[@Christian-ev4oc]

I seen my first video from you tonight. I have subscribed and i look forward to learning more from you. The A minor solo that you slid into was so smooth with that backing track. I'm going to try to replicate that!

[@jimgraham1404]

Thanks!

[@kevinnickens]

Thank YOU!

[@angellsantiago3135]

Wow, I'm just a beginner in guitar and I just saw your video and opened my mind in away to see the music notes and make me understand a little bit more. Thank you

[@WilliamGarner-Author]

You, sir, are an outstanding teacher. Thank you so much.

[@Michael-dz9vk]

😊,very helpfull and informative ,well presented easy to follow,definatlely will get me into the scales ,and learn tunes and improvise ,thanks again ,mick

[@D3ATHSTROK3.]

Great lesson thanks love how you put the dots on screen where your fingers touched the fret board, would be extra nice to have them dots when your showing the riffs you showed. keep up the great content.🎸

[@estieFa]

This is an excellent, well-articulated lesson. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@didiandonlyme]

This is the first time i really understood about scale, at first idk about scale and when i think about it, its very scary lol, but the way he explained it, it was so understandable and i could easily understood, LIKE BROOO 😭😭

[@rodbrown8306]

You're helping me understand this what I couldn't with others, thanks for this, and I've certainly subbed.

[@IanGilchrist-u2r]

Hit the nail on the Head the way explained it was simple yet effective and could understand

[@Kakashikewl]

You're a great teacher, Kevin. Your explanations made a lot of sense. Thanks!

[@jonathanwawa9899]

Thanks man, it's super simple and amazing ❤

[@javiersaravia9593]

I struggled with this one for years until i got to this video. 🎉🎉🎉

[@bd1630]

Awesome clearly understood video. Can’t wait to get home and play around with it and Layla pentatonic scale

[@blaydedodds8880]

Thank you man. Very well explained and I'm excited to try some stuff out! (you earned a sub with this explanation and seriously thank you for putting the dots on the screen)

[@hereticjonathan3067]

Your lessons are brilliant Kevin.👏👏

[@kevinnickens]

Glad you like them!

[@MarkoShreds]

We need more these. I never found a video which explained pentatonic scale so deeply and well. Keep making these theory videos!

[@kevinnickens]

Will do!

[@Joe-lc6or]

this channel is a gold mine

[@zorozimba1097]

The best explained minor pentatonic scales.

[@wongcctt1993]

OMG I just happened to find your channel yesterday and it saves me. You're brilliant in noticing the problem that we have (that I can't even point it out coz I don't understand) and explain it so well!

[@NickNimmin]

Excellent explanation. Thank you. 🙏

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks! Glad you got value out of it!

[@leeben1504]

Fantastic video! cleared the air on some of the theory. I think the wall I've hit is knowing what to do or where to go with the embellishments (bends, slides, hammer ons, ect) I can go up and down the scale fairly easily (could work on getting my speed up) but I just can't get that "light bulb" moment I hear so much about 😂

[@ping6266]

such a great explanation bro! i love to learn more about guitar..

[@kurtbonmiranda9790]

helps a lot to understand minor pentatonics thank you

[@dashlaru2]

The Frequency and Musical scales naughty bits! Music will, eventually, want to make you want to dance.

[@hiyorichan7]

Best one ever on scales thanks

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks!

[@mattschneider6322]

Without a doubt this is the best explanation

[@jameyd4155]

Two tasty riffs … Layla @ 7:00 & Miss You @ 7:34! Nice! Thanks!

[@No1karez]

Great lesson, this just what I need and perfect starting point. Thank you

[@Sabathor]

You just opened a new WORLD to me! So easy to understand, amazing!