The Pentatonic Myth (and more) for Guitar

[@midi510]

That tone is golden.

[@Aliestwill]

Great thing about YT is discovering all these great guitarists.....and benefitting from their advice.

[@jokermaan1]

Just saying that to a friend of mine! Wish I'd had it when I started playing in the '60s!

[@KidAgainHobbies]

@@jokermaan1 yea i wished i would of had in the 80's. rewinding cassettes thousands of times was a pain compared to yt.

[@turtlepang]

It’s all about that pool time!! ☀️

[@johnlaughon7096]

Finally, someone teaching usable information. I am ready to tear down the wall I've been beating my head against for the past 5 or so years.

[@Sasketchejuana_man]

I used the pentatonic as a crutch for the longest and would always play over the root or land on the chord tone that was INSIDE the pentatonic only. I could pentatonic with the best of them LOL! but My favorite musician in town after jams would nicely tell me to "Listen with BIG ears" and to listen to the musicians around me, but i never quite new what he meant. Id listen so hard to the band that I was barely playing. I realized later he was talking about playing over the changes. He could hear I hadnt worked it out like you said. I had a problem at first understanding how to connect going from each change, but you've really helped me a lot. I had taken myself as far as I could go self taught I felt like, and you've been the best teacher I've found on YT in literally years cause you cut out everything and get straight to what I want and NEED to know as a musician.

[@Kevinschart]

I figured out why I like his lessons. He's being 100% honest with us. He's not giving us shortcuts to playing. He's telling us up front that you'll have to work and put in years to get this stuff.

[@mannijimenezmusic]

If my Professors would’ve explained this to me, I would’ve saved so much time. Finally someone explains the practical way to practice, Thanks again.

[@wilrockq1065]

Hi Guthrie. Here’s an idea for a video on here and artistworks. When to k ow the difference from when you can play just pentatonics and when to outline the chords with arpeggios

[@ldf399]

The lesson I needed, I need to work this stuff out and stop depending on the pentatonic in 1 key for everything. I've got work to do!

[@acousticaacousticduo1458]

I’m so lucky to exist on the planet at the same time Guthrie Trapp is doing what he does. The music world is a much better place with you making music AND so heart-fully sharing what you know with the rest of us mortals. Thank you!

[@taylorplayed2529]

Such a beauty of a Tele! Love that colour

[@l8tapex]

The most common sense to conveying the basics with issues to intermediate. Very good angle. Some need visual some , need math... lol.

[@ItsFinished]

Your video just made the light bulbs go off in my head... Gonna keep working on my execution. Thanks for keeping it simple!

[@mowaxbro]

"The shortcut is learning the chords and the information around the chords - that is the shortcut" Nicely put!

[@skatetodeath666]

@@oinkooink yup some people are born with it

[@Ruefus]

@@skatetodeath666 I disagree that anyone is 'born with it'. While that's possible - the overwhelming majority of people that sound as if they were born with it have simply done the work. Others (me included) have spent that time justifying why they haven't. I don't intend to sound harsh - but it's a matter of "Get on with it or not. I really don't care. Just don't tell me you can't learn."

[@skatetodeath666]

@@Ruefus I'm not talking about myself it's other people telling me that. I have friends that have played and practice three times as much as I ever have, and started playing years before I did. And don't come close to myself even. So how do you explain that ? Are they mentally challenged ? Or was I just born with something they were not ? And Guthrie with a immense amount of it.

[@anthonykinrade8642]

Information around the chords? What do you mean?

[@G_Demolished]

@@anthonykinrade8642 I believe that was referring to seeing the layers of what you can play over each chord shape. (Chord tones -> Pentatonics -> Full scale) He’s saying you need to memorize and practice those in all the inversions of each of the chord types. It’s a lot of work.

[@RetroBytesTV]

I think the disconnect a lot of people have is when you give the example of playing, for example, the A major scale for the A major chord. There is the foundation and layers. Chord, Arpeggio, Pentatonic, and Scale. Well, say you have a progression in the key of A that goes A-D-E. Someone who's following those foundations would play the A major scale over A, and then when the song goes to D, they think they can switch to the D major scale over the D. The problem is that those are 2 different keys, and it won't sound right even though it in theory should work. What is actually happening is the song is in the key of A, and you are playing out of the chord shape IN THE CONTEXT OF THE KEY OF A. Meaning you continue to use the A major scale, but now, all of your target notes have switched to the D triad. every D, F#, and A on the fretboard. Same thing with the E chord. you dont switch to playing the E major scale, because you;d be switching keys. You continue to think of the key of A, using the A major scale, but now all of your target notes have switched to the E chord notes. It's almost like LED lights on each fret. The scale notes are blue, and different notes within the scale turn red depending on what chord you are on.

[@mikkotakala2056]

Thanks. This is usefull. Been stuck with thinking Major over all chords..

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Correct. You are changing chords. Not keys. The end all be all rule is your EAR. PERIOD.

[@michaelshown1362]

Guthrie Trapp that’s where I find modes helpful since in the above example that the D and E triads are the same as the major but the D is in the Lydian mode (sharp 4) and the E is in the myxolidian mode (flat 7). I’m still working on it. Love what you do by the way.

[@RetroBytesTV]

@@michaelshown1362 Forget the modes. Just think the parent scale (A Major in my example), and visualize the chord shapes within. If you start thinking modes, you think you are playing different scales when you're not. D lydian and E mixolydian are the same notes as A Major. And if the song is not resolving to D, and doesn't feel like the home base is D, for the song as a whole, then you are not playing D anything, you are just playing in the key of A.

[@RetroBytesTV]

@@BeefNEggs057 Playing the specific pentatonic for each chord is OK. In my example, D major pentatonic and E major pentatonic. because the pentatonic is a subset of the full major scale and contains most or all of the notes that actually sound good, and all those notes when grouped together are still part of the A major scale. It's the actual FULL 7 note scale that you can't play. In this case, D major scale, and E major scale. because they contain notes that when grouped together, do not exist in the A major scale, which is the key of the song. That's why it sounds bad

[@stratocumulusnimbostratus328]

Guthrie, you are a legend!

[@danqodusk8140]

Great, solid information and suggestions! Essentially I believe Guthrie is saying pentatonic scales are useful and have certain applications, but are very limiting. Learning basic music theory, while it may sound daunting to some, is actually a shortcut to learning all the chords and modes, and when and where to use them. Acquiring more knowledge and skill is always good in any area of life!

[@zkman1762]

I've been waiting for this lesson for 30 years ! Thanks

[@jimdep6542]

I was just listening to Guthrie jamming in the beginning and realized it transitions very nice into " You Know You know" by John McLaughlin and also played by Jeff Beck. It works !

[@brucesguitardemos8197]

Never does he play the same thing twice , so emotional and smooth with change of tempo , simply amazing 🤩

[@armandovazquez007]

G T , I am extremely proud of You .

[@pauldigirolamo600]

This guy is phenomenal! So natural, melodic and soulful while also technically flawless. Very inspirational player and good teacher as well

[@TimRowell]

this one of my favorite lessons from you!! Really great!

[@garrycuthbertson9520]

True, knowledge is the short cut.

[@rudiclaeys7850]

outstanding performance and super video, thank you so much

[@ckjjclan]

Coming back to this a year later for me is helping… thanks! for doing these videos - even though it’s an older one :-)

[@kennywally]

I love the way Guthrie is teaching. I had to learn this after being box pattern taught.

[@robertshepard3099]

Started late (63) and after several years of work was ready for and appreciate your instruction. Simply thanks, has made a big difference.

[@AgavePiper]

Whoa! I am two years in and this vid will help me break out of my rut. Thanks Guthrie!

[@lbattey]

Love the section take on SRV's Lenny!!!! Nice:)

[@thegeniusroom]

This is the very best KZbin guitar lesson I have ever seen Like all of you I have tried hundreds of online lessons. Guthrie is terrific

[@BabylonSun]

Love your honesty and killer musical take on the guitar

[@rickelliott6946]

Ambient blues.. love it!

[@DavidBarrowIII]

I keep finding more of these. Thank you so much!

[@mannymccash9660]

I'm jealous! You are a beautiful player and a solid teacher - please do more of these. That is all.

[@johncostigan6160]

I've been playing for 55 years, got a B.A. in guitar performance and damned if I didn't learn a whole lot of cool stuff from you. Thank-you!

[@djl2304]

Wow love it man !! Excellent work so proficient on guitar! Thank you 🙏

[@marks3780]

Not abandoning them but growing as a musician.. well said

[@TeddyKumpel]

fun to watch you break down the info brother!

[@c5back9]

Sunday afternoon, just sitting here with earbuds, close to dozing off listening to these beautifully buttery tones from this man’s fingers through his Tele. Have to say, I can’t play, don’t know how to or even know a single chord, but my ear knows beauty when I hear it, and this noodling is like a lovely lullaby. From those of us with zero talent but great appreciation, thanks!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks man!!

[@GaryKissinger]

I really appreciate your casual, down home (as in DIRECT) way of talking and presenting the lesson/advice. Hawaii here. Great stuff--

[@Troy1g]

Glad my teacher started me with the Major Scale and it’s modes BEFORE pentatonic scales. Great lesson thanks Gunthrie!

[@69telecasterplayer]

Great teaching! Thanks.

[@redmiller1]

Thank you, Guthrie. One of your best KZbin videos.

[@wizaxed]

Nice to see a longer video with a very thorough explanation. Thanks G!

[@nmonye01]

Great tone, rythmn, great phrasing, nice chord playing. Love the tele...my kind of player.

[@normanjohnson7446]

I respect that you’re so humble, when your so awesome.

[@JamesEPowell]

The fact that he call them records makes me like him even more.

[@dallastoto3189]

Just a monster player so knowledgeable. I really appreciate a guitarist that not just has the chops but, knows what he’s playing.

[@neildavidvandenbergh5422]

You might be the best teacher out there on KZbin! Thanks man! Love it.

[@No1Particular]

Good Lord GT! I love your spirit of music as you call it. You keep me riding the current of uplifting winds like an eagle soaring high above the plains and bluffs. The scenery is spectacular from here and the horizons just keep expanding. God bless you brother. May you be well always.

[@johanvermeulen7668]

Hi Guthrie, I have been playing for years . A few years ago I left the guitar alone because I felt I didn't improve anymore and was playing always the same After seeing your video's I got motivated again and picked up my guitar ( one of the few advantages of these corona times is the spare time) I have to say That thanks to your christal clear instructions it all begins to make sense . At last now I know what I am playing and seeing the paths and ways to solo over the whole neck. I am glad That you never had classical training so you can teach us all this important stuff on a level everyone can understand ! This is what I needed to get motivated again! My skills have rapidly increased ( of course it doesn't come withouthard practise . ) I have become an admirer of everything you do! Keep up the good work and hopefully I can see you live one day during a European tour 👍🏻😉 Greetings from Belgium and stay safe :! 😷

[@nateanderson4341]

This guy knows his shit! What an inspiration. Keep it up Guthrie!

[@imitatefirst]

Guthrie, What an incredible lesson! You’ve given me my homework assignments now for the next ?? months! Thank you very much!

[@BFromUpNorth]

Hey Guthrie, 8:30 to 9:05 really says it all if you want to even have a chance to play like these guys. It's also something that most of us start but rarely finish. Good lesson.

[@MOAB-UT]

Do you know CAGED?

[@JP-gt8qr]

Such an awesome dude and one of the very best players on the planet, no exaggeration.

[@turkeeg7644]

The Roy Buchanan Down by the River. Super Duper.

[@squidkid2]

I really love watching your videos. I played guitar for years and developed a really good ear because I learned by playing my acoustic guitar and singing Beatles songs, but I never really learned theory. I learned how to play those songs by listening to a record and figuring out what key a song was in and then using the chords that I knew were in that key. Now I'm finally learning theory. But everyone said learn this scale or learn that scale, so I picked one scale and that was the 7 note diatonic major scale. Do Re Mi Fa So La Te Do. I know how to sing it in any key by ear and I know how to build it. Whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step half step. Every other scale is just some variation of the major diatonic scale. I think now that I'm learning theory from the ground up the only way to get a rock-solid foundation is to learn the major scale all over the neck in every key. I already knew how to build chords from the major triads. So now that I know my major scales it's easy to learn my triads. Once I learn my major triads, I can learn my arpeggios. Then I will learn how to modify each triad to make the other chord forms (minor, maj 7, dominant 7 and diminished). Then as long as I know the chord changes to a song, I will have a starting point to solo over any chord progression in any key. I think you probably learned like I did. Playing first by ear and then learning theory. I love your lessons because they take a very logical step by step approach to learning theory. I just wish all the guitar teachers out there would get together and agree that you need to learn theory step by step and not just jump right to the pentatonic box.

[@rogeralleyne9257]

Great video lesson!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@hearpalhere]

Great jazzy parts in the explanations, I love it! Thanks Guthrie!

[@roadtorockstar7848]

12:53 Thanks for dropping all those wisdom nuggets! Thank you Guthrie!

[@dannytriplett8625]

As I dive deeper, I find cool people like you that gives me direction. You've made soo many light bulbs explode for me with this one video. Thank you sir. I'm really digging your style

[@douglaschristine8387]

For sure, whoever taught Guthrie must have been a master. He definitely knows his shit. Kudos.

[@mrcatfishjohnson]

Excellent video Guthrie

[@mikebachert8171]

Man ,what day,finally I get to see this awesome guy, peace

[@babilonex]

That’s great! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@sirfultonbishop]

I think some of this is starting to sink in. Thanks taking the time!

[@jamesmcgrath1952]

I'm a new learner. I'm olso an old guy (68). I always wanted to play guitar but when I was younger I went into the military at 17. When I got out I didn't have the money. When I got older and had the money I didn't have the time. Now I'm old and retired so I bought myself a Gretsch G5420T. I'm never going to be great (probably not even good lol don't think I have the time left) but I'm having fun. I'm concentrating on learning to play the scales before I worry about playing songs. Good video buddy.

[@Pursuitofbalance]

play the songs you love, and dissect the chords and the key of the song. That is the basis of all guitar playing, once you've learned a lot of chords from the songs you like, you can then jam and make your own stuff. Also learning CAGED method would have been the best thing as a beginner!

[@jameslaversa528]

Play everthing....Play songs NOW!

[@Elliebelly_880]

Guthrie Trapp your explanation is spot on. This is the best explanation (in a nut shell) on how to understand the neck and playing proper melody over chords ever. I’ve played all my life and the way you explain it makes sense to me 100% but also you explain it so well that some one who’s not advanced can understand it in a short amount of time (with proper practice). This would normally take years to learn. Well done man

[@stevesmith8995]

i know i am the one he is talking about, the guy who hasnt worked the facts out ans uses them. i smile when he plays because he plays the things he worked to know. but i lack the personality he shows. I couldnt jam with him because he not a goof off like me. I like to many other things in life. i can live with that. i thank you Guthrie for going the distance and sharing. you play vry guitarish and thats cool.e

[@Gread72]

Oh, man ... This says it all. What a great lesson. I found you by way of Jeff McErlain. What a great community of players and teachers. Be Well.

[@zorrozen68]

Wow, am I grateful to have found this too. I'm hearing sweet overtones of Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Les Paul etc. Thanks again, looking forward to watching more of this...

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

Thank you soooo much for this! You’ve made it simple...now we know exactly what to work on in order to sound like we know what we are doing instead of cramming regular major and minor pentatonic licks in over every chord. This is actual music!

[@jvelotta2515]

You got that right! I’m a sixty year old newbie, and boy this is what I need to focus on . I have been jumping around not really getting nowhere . Thank you Guthrie Trapp! Your awesome!

[@johnl.6930]

Again, Guthrie your lesson is spot on!!! So insightful and helpful. I will live with this one lesson for months! Be well! I’m also glad you’ll be back to playing out. Hopefully I’ll be able to catch one of your shows.

[@davidrussell8918]

I love how you break it down, it makes it easier to figure out and get ideas. Thanks!

[@rva11]

Such great advice. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all I am trying to learn and still have to learn. I will remind myself to take one step at a time, and to play along with the tunes I love so it stays fun! Cheers!!

[@xingarthur]

Hi Guthrie, i have watched 4-5 of your videos so far and every single time you always answered the questions i had for so long. You are a great teacher and I thank you for the contents you shared.

[@gregcolbeck]

First time on the channel. By far some of the most valuable, practical guitar info on YT.

[@donaldbarnat]

Good good stuff. Great playing. Musicality. Tele sounds heavenly. Like the guy down below, been playing 56 years, Berklee alum for guitar performance. This is like a refresher of a musical approach to playing the instrument that most of us never quite get. Quick and clean. Don’t overthink it. Good stuff. Thanks.

[@nowayjay123]

Thanks for sharing, brother. The study of chords is the way, learning tunes with intent, learning different styles of music and not necessarily guitar tunes, and getting your ear to mature. While it's great to outline chords, I feel it's necessary to understand how each type of chord yields the overall color. The dominant chord being the most expressive. It's funny how the guitar mystery starts to become clearer as this approached is used and one door closes and a new one opens. There is an amazing amount of information in this short video that could launch players into the next level. Lastly, I appreciate you saying we gotta keep making music. I feel it's not about a competition but keeping the craft alive for future generations. I rather play three well placed notes, from my ear, to make music over doing finger gymnastics to look cool. Too many people listen with their eyes and not their ears. Keep up the awesome work.

[@rsguitar335]

Mr. Trapp...you NAILED IT!! Valuable instruction and advice -- exactly what so very many musicians totally miss. I had the fortune of seeing you perform live at Robert's Western World in Nashville many years ago and was totally blown away by your "tasteful," fluid playing and riffs that followed the chords and was totally musical!! A+++

[@jumpskirt]

Great video. Man, I've been playing for 40+ years, and I still don't know all this stuff.

[@emilienbialecki448]

Duuuuuude! Vibezzzz ! What a touch man! You gave me the feeling. Since I've been watching you, I've just realised you playing everything that makes guitar sound amazing: nice bends, "country" bends, double stopa, slides and Hendrix chords; the "sauce"😁 Thank you for gathering all this amazing knowledge and techniques, it is very inspiring! I wish to express myself with the guitar as you do! Keep it up man 👊

[@mkii1964]

Wow! The most eye opening guitar lesson video!!! Thank you Guthrie!!!!

[@sylvainblaney1278]

Lots of really good information here

[@slingoking]

The truly greatest ever instruction vid. Thanks dude.

[@chriswhite8930]

Wonderful Guthrie. As you know I am a Subscriber to your ArtistWorks country guitar course. It’s perfect.been working on it daily for 5 months and progressing like crazy. Loved the Neil Young Down by the River Rendition So E Dorian. Then C major I think Your course combined with ImproviseForReal singing tonal numbers is like rocket fuel for guitar learning Thanks for all the hard work and generosity.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks so much man! Means a lot.

[@bakariewilks6410]

Dude you are a Beast , truly got me remotivated.................

[@CKoppStudios]

3:15, fully agree🤙 Great video man🌟

[@Chris_Traynor]

Man! That was so helpful. Just picked up the guitar again during lockdown. Used to play a lot and never found this info this simply but holistically explained. Really helped. Thanks dude!

[@flatbreadthom]

Thanks for this! I'm going to have to watch this over many times to grasp it all, which is what makes this a great video.

[@theelectricvoyage]

22 minutes of goldust man......anyone thinking of learning a bit of music theory and applying it not just to guitar but to any instrument I guess.......you are well and truly underway from here..... great teaching........ Thanks Guthrie.

[@rva11]

I have been searching for a way to make the scales and modes work in my playing for years. After watching a bunch of your videos, the point you keep reinforcing sunk in. Chord shapes and intervals make it all connect. I am not there yet, but as study these 2 things on the fretboard, the reasons behind all those "tricks and licks" I had to memorize are becoming clear. The fog is lifting and the mystery is fading. I hear you mention how this changed your life on the guitar. Thank you for paying it forward and turning on the light for me Guthrie!

[@redlinemando]

@Guthrie Trapp Do you remember 12 yrs ago, in Amsterdam & then Bergin, Norway? You were playing for Kenny & Dawn Sears? I was there playing for another band & hanging around some with Mark Chesnutt. You were a great guitarist then, but lesser known. I'm glad to see you doing well & giving valuable guitar advice. Anyone with good sense should listen to every word you have to say about guitars!!!!!!!

[@whitemellon]

This man is brilliant at what he does. I could listen to him all night. I just saw an episode where he was at Tim Pierces house. Tim confirmed what is apparent. He is not only a world class player he is a really nice guy.

[@Sqashlmo]

Wow! Awesome playing! Why am I seeing your channel for the first time just now??!?!??

[@musicproductionvideos5019]

Man.. jumped from a more recent video ... to this one and I just gotta say you look real good. Here, you still look healthy, but just carrying around some extra lbs. They say men gain a pound a year after 30... so beating that statistic is great! Keep it up!

[@stevewebertampainvestments2097]

This is one of the best videos you have put out. I really appreciate it

[@KelsterVonShredster]

Some of the best advice I've seen condensed into one video.....if you only watched this video and learned what he is saying you'd be pretty damn good

[@michaelnc4450]

Excellent post... I never looked at it like that before... I don't read music and do everything by ear, but it really showed how it all works under the water! Thanks for your time posting!

[@mattya1133]

Everything hit me like a freight train with this lesson man 🙏🙏🙏🙌🏻🙌🏻