One Pentatonic Pattern Does it All

[@papacore73]

Thanks Doug, you just taught me another lifelong lesson. I bought your course on VHS by mail from Lima, Peru, in 1991 and you make me a musician.

[@DougMarks]

That's great. I like being reminded that I've taught people to play guitar all over the world. What a privilege. I'm glad that I was able to help you learn to play guitar.

[@runningfree4606]

Doug, this is not the typical guitar lesson but you just opened my mind and now I can see endless possibilities. I appreciate the time and effort you are putting to keep your channel and lessons so unique.

[@DougMarks]

Wow! This is why I work on my channel. Thanks for recognizing it.

[@runningfree4606]

@@DougMarksyou're most welcome!

[@bedtime.classics]

what I got from this lesson, is that when you start playing a pentatonic minor scale (or ANY scale for that matter), with a root note that starts on ANY string of the guitar, you don't really need to memorize 5 different patterns, because it's actually a single pattern that only looks non-similar because of the irregular tuning of the B-string on the guitar. When you account for that irregular tuning of the B-string, then all you really need to know is the location of the root note of the scale. When you look at 5 different CAGED or pentatonic shapes for the guitar in standard tuning, now it's easy to actually see a single shape, when you account for the irregular tuning of the B-string used in the standard guitar tuning. Based on that single pattern shape, when you know where the root note is located on any string, you can use that pattern to play the notes in the scale, from a root note based on ANY string and fret position on the guitar. This principle makes it simple to memorize a single proto-scale pattern for ANY scale, so that you don't need to memorize different patterns for different fretboard positions. Doug Marks' lesson simplifies the guitar fretboard a LOT! Thanks!

[@DougMarks]

You absolutely get it. Everybody... read this comment if you find any of this confusing.

[@frankm2588]

Very well put. The intervals of the pentatonic are the intervals regardless of where you are. You just have to account for the B string shift.

[@EddieMetal68]

That's what I was looking for... First pattern from low to high strings, starting from the root, no matter the string you are starting from. (Always move 1 fret higher when reaching the 2nd string). Above the root, use the "blue dots" pattern. Pretty easy to visualize.

[@jaredbrady5566]

Thanks, I almost turned this off until reading this comment. Now I know why he is getting me to change my tuning, it's to understand the concept.

[@DougMarks]

@@jaredbrady5566 Exactly Jared. Otherwise, to not try this tuning at home.

[@amdelux1]

I still have some of your lesson tapes from the 80s, I use a lot of the licks to this day .

[@DougMarks]

Very cool.

[@tomalexander4584]

Well, scrolling through the comments a bit I’ve already seen plenty people saying what I’m commenting! I came across your ad in like ‘83-‘84 and immediately ordered your lessons. Your kind of a legend for us from back in the day. I was 13 or 14, so imagine coming across you in KZbin land all these years later. Glad to see you Doug

[@DougMarks]

Thanks for commenting. I never tire of hearing from my students that were with me near the beginning. It always brings a smile to my face. Thanks for commenting.

[@tomalexander4584]

@@DougMarks it’s good to see you’re still around and doing what you do! 🍻

[@DougMarks]

At this age, it's great to be around. Thanks for your comments. I'm looking forward to hearing from you in the future.

[@katiegeddy9381]

Oh wow! I have a single sheet with all five patterns and the root note identified on each pattern printed out and taped to my wall. After watching this, Doug, I SEE IT!!! Doesn’t matter which string your on, start pattern one on the root note location on that string!!!! WICKED!!!!! Thanks, man!!! Brian

[@DougMarks]

Brian, you get it. Thanks for commenting.

[@mikewoolf2779]

Mind blown. I never picked up the repeating pattern of the notes below the root. Awesome lesson and concept. Thank you!

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. Be sure to check out the follow up video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc It takes it a step further and addresses criticism of this video. Still, this video was my most popular video ever (as I expected).

[@pamelamoss-1354]

It's very good to see you again Doug, I purchased your Guitar lesson video many many yrs ago.

[@DougMarks]

Great hearing from you. I'm still here and enjoying it more than ever.

[@dansmith8912]

Good afternoon Doug I'm a 56-year-old '80s rocker. Back in the day I bought a 91 charvel Jackson deluxe 24 fret double lockdown tremblow system. And through your ad I ordered some of your lessons. I remember going around to all my friends bragging about you. God I miss those days. I was so young!😮

[@DougMarks]

Yeah, it was great then but it's pretty amazing now. Think of everything that exists now compared to then like the Internet, mobile phones, multi track digital recording on your computer, personal computers, instant amazing guitar sounds, effects, and on and on.

[@dansmith8912]

@@DougMarks , I'm not a technical suave person per se as a matter of fact I never actually sat down in front of a computer with a keyboard and use it or a tablet. I'm a carpenter by trade now. Still have my guitars but I don't play them much anymore. But I will say one advantage to technology is. I am personally speaking with one of my heroes. Hell f****** cool is that. I am getting my man cave setup and I do have my guitars out so now maybe with the help of KZbin and my old teacher still available I'll start practicing again. But I will be literally starting over from scratch. Thank you so much Good to hear from you rock on.

[@DougMarks]

Start making practice a habit. Set aside the same time every day to play guitar. Initially, you only need to do it for 5 or 10 minutes a day. Before long that will naturally become much longer. It's important in the beginning just to make it a habit. The rest will naturally happen.

[@dansmith8912]

@@DougMarks , Yes sir I will. I have a friend with a 14-year-old student right now learning guitar and I'm doing my best to influence him as well I picked it up a few times and tried to remember what I almost couldn't play back in the day lol but yes you are going. As always the teachers still teaches. Thank you sir have a great day Good to hear from you.

[@mr.mcallister6502]

I remember buying your Metal Method guitar courses on VHS tapes in the 80s. You rocked!

[@DougMarks]

Thank you very much. A shout out to all my 80s students. I better not say they're my favorite but they do have a special place in my heart. That was a very special time for me. Maybe that's because I didn't have any competition. 😂

[@bastardoize]

Wow! I just discovered this channel. I used Doug's Metal Method lessons on cassette when I was learning guitar in the early eighties. This is an excellent find. Nice to see the actual person after all these years and that he seems like a good guy. Cheers Doug!

[@DougMarks]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm a pretty good guy. 😂 I haven't ever gone away but it's not like the 80s when I was the only guy teaching this stuff using mass media. Which at the time was Guitar and fan magazines. So analog. I've only recently begun trying to elevate my KZbin channel which is putting me in touch with students from the distant past like you. Thanks for commenting and please subscribe. BTW that's the reason for the thumbnail with the picture of me from the 80s behind me. Not sure otherwise you would realize it's the same guy.

[@ryantotten5011]

I appreciate the presumption of this lesson. My old guitar instructor always taught me to "think intervallicaly" ( i think i spelled that correctly), and this ties right into that. Technically, you were my first guitar instructor. I commented on an earlier video about those 6 VHS tapes. So you remember, you were there. :)

[@DougMarks]

I'm glad that I was able to help you out along the way. Thanks for commenting.

[@robinanderson1115]

Thanks , it sure MAKES good sense.

[@FeguerFineArt]

I still have those tapes!

[@scottdunn2178]

Doug, I'm 58 and remember that ad in all the magazines back in the day... man I wanted a white Jackson Randy Rhoads Custom with a Floyd Rose like that so bad, it was my dream guitar 🎸

[@DougMarks]

Well Scott, it's not too late!

[@RycheForOrder]

Of course those guitars would only sound the best with a Carvin tube amp.

[@scottdunn2178]

@@RycheForOrder I had a Carvin X100B tube head in the 80's... biggest pile of 💩 I've ever owned... my farts had better tone 🤣

[@scottdunn2178]

@@RycheForOrder All kidding aside, some of the early Carvin 4x12 cabs (1981-82) had some collectible Celestions in them (G-12-80, etc)

[@EggbertPepperwhistle-r4q]

This exact comment could have been written by me in a year…

[@dconleygtr]

Whoa. Combine this concept with you earlier lesson on finding the root notes in all of patterns really helps me visualize this. Very cool!

[@DougMarks]

Thanks. Yes, this series of lessons all go together.

[@JariSatta]

Nice, and you can SUPERIMPOSE the same 1st pattern on 1st, 4th and 5th note of the natural minor scale, and you'll get all 7 notes of the natural minor scale by playing the same pentatonic pattern. (Normal tuning) If you're in Amin, you can play minor pentatonic pattern on Am, Dm, and Em. Technically they're all right notes but the root is on A D and E. (Ear as guide.) Here's how I'd notate: scale/chord Amin pentatonic/Am Dmin pentatonic/Am Emin pentatonic/Am When the band plays Amin, you can play Amin pentatonic, Dmin pentatonic, or Emin pentatonic. Each with a unique harmony or harshness to it.

[@DougMarks]

That's true. I did a lesson a couple of weeks ago that shows how to follow Major and minor chords kzbin.info/www/bejne/al69c3mqhKyljbM - As I explain in the lesson, the reason this works is, all the notes are from A natural minor.

[@timothythibault8153]

This gives me the revelation of how the pentatonic scale is more simple than I thought

[@QuinnonRiddle-r4f]

Thank you and God bless you I've been teaching myself for a year and my friend is a drummer and he said he could see the improvement and progress I'm making every time he hears me play and I think when I show him what I learned from you tonight he will be very impressed with it I turn 60 day before yesterday I appreciate you very much thank you again and may God bless you

[@DougMarks]

Thanks you very much. I love your comment. You remind me very much of one of my students on Zoom. He's been very successful with our work together. You should consider taking a private lesson from me occasionally. calendly.com/dm-rockguitar

[@angellaboy3506]

Hi Doug! I just want to tell you "Thank you" for giving me the base to become a guitar player in 1980's!!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. I'm glad that I was able to help. Thanks for commenting, it's appreciated.

[@dawin6710]

Another use of this understading is this: by having the root note as point of reference I am for the first time able to quickly jump from one pentetonic shape to anthor (not necessariyl sequentially) This is mind blowing for me. I just discovered you channel I hope all your lessons are this quality.

[@DougMarks]

Yes, that's a huge observation. You can memorize the five patterns and still not be able to use them without identifying the root note. Go back and check out the other videos I've created this month. You'll find there are innovative ways of understanding guitar in all of my recent lessons.

[@edwardippoliti626]

Doug ,your Metal Method leasons put my playing light years ahead ,and looking to go back to level two,and move on to three ! Playing in time , always loved your style of teaching,and imo relate to my favorite guitarist of all time, Randy Rhoads ! Good to see the old Carvin ,with a new neck ! Would love to get one of your T shirts! Thank you ❤❤

[@DougMarks]

I'm not sure what you mean by old Carvin, with a new neck. I've had that guitar for over twenty years. Still has the same neck. Glad to hear you're working with my lessons. If you ever need help, I'm giving lessons on Zoom.

[@steveterry6835]

Hi Doug, took your advice, persevered, understood why you tuned down to show the pattern and have now got it. Thanks for your patience

[@DougMarks]

Hey Steve, you're absolutely welcome. My dad always said, "If something is worth having it's worth working for." That certainly applies here.

[@tooofart]

I understood your lesson, thanks. I've been trying to see the pentatonic as using the root note as a starting point regardless of the string, but I never thought to wrap it around from string 1 back to string 6 the way you have. Thanks, I'll definitely need to noodle this over.

[@DougMarks]

Check out this week's video. It's the follow up to One Pattern Does it All: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@TheZoorat]

I have heard of and heard you before but this is the first time ever watching your channel. I subbed in the first minute.

[@DougMarks]

Thanks very much for subscribing and commenting. I really appreciate it.

[@angeld9465]

I was one of those that looked at the five patterns and lost my mind. Them I found a video stating that you only needed 2 1/2 patterns not five to learn. That was my breakthrough. Basically Pattern one of minor pentatonic, "the house of blues" pattern (the 1/2 part), and pattern three of the minor pent. Easier to learn and you only need to add three notes that are not covered to have all of it. Since then, I can go up and down the neck easily. Your idea is a better idea as I can pick to start the pattern at any string at any position. Will be investing some time on it. By the way, I have seen this explanation in other videos but they didn't make the connection to actual playing. It was mainly the explanation of the pentatonic concept. Thanks!

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. Yes, much of this is common sense. The only twist that I came up with is the tuning to make the patterns easier to recognize. Also, few people connect the patterns to the root note. Without doing that, it's difficult to use the patterns effectively. Thanks for commenting.

[@angeld9465]

@@DougMarks That's the beauty of this way of doing it. You can pick a note anywhere and go with it. The way I know now, I have to start at the low E root and them find me way to were I want to be on the neck, which is a limitation.

[@tombourne2917]

Dude, i used to buy your cassette tapes back in the 80s, when I was learning to play..I was 15 yrs old. So nice to see you on KZbin. Funny thing man, dude I still remember this pentatonic blues lick you had on one of the tapes. Lol..Those were the days.. keep rewinding it over and over, till I got it right. 😂

[@DougMarks]

We've all been there. Thanks for the comment.

[@jenniferkelly4451]

Great information.Thank you Doug…………great lesson.Pat from Philadelphia

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome Pat. Thanks for commenting.

[@HexForger]

Thanks for sharing, that's really useful. Too late for me as you are the one who taught me the 5 patterns all those years ago but hey, that thing here is a hell of a plot twist!

[@DougMarks]

It's not too late for you. It's possibly a different way of looking at what you already understand. Something quite creative can come out of that.

[@patzguitarz]

I ordered your original cassettes in in the late 80s. My older brother taught me the basics, but Doug Marks taught me metal guitar and yes I still have the cassettes and the booklets!

[@DougMarks]

Very cool. Thanks for commenting. Great to hear from you.

[@dawin6710]

This is the third comment as I'm having a jackpot of ideas I'm discovering based on your clarification: The bendable notes and the blue notes a also are in the same place relative to the single shape you made me see. This is definitly a huge aha moment for my. Thank you so much.

[@DougMarks]

Thank you very much for three comments. I love to hear your experience as you move from "kind of get it" to aha. Really good comment.

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

That's a good lesson. In addition to seeing pentatonic shapes, I find it helpful to see chord shapes, and pick notes from them when soloing. Anyway, the point about learning a rule and applying it anywhere, rather than learning multiple positions, is excellent.

[@DougMarks]

Thanks. I appreciate the comment. One thing that I should have mentioned or demonstrated in this lesson is to try to play a barre chord with this tuning. Pretty gnarly.

[@masonlocksmiths3690]

Strong work Doug. Never seen it like this!

[@DougMarks]

You're an OG. Yep, that's right at the beginning. Good to hear from you. Thanks for commenting.

[@masonlocksmiths3690]

@@DougMarks you’re the true OG. I’ve never take n your course but many of my fellow rockers did. Brings me joy to see you’re still a bright light. You must’ve made a difference to hundreds of thousands at this point!

[@mojodojo5533]

I think this is great! I figured this out a while back but fun to see it with the alternate tuning diagrams.

[@DougMarks]

I agree. This information wasn't new to me either but it sure was fun to see the diagrams.

[@txsurfnturf]

I have tried to explain this to a number of friends. And you would not believe the resistance I've gotten. It's such a simple concept, but they would act as if I'm explaining particle physics to them or something. I gave up; they're on their own.

[@DougMarks]

Lol I’m experiencing the same thing when I read some of these comments. Still, most or at least many get it.

[@GrantWright-t3r]

To be fair, maybe I'm just a stupid idiot.. But I was totally lost and defeated on this after 60 seconds flat.. :(

[@mitsanut5869]

Don't feel bad. I have formal education in piano playing. I just recently bought a guitar and started learning on it. What a nightmare it was to listen all the people on You Tube explaining (each in their own, hard to comprehend, way) who clearly had no formal music education but figured their guitar in their own way, maybe with help of some tutoring or whatever. I tried to make sense out of their stuff but then I realized there is a huge difference between how music theory is taught in Europe (my source of music theory education) and the American one. Yes, the guitar is most definitely a different instrument than piano, even though they are both string based. But after multiple senseless failures of trying to emulate the other people's way of explaining things, I went back to my piano (or any key synth) patterns. You see, there is only one basic pattern in piano playing and everything evolves around that pattern, and everything repeats on any scale you play. You just have to know the basic theory and math behind it. Once you realize that, it becomes much easier to understand the instrument - everything repeats in every position you play, with ever slightly increasing deviations as you get more skilled and educated. With my approach, all evolves around the scales. I never used pentatonic scale on piano when learning, and I stopped bothering with pentatonic scale on guitar as well. The process of basic learning will lead you to using it WITHIN the scope of your playing anyway later on. The problem with learning pentatonic scales on guitar first before anything else (because everyone is talking about it as being the holy grail of guitar playing) is that people too often skip the basic music theory and jump right into learning the pentatonics without understanding the most profound basics of music, which is the normal scales and their combos. Each one of those scales is actually a natural progression of the previous scale. All you have to do here is being able to quickly identify the note on your fretboard wherever you are so you know what your next step is and where the other notes live - but the patterns remain the same, with the adjustment on the B- string - but you just have to learn to accept it in your mind. Steve Morse is huge on mastering the classical way of understanding the scales, and only after doing that you can go into pentatonic scales because you already have it all down and you know where every note lives. Since going back to my music theory roots, I have been able to understand the guitar much better. Yes, it is an instrument that requires lots of skill practicing because you generate each tone with the fingers of both of your hands directly (as opposed to hitting the key that triggers the mechanism that hits the strings hidden inside the piano). But I am now sure that using your fingers correctly and fast enough is the secret sauce here - not learning some pentatonic stuff first. You just have to be able to put your fingers in the right place as your brain desires it (and fast enough). Once you know the basic scales theory, the rest becomes much, much easier. Plus, you won't be limited to messing around with pentatonic stuff. Pentatonic scales is a much advertised short cut that in the end will not make you a very good player with interesting style of playing and ideas. Look at Robert Fripp. He was able to make outrageously fantastic music because of his classic music theory approach to playing, and even Steve Vai is now saying how difficult it is to play his parts because Vai's (and so many others) education evolved around pentatonic and even as skilled guitar player that he is, he experienced hard time in learning Fripp's parts. Fripp does it effortlessly because he based his guitar playing on classic approach. So did Steve Morse, as far as I know. Again - mastering the normal scales patterns in any position is the key to be efficient on ANY instrument.

[@DougMarks]

I spent a little time put together a program for people confused by the previous video. Check it out and let me know what you think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc Something I think is important for a keyboard player to realize is, most guitar players rely heavily on patterns in lieu of even knowing what notes they're playing. Try to look at this from that perspective and I think you'll get the idea.

[@gsmeeuwsen]

Great lesson, Sir!

[@DougMarks]

Thank you very much.

[@Zone9Rock]

This is pretty amazing. Never had been enlightened before to this perspective. Leave it to Doug to provide this wisdom. Doug and his Metal Method lessons were a key force in me finally picking up a guitar at age 42. One thing then led to another and I have now been playing in gigging bands in So Cal for the last 10+ years. Thank you Professor Marks!

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome and thanks very much for your comment. It means a lot to those who have begun playing guitar later in life. I'm sure your comment is an inspiration to them. I would love to hear from others about their success. I think it's great that you're gigging in Southern California. Too many of my students are reluctant to play live. Sharing music is what this is all about. Plus, Southern California is a very competitive market with way too much competition. Congratulations!

[@Rock1Ld]

Wow i cant believe your still around. I learned guitar when i bought all your lessons back in 85. Or 1986. Cassette tapes and books. I want go back and learn all those licks lessons. But I think those tapes probably degraded since they are way over 20 years old. Cool to see my old teacher is still doing well. What ever happened to your band called Hawk? I never had a chance to hear it. I think it was was called Hawk. I was so inspired by you to be great at guitar. Thanks for teaching us well how to play.

[@DougMarks]

Of course I’m still around. Where else would I go? Lol I’m glad to hear from you after all of these years. I’m glad you’re still around! There is a revised version of the licks lesson in the most recent version of the course. Great to hear from you.

[@Rock1Ld]

@DougMarks awesome Doug. I'll have to check your other updated licks lessons. I'm advanced now after 30 plus years. But I'm always up for learning more and would like to hear them again. I really want to see if I can play them now. I sucked bad trying to play them back in the 80's.Since I stopped after about half way through the licks course back in the 80's. Beginner's time to learn....you know..🎸😎 plus I was trying to learn speed metal at the time. LOL. I'm pretty good now. After 30 plus years 😆. Took long enough.

[@Axiom9_Band]

Duuuuude! I learnt how to play guitar with your cassette tapes back in the 80s. Then got the Michael Angelo VHS in the 90s And I just found you have a YT channel. Thanks for all the knowledge. Fun!

[@DougMarks]

Great hearing from you thanks for commenting. I've never actually gone away. Until now I've only worked social media in fits and starts and never really reached as many people as I'm reaching now. It's fun to let people know that I'm still hear and what I'm doing is not that different than what I began doing in 1986. From '82 to ''86 my lessons were on audio cassettes as you know. I started doing video guitar lessons almost 40 years ago. People have said recently, to my amusement, that I'm the original KZbin guitar instructor. I like that.

[@Axiom9_Band]

@@DougMarks I bought the complete set except for the Randy Rhoads ones, back in 1983 😁

[@W.Eric.Anderson]

Another great angle to learn the patterns...can't wait to sit down and get the ole muscle memory going....thanks

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. I'm glad that you found this enlightening. Have fun!

[@daveassanowicz186]

I think I get it. I recently got a baritone and am these discovering things. When are we going to see that red Jackson V?

[@tpan17able]

Had some trouble wrapping my head around that🙈

[@DougMarks]

I understand that but it's worth giving the video a second look. Be sure there are no distractions. When you don't understand something rewind and listen again. Regardless of your understanding, watch to the end because all is revealed.

[@ronaldharp4785]

Great lesson doug ,glad ur on top of it, Ronald from Tifton ga.ROCK ON

[@DougMarks]

Hey Ronald. Thanks, glad that you enjoyed this lesson.

[@dandjurdjevicplus1]

Great lesson mate. Thanks.

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. Check out the follow up video and let me know what you think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@thesaj1110]

Still have my course on VHS!

[@DougMarks]

Awesome! Do you still actually watch it?

[@gearguitarandgun]

That is a cool analysis Doug thanks. 👍👊

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. It was fun sharing it.

[@marchtoyerowntune]

Brilliant. Thanks Doug.

[@DougMarks]

You’re welcome. Glad to help. Thanks for commenting.

[@danalaitinen961]

This reminds me of the modes: technically the same notes as the original scale but starting from the next note each time and consecutively cycling through all of them. Is that a valid comparison?

[@DougMarks]

I see where you're coming from but unlike the modes, this is all about the root note. The same intervals follow the root note depending on whether it's Major or minor. You don't move to the next interval and use that as the root note as you do when playing modes. There's only one Major pentatonic and one minor pentatonic. Some people will site exceptions, there are exotic Pentatonic scales but that's a whole different thing.

[@danalaitinen961]

@@DougMarks I get what you're saying that this is about the root note. I suppose this is another good reason to know all of the notes on the fretboard. I'd really appreciate a video about applying this concept in playing!! 🙏🙂

[@rubencantu5067]

Fantastic explanation, You, sir, earned a new sub!

[@DougMarks]

Thanks very much. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

[@Hatredy11]

B string tuned to Major 3rd isn't a good explanation for people learning. It's frustrating. The dots represent the pattern but what does the coloring mean? Give the tuning and play it.

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

That's what I thought initially, but Doug explained clearly why he did this, and it made sense. He's asking the student to visualise one concept, which the temporarily altered tuning helped to illustrate.

[@DougMarks]

Please watch the video again and pay careful attention. This was all clearly explained. Please read the comments here and you'll see that most understand this, while a few were texting a buddy two or three times during the video. It's all here and very carefully explained. Please watch it to the end without distractions and I believe you'll get it.

[@RicardoGarcia-sd1xb]

It is indeed a good explanation. Good stuff!,

[@superheavymetaldemon]

This is important, thanks Doug!

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome and thanks for recognizing this. I told my wife when I started working on this that this might be the best lesson I've created in the forty-two years I've been doing this. Now I'm looking forward to next week.

[@superblondeDotOrg]

Makes sense. It is like the one pattern rotates down the strings when changing position because it starts whereever the root note happens to be.. Does it work for major pentatonic? I guess it should but i dont remember the major pentatonic shapes since i rarely play them although i should play them in some contexts.

[@DougMarks]

This works exactly the same with the Major Pentatonic scale. Patterns are the same just three frets back and the root note changes. Jonathan, if you haven't checked out this video, please do so: kzbin.info/www/bejne/al69c3mqhKyljbM

[@racerx5379]

That's really awesome, thank you !!

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@eddiedoyle3607]

What about chords? And what about all the other scales? I will stick with standard tuning

[@DougMarks]

You misunderstood my point. I do not recommend this tuning. You can't even play barre chords. I use this tuning because it makes it easier to visualize what I'm explaining. NO, this tuning is not recommended.

[@Hyperion9997]

Thanks Doug!

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. Check out the follow up to this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@burtnolanguitarshow495]

As I had to go through your lesson 6 theory back in 83 twice to get in my head. 😅 this I to do the same. Good job old friend 🎉

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. Thanks for reviewing it a second time. It's no different than anything else that requires study, you're not going to completely understand it the first time through.

[@burtnolanguitarshow495]

@@DougMarks thank for doing it for us!!

[@72_Seasons]

Thank you, sir. I’m gonna save this so I can refer back to it. 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@DougMarks]

Absolutely. Check out the follow up to this video. I think it's even better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@joegrant413]

Unbelievable! I've been in P4 for awhile and only recently decide one penta shape is enough, and maybe that is even too much. Also abandoned CAGED a long time ago. Nice to meet you😊

[@DougMarks]

Glad that you enjoyed my video. Thanks for commenting.

[@DanPhelps-n6f]

Doug thank you for the lightbulb moment . I always knew there was a better way to put the pentatonic patterns together and after watching this twice the light came on. One question please can this be used for the Major pentatonic patterns also. Thanks for a great lesson 😃.

[@DougMarks]

Yes, this is exactly the same with the Major Pentatonic, the patterns shift three frets to the left and the root note changes. If you haven't watched this video, please do so. kzbin.info/www/bejne/al69c3mqhKyljbM

[@DanPhelps-n6f]

@@DougMarks Thank you for responding. I did review the video you suggested. My question is when shifting too like A major and following the one pattern I wouldn’t start on the A note but on the F# note to A note too follow the one pattern because I shifted left 3 frets does this seem correct. Any help would very much be appreciated. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.

[@michaelkennedy5126]

subscribed! You are a legend Mr Marks!

[@DougMarks]

Thank you very much. I needed that after responding to a few of these comments. Sometimes it's difficult being a legend. 😃 Hey... thanks for subscribing! The best is yet to come.

[@mitchellmartinez4638]

Not bad. I felt like I wanted to help you write what you were meaning to explain . I got the idea, however, it seemed like I was waiting for the answer for too long.

[@DougMarks]

Thanks for the comment. I agree with you. Almost all of my videos are tightly scripted for the reason you mentioned, a script would have been more concise and precise. I just decided to wing it with this one. One day there will be a revision that will address what you're saying. It is a valid point. On the other hand, I've received more view of this video in the first 24 hours than any video that I've published. This leads me to believe I did something right. 😃

[@mitchellmartinez4638]

​@@DougMarksI want to make a video with your idea, and I can make the video exclusivly for you. I would like to be part of your idea and work together to make it clear quickly, easy to remember, and get people interested in music theory.

[@IdleKingsBand]

I think part of what might be confusing some beginners is your graphs are labelled “B string tuned to major 3rd” when you actually mean perfect 4th. The B string tuned to a major 3rd is standard tuning.

[@DougMarks]

You should receive some kind of prize. So far, there have been 23,000 views and you're the first to mention this. You're absolutely right. The diagrams were mislabeled and I didn't catch that. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@IdleKingsBand]

@@DougMarkshappy to help, mate. It’s a great video and this is such a clever way to think about and visualise the pentatonic.

[@DougMarks]

I really appreciate that you pointed this out to me. I'm going to make a note in the description. I will eventually revise this with the correction but it's getting about 3,000 views a day so I'm reluctant to do that now.

[@Nocturnal_Sun1999]

This is amazing!

[@DougMarks]

Thank you. Check out the follow up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@kmabarrettyt]

Great lesson! Thanks.

[@DougMarks]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment.

[@Scott__C]

Very interesting. So, you're not using the tuning except to show how it repeats, correct? If not, then you have to re-think chords and chord voicing finger placements.

[@malan43]

I always love your videos Doug, but about a minute into this one, my eyes glazed over and I thought I was back in my elementary school math class and I never recovered. I know there were others who probably understood all this, but I was gone! lol

[@DougMarks]

This is not an entertaining video. It demands effort and concentration on your part. Trust me, it’s worth the effort. Don’t believe me, read comments here by people who understood this. It can make a big difference. Thanks for your comment.

[@juliodefreitas157]

Absolutely awesome ❤❤

[@DougMarks]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@stephenmahlstedt7276]

I like the idea of finding the root notes and applying the pattern from there. Good stuff! So, for the minor pentatonic, if I’m playing over an A-maj chord, for example, would I use F#, the relative minor, as my root note??

[@DougMarks]

I released a follow up video that can answer this way better than I'm able to in this reply. Please check it out and let me know what you think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@codygranrud6212]

The Legend himself.

[@DougMarks]

Aw shucks.

[@johnwinkler2606]

Do you change the high E string as well? How do you make chords now? That will change how you make chords.

[@DougMarks]

To play guitar, don't use this tuning. I tuned like this so you can clearly see the part of each pattern that is Pattern 1. If you didn't watch the complete video, please do so. I tried to get this point across at the end. The video has chapters that you can access through the description.

[@johnwinkler2606]

@@DougMarks Ok. I see.

[@bedtime.classics]

just use standard tuning (E - A - D - G - B - E) and sing your heart out!

[@nap152003]

This is gold!

[@DougMarks]

Thanks. You should enjoy my latest video that goes a step beyond this and explains some of these concepts a bit better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@OlettaLiano]

I also tune my guitar in straight fourth's. Mainly because I played a six-string bass for a few years before learning guitar.

[@DougMarks]

That's crazy, I've never heard of that before. Barre chords must be a bitch! I would love to hear how you work around that.

[@OlettaLiano]

@@DougMarks I don't play barre chords. My style of playing doesn't need them.

[@Murphy_R9]

I play what notes are in a guven scale? I learned all the notes on the finger board a long time ago so I don't go by patterns. I go by what the notes are in the scale? In this case ACDEG are the notes and I know where those notes are over the entire finger board.

[@DougMarks]

I think that's great, and you're correct. That is a way to understand the fretboard but only if you've memorized note names. As I explained in last week's video, most people can't identify note names like you can. Still, there is something that is fast and immediate when you're using patterns. My guess is, you know the note names so well that you also visualize the patterns they form. It's kind of like looking at the stars and recognizing constellations.

[@bedtime.classics]

@@DougMarks use your guitar to sing from your heart...

[@EddieMetal68]

I use the same method to play the major scale all over the fretboard.

[@DougMarks]

Yes, it's no different other than the position of the root note changes in the patterns.

[@domg7616]

I still have my DVDs and my instructor notes. And I still Rock my Hawk Cd! Those of you will get that.

[@DougMarks]

That’s great. Thanks for commenting.

[@frankthebaldguy9819]

That was great!!

[@DougMarks]

Thanks very much Frank. I appreciate your comment.

[@hadleymanmusic]

I remember your ads in the early 80's Doug.

[@DougMarks]

Yeah, me too. 😃

[@fernando651]

i think we need another video for air heads like me that didnt get it. i feel like a nice animation would probably be ideal. thanks for trying though!

[@DougMarks]

You're not an air head, I address the problem that some people experienced in the follow up video. I make it very clear throughout, this is different, you need to isolate and concentrate. At the same time, I did this one "on the fly." I took a couple of weeks to create the follow up addressing concerns like yours. Check it out and let me know what you think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc Then you'll see, you're not an air head, you just weren't studying the program in the right environment.

[@miker7808]

That's cool! I dig it

[@DougMarks]

Great! Thanks for commenting.

[@VanJamming]

And we could not have this lesson in the 80's??? LOL - this is way way cool!

[@DougMarks]

Thanks Van. Until a couple of weeks ago, I don't remember ever tuning all strings to fourths. It was as enlightening to me as I assume it will be for others.

[@JEFFERYPAUL1]

Patterns don't matter to me. Only the intervals and Knowing what note in starting on. Ty D.M.

[@DougMarks]

That's certainly a viable alternative.

[@mcine]

I like this method.. I use just a versoin where o only move with the notes that are whole note a part so it moves more with the neck and easy to remember where are chord notes..

[@DougMarks]

Thanks, I'm glad that you enjoy it. I've received a lot of positive feedback since releasing it this morning.

[@Stonemountaingolfajs]

You do you mate, but this is kinda crazy to me. I feel like it would make communicating with other guitarists very difficult because everybody already uses "standard tunings"

[@DougMarks]

You missed the point. That's okay, you're not alone. I don't recommend using that tuning. It was to demonstrate that there really is only one Pentatonic pattern. The reason it looks like there are five patterns is because the tuning of the second string distorts the pattern. This is explained better in my follow up video that addressed criticism like this. Check it out and let me know what you think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@John-ob7dh]

Makes sense.Luckily I have drummed the 5 scales into my brain in any case.

[@DougMarks]

I've also drummed the patterns into my head but I find this allows me to use them from a different perspective. Thanks for the comment, always appreciated.

[@KanyeHemiTalkin]

That lesson totally confused me especially, when you changed the tuning. I think you’re just saying that the pattern of intervals (in standard tuning) is the same in all of the 5 pentatonic boxes just distributed or stacked differently as you go up or down the neck and therefore, in effect, just one pattern. Is that correct?

[@DougMarks]

That is correct. Please watch it again with that in mind and be sure to watch it to the very end because I explained exactly that. The alternate tuning makes it very easy to visualize the lesson. But when the guitar is tuned, notes on the second and first strings must jump a half-step (one fret) to the right. Let me know if this helps you.

[@tampavideographic]

Great tip, wow.

[@DougMarks]

Thanks. This week's lesson follows up on the same subject. It is better organized, demonstrated, and is in response to some criticism. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@MrSindala]

If I totally confused you, I can also do that in private if you want. 😂

[@DougMarks]

25,000 views in a week didn’t happen because everybody was confused. In my private lessons students pay attention because I have a large wooden paddle placed conspicuously beside me and I believe in corporal punishment. Before that happens I would like you to stand in the corner and recite, “I will pay attention in class” 200 times. Sound familiar?

[@MrSindala]

Sorry for speaking out of turn, sir. It won't happen again, sir. I swear, sir.

[@DougMarks]

Mr. Sindala, I'm not offended at all. What I do appreciate is that you commented. I would prefer a critical comment than no comment at all. Thanks again and looking forward to hearing from you in the future.

[@MrSindala]

​@@DougMarks All good man. Just kidding. It wasn't even a comment on your video. I just thought that line was funny. As was your response. I appreciate any effort to stimulate people to make music. One of the best things in life. Keep up the good work ; ).

[@rerite2]

"B" string tuned to major 3rd. Beginner here. Which note is the 3rd? The 3rd of...which scale?

[@DougMarks]

Good question. When you tune the first four strings you're tuning to the fourth interval of the previous open string. For example, you tune the A string (5th string) to sound like the fourth interval of E. This is an A note. For standard tuning you tune the second string to the 3rd interval of G, that's a B note. For this tuning, all strings were tuned to the fourth interval of the previous string. Is this clear? If not, I give private lessons on Zoom: calendly.com/dm-rockguitar

[@DougMarks]

Also, it was pointed out to me that I made a mistake. The diagrams labeled "B" string tuned to major 3rd should have said "2nd string tuned to the fourth interval."

[@tooofart]

Major third... Relative to the string above it.

[@IndyRockStar]

So I'm unclear on the tuning.... E A D G ? E

[@DougMarks]

E A D G C F. Just tune the second string like all the rest. It's that simple. I addressed this in the follow up video. Please check it out to clear this up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@AnnWahlquist]

what brand is that Guitar??!

[@DougMarks]

I assume you mean the one I'm using in the video, not the thumbnail. If so, it was made as a gift for me from my student Hank Switzer. It's all hand made, not a kit guitar.

[@AnnWahlquist]

@DougMarks yes, im refering to the one in the vid... it looks like a san dimas charvel...

[@DOWNLOADZ]

The same thing happens with 3 notes per string.

[@bobbymarino]

i watched this twice cause i was really confused by what you were showing/saying...i don't get it, and i still am confused...well, i kinda get it, but kinda not? ...i just get that no matter where u put the root, it stays the same, if u go down 2 string to the A again, the bottom 2 strings go to the top ? right or am i really confused by this ...and the rest of what your explaining i don't get ? 🙁😵‍💫

[@DougMarks]

@bobbymarino You're still confused. I appreciate that you watched it twice, that's the key. I created a follow up video to clear up some of the confusion. It's a little better organized. Let me know what you think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLcsi=swWNZ7MyJ7rGflyY

[@bobbymarino]

@@DougMarks yes, i watched that one too...i got a little bit from each one...but i think its the way it's explained, that i'm not really understanding it

[@search895]

For me there are two pentatonic patterns: minor and major, and both arw actually the same hehe

[@DougMarks]

You're correct. So, for you, I'm preaching to the choir.

[@GeneralTHC]

Very cool.

[@DougMarks]

Thanks. Thanks for commenting.

[@Fl_Music_Producer]

Memorize the fret board and the scale you want to play.

[@DougMarks]

That's important but it's also important to be able to view the fretboard from different perspectives. You can get ideas from patterns that aren't clear from searching for the appropriate notes to play. Check out my most recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc

[@Fl_Music_Producer]

@@DougMarks cool I will check out the videos thanks!

[@georgegriffith7263]

I have no clue unless you demonstrate it

[@DougMarks]

I understand that and do plan on demonstrating it in the future but I have a lot of other lessons to cover. I suggest isolating yourself from all distractions and watch the video several times. If you don't quite follow something rewind until you do. You'll get it. You'll come across a single understanding and everything else will quickly fall into place. You've just got to put in the work. It's worth it.

[@johnmcleod8961]

gonna have to watch this again...this time w/o my wife and dog yapping at me.

[@DougMarks]

I did a follow up to this video yesterday and haven't posted it yet. I included this comment in the video because I thought it was perfect. You must get rid of distractions for stuff like this to sink in.

[@KalobPierson-l9x]

I like it Anything that can help 👍

[@DougMarks]

Great. Thanks for commenting.

[@rosinantedelafuente]

serious guitar question here: How do you keep your hair from falling out?

[@DougMarks]

If you find out IM me. Serious guitar response here.

[@stephenmoore3035]

I don’t understand one bit of this. What are you trying to show us?

[@DougMarks]

There’s a link in the description of a revised version of this lesson that should make this clear.

[@stephenmoore3035]

Thank you. I'll check it out. ​@@DougMarks

[@billchappelle8759]

Hey Doug thank you. That's really cool. Your simple suggestion gave me a weird insight I'd like to share. Been playing since the 60's. Yet more than half a century later, I find this tip insightfully refreshing. I noticed I almost couldn't get my hands to change the tuning as if somehow "all would be lost". Made me aware that, though I often retune every string for open tunings, the moment I reset to traditional guitar turning it pulls on me like it's somehow "sacred". "Must not violate the interval of the third!" Your rethinking exposed this odd "tuning bias" traditional tuning places on us. It also freed up and reset my awareness of all intervals, especially the root. And I realized whatever brain space I was using to "hold" the traditional turning, was now free for other purposes. It was a surprise. Didn't realize the rule "change to a third here" was like a yellow zone safety crossing always present/always occupying some energy of awarenessI Could have been using it to "just play" (like on a mandolin). Now that limiting factor was "puff" gone. :) Very nice.

[@DougMarks]

Thanks you very much for the comment. You absolutely understand what is explained in the video. It's very much about looking outside the box as you observed. We get stuck in our systems, habits, and biases. It's interesting when after all of these years we "blow it up" and reassess. It give us a fresh perspective. Check out the follow up to this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH2uaZ16h7WrkLc