Start Getting Better At LEAD GUITAR

Today we are going to LEVEL-UP your lead guitar playing! Using the A minor pentatonic scale for these examples, we will add chord tones in a simple way. This will make our lead guitar playing much more exciting! I think most of us feel stuck at times. This is an intermediate guitar lesson but a beginner, will definitely take away ideas from this lesson. Improvising lead guitar is what most guitar player live for. This lesson will start you in the right direction. Let me know if this lesson was helpful. Don't stay stuck in one place. Today let's start moving forward!
0:00 Why are we stuck? Lead guitar lesson.
2:04 A minor pentatonic scale and, creating a groove with the A minor and D major chords.
2:40 Level #1 Target the root note of each chord.
4:03 Level #2 Adding the third of each chord to the A minor pentatonic scale.
5:03 Level #3 Add all of the chord tones. More confidence in your lead guitar improvising.
7:29 Moving up the fretboard with the A minor pentatonic scale.
8:11 Today! Lets move forward in our lead guitar playing!

[@rustysguitar1]

I’m sure some of you can relate to the phrase, Long time beginner! Let me know if this lesson was helpful! Let’s move forward in our guitar journey today! Thanks for your support everyone.👍

[@rayross997]

Thanks Rusty, just subbed. You explain things clear & simple.

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad to hear it Ray! Have a great new year🎈

[@DancesWithCameras]

Wish somebody taught me these lessons 50 years ago! You're a great instructor, Rusty, thanks and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

[@rustysguitar1]

@@DancesWithCameras you are right! We definitely needed these lessons years ago! Happy new year to you also🎈

[@TheDefcom3]

Ahh-Haaa Thanks

[@boblittle2529]

Yep. That's me, stuck. I'm a little older than you and have been playing since 1970 and really do feel like I've stalled. Its good to see someone in my age bracket explain things so well. The problem I have with many of the younger guys on YT is that they're SO proficient at "shredding" they forget to slow it down and really explain things in a simple manner.

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Bob, I like hearing from people my age. We all went through some of the same things. Glad the lesson’s are helpful! Thanks so much and enjoy the rest of your Sunday 🙏

[@derin111]

Same here. I’m 60 in a months time. Been playing on and off since 15….and that’s where I’m stuck too. 😢

[@catloveralways]

60 in a few months and found my way back to the old axe, inspired by buying a piano during covid. Nice to get some tips from here, my lead guitar I never practiced because because I was always surrounded by lead players and someone had to do the backing. This video gave me some good ideas for phrasing.

[@tangobayus]

Learn melodies from classical music.

[@Justsay_n]

Good job, Rusty, on showing the beauty of triads without saying the word "triad", which often overwhelms them. Instead, you showed 1 A triad and 1 D triad and instructed to just start there...no biggy. Good teaching, Rusty.

[@ultrahighgain412]

Intermediate lessons like this are a treasure. Most instructors go from open chords, barre chords, pentatonic, and blues scale straight to advanced chord substitutions and whole tone scales. Pretty big gap there.

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad to hear it buddy! Thanks for checking out the video. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday 🙏

[@josacamja4]

It was so hard for me to learn guitar before you tube. Out of 5-6 instructors since 84 none showed me anything really. No pentatonic, bar chords-zip. The most valuable lessons I got was from a classical instructor. KZbin is great. And if you’ve found Rusty you are lucky indeed. What a great lead instructor!!!

[@rustysguitar1]

I appreciate the kind message here! And I’m glad that you like my channel. Thanks so much mate! Enjoy your week 👍

[@user-dr8ug3gs3c]

Your sincerity to help others learn is present in every lesson. Thanks

[@rustysguitar1]

This is a great comment J! Means a lot buddy! I love to play and teach! Thanks again and have a happy new year💥

[@jamistardust5181]

Keep teaching the young'ns. I've been playing guitar for over 50 years. I had to find these things out on my own.This course would have saved me a lot of time. I used to feel, (say 40 yrs ago) that I was running in place. I had reached the limit of my knowledge. I realized the changing keys was fun, but I needed to learn all the different ways to change key.. Eventually In 1985 I took some jazz guitar lessons. They were my only lessons. I think it lasted around 4 months. I had absorbed so much, that it took a while to integrate. Keep giving the lessons. Mentors are important.

[@rustysguitar1]

You are right! We didn’t have lessons like this, back in the day! Playing guitar is a life long journey! Thanks bro 😎 Happy New Year 🎈

[@padrejuan7763]

Greetings from Montréal, Québec, Canada !!! I am 62 yrs. old, been 'Kinda' playing guitar since 1976 as you say Regular chords, some 7th and some jazz chords, but never have taken the time to learn scales. coming closer to retirement, I feel the NEED to learn more just to feel COMPLETE...toot late in time, but tu feel a closure in my learning guitar. Thanks to you and your videos, i shall be able to sit down again, take my time in learning without pressure of performing and feel that SATISFACTION fulfill me !!! Stay Healthy my good man and looking forward to your next videos !!! Cheers !!!

[@rustysguitar1]

Sounds good! As long as you’re having fun, that’s what really matters! Thanks for checking out the lessons and have a great Sunday🙏

[@maxandkellyestesrealestate]

I'm 72 and I didn't played guitar for 35 years but I picked it up during the pandemic. I was very bad guitar player in the 70s. I ran across your KZbin channel a couple I just wanted you to know I really appreciate your videos

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad you’re playing again Max! Time to start having fun. Happy you found the channel and let’s talk soon.👍

[@kevinking9199]

72 here; loooong time beginner. Rusty, sometimes I think you write your tutorials just for ME!

[@rustysguitar1]

I think I’m just lazy sometimes, that’s why it took me so long! When I make these lesson videos, I do feel like I’m talking directly to you guys. I know there’s so many players out there that just want to have a little more fun with the instrument! Thanks so much, Kevin! Have an awesome new year!💥

[@Raff654]

I’m one of those ‼️ My son just said to me as I was rearranging some pedals , that I ( me ) can play guitar well . I informed him that yes I can make some goods chops etc and lead runs , but in my eyes , I’m still pretty basic with what I can do . Great video thank you ! I’m setting up my looper to lay down the A & D chords you’ve highlighted 😊. Happy 2023,🎉

[@rustysguitar1]

I think we all feel like we’re not good enough sometimes! But if we keep learning, and just have fun, that’s what counts! So glad you’re getting something from the lessons, Peter! Have a great New Year 🎈

[@zororaimtasa7688]

It feels so fun to hear such a phrase which describes exactly the phase I'm in

[@rustysguitar1]

Cool 😎 Thanks for checking out the video. Catch you later.👍

[@agucci]

Improvisation is very good. The improvisation of the Law.

[@rustysguitar1]

A-Ha! Thank you for that 👍

[@thapthoptheep2076]

Good, practical advice. I reckon a good tip for people who are just getting into scales (pentatonics) is to first learn all of the 5 basic shapes/positions and then work around between 2 positions. I did this myself with the intention of learning the distance/intervals between the notes in those shapes. For example, if I'm playing the first position shape of the A minor scale (5th fret) then I instinctively know that 4th shape can be found at the 12th fret or open strings, this is useful because we can do a lot of sliding up/down to switch between those shapes, you commit it to muscle memory. Another example might be D minor (I love it, it's the saddest key!). If I'm playing with the first position (10th fret) I know I can quickly move down to fret 5 for that 4th shape or up to fret 17 for the 4th shape on a higher octave, and once we get this down it's a lot easier to pick out the other shapes in between, we memorize the intervals, internally. You don't need to use the 1st and 4th positions, I just chose them, arbitrarily, it helped me learn to link the shapes so that I'm not constantly boxed into a position and opened the neck up, laterally. I think it is also important to identify small shapes within the scale patterns that you can quickly pick out - experiment with picking out little triads from the scale and practice linking them together, sliding up/down between them...scales are great but I find a lot of people neglect the lateral options and tend to work vertically quite a lot. I also started to slowly colour my sound by adding notes from the natural minor scale, it's only 2 extra notes and you touched on this in your video...to make it even more colourful we can add in that bluesy flat 5th and you have a fairly wide toolset to work with. I think it's only natural that we get stuck and stagnate in these little loops, on the one hand it's frustrating but on the other hand you are probably getting extremely good at what you can do, plus I reckon people tend to get bored due to repetition...but repetition is important. People shouldn't beat themselves up about it, you may be content with noodling as you are and that's not a bad thing. When people eventually start to think they're in a rut they tend to start looking for a solution and find great content like this. I think periods of stagnation is what forces us to progress, without it we'd forever be content to noodle - your skills become less impressive to you over time, it doesn't mean you're not good.The people who give up the minute it gets tough were never fully commited in the first place. 👍

[@rustysguitar1]

Yes well said! Thanks 👍

[@yak9147]

Thats the most comprehensive comment I've ever read on here. Some great insights and ideas expressed . I had tended to hover around adjacent shapes, straight away I found moving between shape one and four, useful , both for orientation and sound. Wish I had thought of it. Anyway, I agree that getting bored is what pushes me on, to learn more . This journey can be very frustrating at times but I've slowly learnt to accept how much repetition has to go in to get something down . My wife yells at me sometimes, after hearing me every day for weeks (in between noodling) on the same thing. I think the easiest thing about guitar is buying one but in the end, it's the love of music that keeps it out of the closet and believe you me there's plenty of beautiful guitars hiding in closets!

[@bretfuzz925]

Hi Rusty, I am similar age and not stuck in a rut. I am actually thanking you for helping those who are! Please kept posting instructional videos to help inspire those who want to grow.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback! I appreciate it Bret! Happy New Year 🎈

[@thejacobwindsor]

@@rustysguitar1 Rusty, I am a 21 year old guitar player who is stuck in a rut and have wondered if I ever will find a way out, well this video just gave me the inspiration to fix the busted high e on my electric and give soloing another crack. PLEASE keep it up, I really love your teaching style sir. Emphasis on that. You are inspiring and you communicate clearly, efficiently (sparing me of too much dramatic vocabulary) and effectively. I'll be looking out for more!!

[@ronedee]

What helped me several years back, is remembering what notes NOT to hit in a given key or solo! Really, there are only one or 2 notes that you should avoid. Once I changed to that pov, the fretboard seemed to open up for me! YMMV

[@rustysguitar1]

That is a great way to look at it. There are many notes that sound good. But the few notes that sound bad sound REALLY BAD !!! 😩😢 I will remember this. Thanks for checking out the video and enjoy your weekend bro.😎

[@river2352]

A fender hat and a Gibson SG. I’m sold already!

[@rustysguitar1]

Just the good stuff! Thanks a lot River 👍

[@mikeopdenaker5573]

Great lesson Rusty,thanks so much. I have been a beginner since 1977!!!!

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Mike, for me, I just practiced on the wrong things for many years. I think we just need to pick a few good things to work on to help us move forward! Rock on! Happy new year💥

[@TheWannaramble]

I like your no-frills you can do it, too style. Stuck, I can definitely relate to that

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Jeffrey, really glad you like the lessons! Thanks bud! Have a great New Year 🎈

[@tangobayus]

Getting people out of the Pentatonic Prison is a great service. Learn the best melodies from the best pop songs- Beatles etc.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks for watching the video! Much appreciated 👍

[@mdeer2641]

Well Rusty I'm 67 i flow guy on here who is a instructor & i have to say every now and then i have to jump of the tracks and listen to some one to remind me like you just did i have more time to devote to my guitar iv had a guitar most of my life,, i would really like to sit in on some jam's with a friend witch i don't have either lmao.. so any way thank you ..up state ny mountain top

[@rustysguitar1]

The middle part of my guitar journey was almost nonexistent. But now I play every day and really enjoy it more than ever. You know how life gets in the way. I really appreciate the comment. Greetings from Chicago! Thanks.✌️

[@johnmort1383]

Well said!! I am now in my 50s and I recall the stall! I would have been so much better early on if I knew someone like you with this info!

[@rustysguitar1]

Yes, we needed lessons like this early on for sure! Thanks so much! Have a Happy New Year 🎈

[@jfjude891]

A lot of beef here--all the fat is cut away. Well conceived and a concise presentation. Thank you, Rusty

[@rustysguitar1]

I am doing my job if I get a comment like this! Thanks so much JF! Happy new year to you💥

[@dpgoodale]

@@rustysguitar1 definitely a lot to chew on in that lesson!The good part is I understand it now comes the practice practice practice.

[@rustysguitar1]

@@dpgoodale you are right! The more you put into it the more you will get out of it! But it’s easier said than done with our busy schedules! Rock on JF ✌️

[@yourmomsdildodrawer]

Long time beginner. First time viewer here. Thanks for the lesson and encouragement.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks! Hope you get something from the lesson and I appreciate your support👍

[@AStarkofWinterfell24]

As a bass player learning guitar, I think my experience on bass will help me master the principle you introduced here

[@rustysguitar1]

I think you are right! You will move forward quickly on the guitar. I bet! Thanks for checking out the video. Talk to you soon.👍

[@Stefano.Pierini]

Thanks Rusty 🙂 in my next Jam I will play with these four basic chords. but I'll do the solo differently. Wait up 👍

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks bro 😎 Much appreciated 👍

[@MustafaBaabad]

I used to hear a suggestion: "Playing note outside of the chord can raise tension and we'd better resolve it back by closing the phrase on chord tone, preferably the root note. Cheers from Solo, Central Java, Indonesia."

[@rustysguitar1]

You are totally right! But if you’re just starting to improvise, you better stick to homebase. Then go outside and come back into the chord tones. That is definitely level one, using the root note. Thanks a lot for the comment and happy new year.👍

[@jimmyhartman573]

Longtime beginner here that just happens to have bought a bunch of gear over the years . Similar rut as well , still creative by dumb luck and an ear . . My passion and outlet for sure

[@rustysguitar1]

We also need to have fun! But learning something new is fun! Thanks for the comment, Jimmy!✌️

[@timcarm]

50 yr beginner here and this video was spot on!!!!

[@rustysguitar1]

Really glad to hear it Iron Man! Happy New Year 🎈

[@Ian-os7kp]

Hi Rusty, I'm 60 and started playing 30years ago then stopped and just started again 2 or 3 years ago. Your style of teaching is very helpful and like you I like the 70's rock style - keep it up !!! you have excellent and relatable experience and tips👍🎸

[@rustysguitar1]

We are from the same mold! We are drawn to those classic rock songs that we grew up with. Glad you like the lessons, Ian. Thanks a lot for the comment and enjoy your weekend.👍

[@rainersauerbier]

Hi Rusty, your teaching is great. With the first 2 of your Workshops I am much more forward than in the last 2 years. Thank you so much. I appreciate your lessons very much. Greetings from Germany

[@KRColson]

Thanks so much for pointing this out. I am 67 years old and trying to learn to play again after decades of abstinence! I am at present, stuck in the minor pentatonic and your advice is really going to help me. Thank you again and have a happy new year from Eganville, Ontario, Canada. Cheers!

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad that you’re playing again! Good that you got something from the lesson! Greetings from the USA Kevin! Let’s get back to some Rockin 🔥Happy New Year 🎈

[@danieljack2262]

What a great teacher you are

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks so much Daniel 👍

[@trapperjohn77]

i´ve been stuck since 1997. Just started playin again and now im going forward. Thx to you sir.

[@rustysguitar1]

Right on man! It’s time for us to start having some fun! Thanks for checking out the video! Keep on rockin bud👍

[@trapperjohn77]

@@rustysguitar1 Thank you sir. Enjoy ur weekend and cant wait for ur next video.

[@rustysguitar1]

👍

[@davidstout4022]

So relatable indeed! I'm 55, and have been an on/off beginner all my life. Every time a new child came along I put the guitars away for a couple years to focus on my children. Now my kids are getting interested in music, so I've pulled them back out. They're learning the basics and I'm trying to pick up where I left off. And this video is exactly the place I'm at right now. Awesome! Thanks so much for helping reignite that passion. And this will be a big benefit for my kids as well. Always move forward!

[@rustysguitar1]

That is awesome that you get to share music with your kids! I pray you all get excited about learning, and just have fun with the instruments! This is a great comment for me to read! Thanks, David and have a Happy New Year 🎈

[@bushnord]

Same here, 50 yo and been a ling time beginner for more than 30 years by now. Thanks for this post that got me subscribing 😊

[@fredblues4250]

Hi Rusty - I watch many guitar teaching YT videos and this video beats all those that try to teach the concept, importance and practical approach to move forward by linking chords and the scales. Good stuff - easy to understand and practical demonstration. If anyone still doesn't understand after watching this video then I would be surprised

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback Fred! I appreciate it man! This is a topic that many players don’t get! Have a Happy New Year 🎈

[@IVORY123100]

In 1979 . My father told me " You'll give it up in a week " .I had little resources besides a,Mel Bay chord book . No idea what a scale was or a,mode. Just played and strung together chords till they fit . Everyone seemed secretive of what they knew and wouldn't show me . But I had little epiphanies along the way . I feel I got pretty good and roared . Life came along and had to have a thumb amputated . It was cancer . Stage 4 .. I continued playing and crying . But now it's time for me to hang it up . Hopefully I can pick it up again in Heaven

[@rustysguitar1]

Sorry to hear about your cancer 🥲 You must still have guitar 🎸 music in you, because you’re watching a guitar video!!! I was the same way early on. Just trying to figure it out! Praying for you brother 🙏 Happy that you checked out the video! Enjoy your week ahead 🙏🙏🙏✌️

[@MikeSedmakMusic]

Hi Rusty, great advice and lesson content my friend! 👍🏻👏🏻🙌🏻 Wishing you the best for 2023. 😊

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks so much Mike! Cheers and happy New Year 👍

[@ronaldmaheu]

It looks so easy, my brain understands all that but my fingers are still at level one. Really cool to watch you play and explain. Thank you from Montreal 😊😊

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Ronald, I totally get it! It’s a tall order to think about the chords as you’re playing! I have to work at every day myself! I appreciate the comment! Greetings from the USA! Have a happy new year💥

[@FenderBender5150]

Just practice..and practice and practice. Dimbag Darrel used to talk about how he practiced 14 hours a day..on the toilet even.

[@wjewell63]

Close to Lynyrd Skynyrd .,bad man too.,great lesson rusty 👍.....

[@rustysguitar1]

Yes, it does have that vibe! Thanks a lot WJ!

[@billherbert4961]

I just made a lot of connections to the various things I've been working on these last four years....and the 30 before that. Thanks Rusty.

[@rustysguitar1]

It’s always exciting when we make connections on the fretboard!!! And it makes guitar playing more fun 🤩 Thanks Bill. Keep rockin bro 😎

[@ronwingeart4345]

Best You tube Guitar lesson ever! Seriously. It is exactly what ever other video on the you tube will dance around and never quite tell you. Or mabey just not able to teach.

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad to hear it Ron! Thanks so much! Happy New Year 🎈

[@rustysguitar1]

Kind of you to say Ron!🙏

[@tito.tarantula]

Awesome lesson, Rusty, as always. You truly have knack for breaking things down in a very understandable manner.

[@rustysguitar1]

Nice! Glad to hear it Tito! Thanks 🤛

[@BlpBud]

New to the channel..VERY inspiring for a 62 yr old boomer in a guitar rut.. i have the equipment and youve motivated me to break it back out! I usually dont like slow paced videos but your style is different and informative!

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad to hear it man! I hope you move forward with some new excitement! Thanks and have a great New Year’s celebration 💥

[@richardriley8906]

I am you exactly. 60 and 1/2 today. This was perfect and addressed my problem . New subscriber . Thanx Richie.

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Richie, so many players fall into this category! Glad you found the channel. Thanks for your support. Talk to you soon.👍

[@tonyrobbins9707]

LLLLLLong Time beginner! I do need to move forward! Your lessons are helpful! Thanks.

[@rustysguitar1]

You got this! Happy New Year Tony 🎈

[@frankortega4280]

Another “stuck” guitarist here. I have found your channel so helpful Rusty. Your practical approach to applying important musical application makes it inspiring to follow along. I’m seeing advancements in my playing. Thank you!

[@rustysguitar1]

Really glad to hear it Frank! We need to have more fun with the guitar 🎸 Thanks and have a great New Year 🎈

[@bluesthing7490]

This really helps and the simple but tasty playing sounds so good. It shows that you don't have to be a shredder that's blazing fast to get your point across. Thanks so much.

[@rustysguitar1]

You are right! And my fingers don’t move that fast anyway! I appreciate the comment! Happy new year🎈

[@nuttinbutmusic3383]

This feels like guitar therapy

[@rustysguitar1]

That’s a good way to put it bro 😎 Thank you! Happy New Year to you 🎈

[@brackinsteve]

That’s me I’m 59 and starting to take off a little after being stuck for sooo long. Thanks Rusty love the channel and your style. Your channel is a real blessing to me!

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad you found the channel BB! Thanks a lot buddy! Talk to you soon 😎

[@MusicMichelleDeGroot]

Long time beginner is what I am with the guitar. Your lessons are great, Rusty. Merry Christmas ❤

[@rustysguitar1]

I’m sure you’re better than that because you are a good musician! Good to hear from you! Hope you had a merry Christmas🎄 have a happy new year💥

[@stevewilson7915]

Hey Rusty, you're are giving some very good advice. I'm almost 70, and I'm just what this lesson is about. My confidence is improving and it's a lot more fun to play when you sound decent. That's so much. Happy New Year Buddy

[@rustysguitar1]

I think most of all we want to have fun! Learning new things helps us do that! Thanks for the comment Steve! You also have a great happy new year🎈

[@Zappasays]

WOW, VERY NICE. I'M 58, BEEN NOODLING SINCE DAY ONE, WHEN I LEARNED THE BLUES SCALE. DECIDED 2 YRS AGO TO PRACTICE INSTEAD ( NOODLING IS MUCH EASIER), THIS IS A NICE TREAT.. THANKS FOR THE TIME YOU PUT INTO IT, HELPS IMMENSELY.

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey James, glad you liked the lesson! Yes, we do need to practice! But need to have fun also! Thanks man! Have a happy New Year 🎈

[@patrickfarley8036]

Mine is a similar story but being born a drummer back in '61, I learned bits and pieces of guitar from guitarists I've known a long the way. I never took up guitar seriously in the early years being focused on all things drums! Until an industrial accident involving my left hand and wrist. After the cast came off, I was going to PT for 8 weeks but once that ran out I thought playing the guitar would be as good exercise as what I was doing at PT. So I started playing what little I knew over and over. That was almost 20 years ago and with the help of the interweb and guitar in hand, I made the mistake of teaching myself how to play. I say mistake because I was learning only what I wanted to play which was ok but without any of the understanding or discipline of continuity to proper lessons or feedback about the bad habits I was developing. But working 2 jobs everyday and raising a family left the idea of formal lessons in the luxury dept. Something I could ill afford. Anyway, I found your channel now and after watching a few videos and shorts, I hit the subscribe button! Maybe with your help ill stop being a "long time beginner" and graduate to "life long beginner"! There is a difference, and it's not as subtle as it may sound! 😉👍 So let's get to it!

[@rustysguitar1]

Awesome story Patrick! I liked what you said. Understanding and discipline. Most of us did not have this early on. But let’s keep getting better at this stuff together. Have fun along the way. talk to you soon my brother.😎

[@markbrown7103]

I started playing guitar and 1974 in 1981. I started reading music I am 70 years old well almost be 70 in June, and the greatest thrill of my life was learning how to read music and learning every note on the fingerboard of a guitar it was a whore of hard work, but in the long run, it was well worth it. I’ve been playing now for almost 50 years. If I ever did one thing right in my life, I learn how to read music now I am a solo instrumental, finger style guitarist. My idol guitarist is none other than Chad Atkins Jess name in Notes on the guitar, but not having any notation or temperature does not help reading music as like a guide or a roadmap showing you where to go but if you have enough knowledge of music, you can play different routes and it really sounds beautiful. I encourage all beginners to learn how to read music and chord, charts highly important and learn every note on that damn fingerboard forward backwards up and down sideways anyway Strumming was boring to me I strum I just do it in a different style but it takes the board on my way. The only thing I can say bad about my guitar playing was Covid, long and took all of my gigs away. What a shame shame for everybody, but I still have all of my knowledge. I love guitar more than I do anything else I’ve done this was the smartest thing I ever did in my life was pick up a guitar. Thanks for your video. Have a great day and a great night.👍🏼👍🏼😁🎸🎼🎶😎😀

[@rustysguitar1]

You are right, Mark! There’s no substitute for hard work, and knowing the fretboard! A lot of us all timers are lazy! But hopefully, now that we’re out of the Covid restrictions, you can get busy again! I appreciate the comment and have a happy new year🎈

[@larrywithrow5876]

Absolutely fantastic Rusty. I’ve been trying to get out of the “rut” for about 10 years. I’m an old fart (70) and this particular video I think will open another door in my learning process. Lol Thanks for sharing all your knowledge, and wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and a happy healthy New Year!!🎸👊

[@rustysguitar1]

So glad to hear that you are moving forward in your learning process! Good to be a part of it Larry. You also have a great New Year’s celebration💥

[@Ian-be5xl]

Me through this whole video: yup, yup, that's me, yup. I did that, I'm doing that. I've had this feeling I should be doing what you said here, but I think this really pushed me over the edge. Get on that looper pedal and start finding out what works while anchored around the chord roots. Thanks man! You explain it very clearly and I appreciate your lessons.

[@rustysguitar1]

If you start practicing, that way, you will move forward in no time! It sounds like you’re excited again! Keep rockin 🤛

[@straightshouter2214]

I just finally busted out of this rut. I credit it all to backing tracks on you tube. Type in whatever key and scale you wanna work on there is tons of tracks at your disposal. Your ear will tell you what's right. You can sit on the couch for hours learning scales it doesn't do much. Playing to backing tracks what will really bust your rut.

[@rustysguitar1]

You are so, right! Playing over backing tracks is such a great way to be a better player and train you’re ear! The chords and the scales are just for structure. Then we need to just start cutting loose! I love this comment! Rock on bro😎Happy New Year 🎈

[@sallyz5636]

Ready for love ❤️ nice one!

[@rustysguitar1]

Oh yes, I love that tune! Nice vibe to improvise over! Happy new year🤩

[@tedaldridge9474]

Is that riff not from a Free song (Ready for Love was Bad Company)?

[@denniskwong9458]

This is so useful. Thanks for providing all these great lessons. You are one of the best, keeping things simple for us to learn.

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad the lesson was useful Dennis! Thanks and have a happy New Year 🎈

[@michaelpasmore116]

Thanks Rusty! Describes me perfectly. While I can play a lot of memorized songs from the Eagles to Jimi Hendrix, I can’t improvise very well and just play the same pentatonic minor/major scale runs to a backing tract and triads to a backing track. A good guitarist can play by ear and that is my goal. Embarrassing to admit I’ve been playing for 20 years.

[@rustysguitar1]

So many of us are that way! Hopefully some of my videos might give you some ideas for improvising! Thanks Michael! Later man 😎

[@daliborzak2485]

Yeah, spot on. I don't like learning songs and "copying" others. I like just moving around fret and trying to find some nice sounding notes and sequences. But then I got stuck. For me, it was usefull to start using some slow generic backing track so I can try to fit inside. At start it sounded quite awkward, strange and like I was going backwards. But after few weeks of daily practice it made sense.

[@rustysguitar1]

I like that because it forces you to play good notes and play in time. Backing tracks and also a looper are great. Learning tools. Thanks for checking out the video and keep rocking buddy.👍

[@johnskerlec9663]

Nice tips Rusty. I do exactly this. Even in the complex or unusual chord patterns I look for what I call the landmarks. I then develop lyrical/melodic expressions of interest in those movements. I'm a student of the 60s/70s fusion metal/rock/blues thing so I tend to push the boundaries warts and all. Thanks man.

[@rustysguitar1]

This is a great comment John! You can definitely use this concept with any style music! We need to know where homebase is, but then start pushing the boundaries for sure! Thanks so much bro😎Happy New Year 🎈

[@steelman774]

Awesome video! I wish I’d been told this 15-20 years ago. This is so well worded, I’m passing this onto my kids and other up and coming players. Great structure. Great pace. Great lesson! 😎🎸

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad you liked the lesson mate! I appreciate your kind words. Thanks and enjoy your week ahead 👍

[@paulmk2290]

Hey Rusty, those two chords have given me a great idea for a song. I'm gonna call it Ready For Love.

[@rustysguitar1]

Always loved that tune! That groove made it easy for me to teach some simple solo ideas. Awesome comment Paul. Thanks for checking out the video. Enjoy your week👍

[@paulmk2290]

@@rustysguitar1 Me too, though I first heard the original by Mott The Hoople before Mick Ralphs left and joined Bad Company.

[@rustysguitar1]

That’s right, Paul! You know your rock band history. I appreciate the reply. Thanks buddy ✌️

[@weinersnitzelz]

This is great. I’m 38, started playing at 13. Played “rhythm” guitar my whole life in bands and what not and I think I’m solid there but never learned to improvise or solo and just put it off as “I’m only a rhythm guitar player and that’s it”. After watching this video, you have inspired me to give it a go and maybe I am just stuck. Thanks for this, subscribed!

[@rustysguitar1]

Being a good rhythm, player is key to be a good lead guitar player. Because timing is so important. Just start out with some simple phrases in between the chords that you already know. Just have fun with it! Thanks for the support buddy 👍

[@cafeadicto]

Im the same as you but I startet at 16 my friend

[@OneDrunkWizard]

A shortcut for learning the fretboard notes is understanding that any note on the fretboard is a perfect 4th from the one below it on the next string, same Fret. B string excluded of course.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you 👍

[@reginaldosilva7217]

66 years old and still trying to play my guitar , stuck . But with your videos I can see some progress. By the way, good to see you playing anthems like Ready to love from Free. Tks a lot. God bless you man.

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Reg, sounds like we like a lot of the same classic rock music! Have fun with that guitar this weekend! Thanks buddy👍

[@kev2403]

This is laid out so simple and easy to understand. Great video/lecture! I will definitely be referring my students to this channel.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you Kev! I appreciate that! Happy New Year to you 🎈

[@eeliskorhonen7203]

Thanks man, this i think was the best help i could find to learn improvisation on guitar. I am happy that i found your channel. It actually helped little bit, but im still learning!

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad you found the channel also! And we are all still learning for sure! Also glad the lesson was helpful. Thank you ✌️

[@user-vz7mg9si2g]

You’ve been helpful to me. Got back into the guitar after I retired and I definitely play better now than I did 35 years ago. It’s never too late to learn. Great for keeping your mind sharp but a little rough on my hands. Thumb on my fretting hand hurts like hell.

[@rustysguitar1]

I’m always happy to help! And I’m glad that you’re excited about playing the guitar again! Let’s keep working on this stuff together! Enjoy your Sunday🙏

[@apriltoronto5254]

Cool groove you chose for your vid... A bold choice that SG is for clumsy fingers, well, seems like it works for you... And all you rock players out there... don't let go your pinky to waste... there is a whole different world to be reached when using it by playing color tones.

[@lightfoot413]

gr8 lesson Rusty..Im relateing..get stuck like you talk about..this lesson helps,,thanks..

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks Larry! I think we all want to have fun with the guitar 🎸 I’m glad the lesson was helpful! Have a happy New Year ✌️

[@garydobson5583]

A very simple concept that is easy to overlook. Great lesson. Thank you. And merry Christmas

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks a lot Gary! Much appreciated buddy! Have a great new year🎈

[@bridgetpollock6760]

I'm going to start following you! I am stuck right at the pentatonic scale.

[@rustysguitar1]

Really glad to hear it Bridget! There is so much we can do with the pentatonic scale! Have a happy new year🎈

[@ftwrjosh]

Good lesson! Awesome to here Fire and Water in the lesson too!

[@rustysguitar1]

Right on! Also “Ready for Love” Bad Co. I love that sound! Thanks a lot for checking out the video! Later bro 😎

[@Skipjacktunainacan]

Thanks , another great lesson , merry Xmas , hope you have a great new year

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks a lot! Have a happy New Year 🎈

[@daveallsopp4394]

Thanks for another amazing tutorial Rusty 🙏🏻 I’m now adding the 3rd and chord tones, though it’s not easy finding them sometimes 😂 hope you had a great Christmas time with your family. Happy New Year my friend 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎸

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Dave, really nice to hear from you! Just keep doing it till it becomes second nature! Those kind of tools make guitar playing a lot. More fun! You have a happy new year also my friend.🎈

[@matthewsommerville88]

This is such a sad but common place to be and I know that feeling well. One year of theory lessons helped get me out the rut. Now I can teach myself and watch videos like this and learning comes much faster thanks to the theory.

[@rustysguitar1]

You are so right, Matthew! Everyone needs to have some theory under their belt. I think a lot of players try to bypass as much of that as possible. you most likely will not get in a rut if you’re continually digging into more theory! This is a great comment Matthew! Thanks so much man.✌️

[@troymattingly3071]

You're, absolutely, correct. Practice, alone, is a slow process. I am sure that more education will be the better part of becoming a, proficient, guitar player.

[@musicman9944]

Rusty ,I will be a pro soon the way you teach . Thank yuo for all u do for us. 🏆❤️🙏🎸💪🔥👊

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad to hear that Dave! Keep rockin 🤛

[@paulkelly6853]

Brilliant tutorial Rusty...........these tutorials you post are so easy for me to follow yet to me and I'm sure most people are what lie at the heart of a really good sounding solo.......I'm finding these so helpful and practicing this stuff you post most every day ........and as I said in an earlier post to you after a few weeks already I'm sounding really good...........again a big thank you from Paul I Ireland

[@rustysguitar1]

Greetings from the USA, Paul! Glad the lessons are helpful! It’s all about having more fun with the instrument! Glad we’re on the journey together! Enjoy your New Year’s celebration!💥

[@paulkelly6853]

You too Rusty

[@rustysguitar1]

@@paulkelly6853 Thanks, Paul.

[@ColourfulEnergy]

This is a really good topic, Rusty. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge.🎸🎶👍Great video!🧡

[@rustysguitar1]

Always appreciated Colourful Girl! Thank you and enjoy your New Year’s celebration!💥

[@ColourfulEnergy]

@@rustysguitar1 thanks, you too!🎇🌠

[@michaelfish09]

This hit home Sir. Thanks for simplifying this for me.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks Michael. And you’re welcome! Enjoy your Sunday 🙏

[@JimmyFloridatube]

The Fender hat and the Gibson guitar are quite the muse. I like Gibsons if you ad a little mud to it, but for clean tones I will take a Fender for sure. I've never been keen on the SG. I am 69, more a singer than a player, but I have been a casual player since I was a teen. I've had a few bands, but at 69 I don't have the time or determination to keep a band anymore. I guess karaoke singing is probably what I am best at. I have 45 songs on my channel if you want to check it out.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks for the comment, Jimmy! We can definitely still have fun at our age! I will stop by and check you out. Happy new year.💥

[@JimmyFloridatube]

@@rustysguitar1 We all need a Happy New Year, but the situation is looking a little iffy. I do enjoy your videos and really appreciate the way you teach. I am slow to learn and hard to teach, but you make it simple and practical. I hope you have a Happy New Year too!

[@helcat3567]

Hi mate you really put together a great little lesson there. I'm so glad I took the time to listen to you. thank you very much. I am a long time beginner but that is going to change now. please have a read new year and I'll hope we see more lessons from you soon. take care from Helcat in Australia.

[@rustysguitar1]

Greetings from the USA! Glad you are taking away something from the lesson! Happy New Year 🎈

[@johnspiteri2964]

Thanks Sandy, for bringing the musicality and fun into becoming a better guitar player.

[@rustysguitar1]

That’s kind of you to say, John! thanks so much👍

[@bhess77346]

OMG! My gtr life in a nutshell. I am 53 now .... been trying since 12 yo. LOL Just watche another of your videos and it connected so many dots of my already known knowledge. THANK YOU !

[@rustysguitar1]

For a lot of us that’s the story! It’s exciting when we make new connections on the fretboard! Thanks a lot for watching my videos👍

[@fendr1962]

Rusty, I really like your lessons. It’s like your speaking directly to me since I am a little older then you. I still need to break out of the rut that I ve been in for years. I have played in many bands years ago. (Even played in a band that backed Bobby Vee and Tommy Roe. My one claim to fame). I am still hoping I have one more tour of duty left playing in a band again. I just don’t have the confidence to give it a try at this point. But with your help (lessons) maybe I can finally break out. Thanks for all your positive talk and your transfer of knowledge!

[@rustysguitar1]

I have not played in a band for a few years, but I definitely miss it. I hope you get back to rocking it in a band! Let’s talk soon! Happy new year.💥

[@fendr1962]

@@rustysguitar1 Absolutely! Happy New Year to you and yours!

[@rustysguitar1]

@@fendr1962 Thanks bro 😎

[@JHENDRIXROCS]

You’re never too old to play in a band if your health will allow and your mind is sharp! Keep rocking like Keith Richards and the Stones!!

[@frosty4863]

That was one of your best eye opener lessons for me. Thank you so much! Would you do a lesson on triads sometime? I’m trying to understand them as well, and how they can tie in for soloing.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks Bob! Yes, triads is always a great topic for a lesson! I appreciate the comment and have a happy New Year 🎈

[@jamesw7624]

I'm massively stuck in minor pentatonic too. Thanks for the video

[@rustysguitar1]

It’s time to break out and start having fun! Thanks for watching the video James! Rock on bro 😎

[@CaChuaTV380]

Great share guitar tutorials have a good day

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you! Happy New Year 🎈

[@kagenotatsumaki]

"When you start doing this at first it's gonna be hard but" But NOTHING. It's hard because it's THE thing you need to do to become great! Making good music isn't hard, but it isn't easy either!

[@rustysguitar1]

Well said bro 😎 And along the way just have FUN! Happy New Year 🎈

[@pazdylan1873]

An excellent 'take it forward' lesson...unfortunately most guitarists play with their fingers not their ears...but if a few people incorporate your lesson , well done!

[@rustysguitar1]

Nicely said! A lot of us are just lazy and they really don’t work at it. I did that for many years. I really appreciate the feedback. Thanks man ✌️

[@jimmoore7442]

This is the perfect lesson for where I am at. Ive watched it a few times now!

[@rustysguitar1]

I’m really happy to hear it, Jim! Glad you were taking away. Ideas from the video. Have a great rest of your week.👍

[@MindDezign]

Great idea ! Thank you ! Happy 2023!

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks so much! Have a happy new year also buddy!🎈

[@J9G3]

I’m definitely a longtime beginner. How do you keep yourself motivated to pick up that guitar everyday? What about practice routines? Thanks Rusty! Just turned 61 this year, and I’m glad to chance upon your awesome video

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad you found the video! I actually enjoy playing more than I ever have before! But having the channel forces me to learn and get better at things, and that’s a good thing also! We need to have fun with the instrument we have been blessed with! Have a happy new year🎈

[@JeffMountainPicker]

I'm 69, started farting around on my guitar when I was a teenager in the late '60s. I'm sort of a perpetual beginner, & gotten slack in the past several years. But I have a pile of songs I'm learning, many of them older than me, and I love performing them for my wife. She enjoys it, too. So that's what keeps me playing every day; I'm on a mission! I've got to do as many as possible in the next few months; she's terminally ill, so time is short & precious. Songs you'd love to play: that will keep the dust from settling! Good luck!

[@realjumper]

You hit the nail on the head for me Rusty. I'm 62 and didn't start playing until I was 58, so nothing comes easy as it tends to do when we're young. But, I have been practicing the sequences you taught earlier, and the chord tone targeting, although not easy (as you said), when I get it right it sounds great and it makes me smile.....and it's happening more often now as I progress. I really must buy a looper pedal too. Have a great New Year, be safe, and have fun :)

[@rustysguitar1]

When we hit notes that sound good, it’s definitely a good feeling! Keep working at it buddy! You have great New Year also my friend 💥

[@delcapslock100]

Representin the 62 years olds! I've gotten pretty good at learning songs; not so good at improvising solos. Hoping Rusty's tips will help me break out.

[@allabouttheU1662]

I have a looper but....

[@realjumper]

@@delcapslock100 For me, the advice that Rusty gives to simply target the root note of each chord is a great starting point. Just to create a very basic lick but target the root note works great. It's not a face melting solo....but it's a good place to start. Also I write down my licks so that I can 'decorate' them with a extra note or two, change the timing etc. I'm a long way from that face melting solo, but perhaps by this time next year, with practice and following tips from Rusty, I will be a lot closer to the goal, and I will have learned a lot, and had fun. There's no losing here :)

[@rustysguitar1]

This is a great comment! Really means a lot! I can see you are getting something from the lessons, and it makes me feel good! I appreciate your support so much and enjoy your new year👍

[@strummercash5601]

Just starting the video but already had to subscribe solely as your SG is really stunning. Have a great weekend and a peaceful and prosperous New Year in 2023!

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks for the sub! The SG is a ROCKIN GUITAR!!! Have an awesome 2023 also! Cheers ✌️

[@badroosterrc]

Great video thank you very much for taking the time to do these videos. 20 years ago I was in a head-on collision and suffered severe nerve damage and as a result I cannot play my guitar more than 5 or 6 minutes at a time. I've had four surgeries on my shoulders my neck and my hands and now I'm able to play as long as I want so I'm basically relearning how to play the guitar. Videos like yours are a tremendous help. Thanks again

[@rustysguitar1]

Sorry to hear about your accident! But it sounds like you really have fun when you can play that guitar. I’m glad you watch my lessons. Means a lot buddy! Thanks a lot for leaving a comment🙏

[@ZPX945]

Great lesson!

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks so much Clarke! Happy new year bro😎💥

[@thatshaneguy546]

Thanks rusty. Great video. Always take so many good tips from you

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad you took away something from the lesson Shane! Good to hear from you! Happy New Year buddy 🙏

[@thatshaneguy546]

@@rustysguitar1 always do rusty. Every lesson for months now. Appreciate you Rusty. Happy new year 🤘🎸✌

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Shane, I really apologize for the delay, for the online lessons! As for right now I’m not going to do them. I appreciate your interest in the lessons, and I will let you know in the near future! Rock on , brother.✌️

[@kennglee]

I only watched this video to look at your amazing walnut Gibson SG. I had one like that (a little lighter in color, chrome trim) that was stolen from my temporary storage in Jacksonville, Florida over 40 years ago. I thought that I was over that trauma, but seeing your beautiful guitar just makes me all depressed all over again. And it’s not helping that you’re wearing a Fender cap. Dang, I need a beer.

[@rustysguitar1]

Sorry to hear about your guitar! It’s definitely not right to wear a Fender hat and play a Gibson guitar! Ha ha! Thanks Kenn! Happy New Year 🎈