The ultimate guide to the pentatonic scales for guitar (Major and Minor) - when & how to use - EP436

In this week's guitar lesson (more like a course), you'll learn everything there is to know about the pentatonic scales, where they come from, how they sound, when and how to use them.
To view the extra course materials for this lesson (practice MP3 jam tracks, tablature, etc.) - visit: www.activemelo...
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Where do pentatonic scales come from?
03:22 - Demonstration of major and minor pentatonic sound
04:34 - Forumla for WHEN to use major vs minor
05:19 - How to find the Minor Pentatonic Patterns
13:18 - How to find the Major Pentatonic Patterns
17:40 - Which notes can you bend?
20:52 - Mixing the major and minor pentatonic scales

[@rogereisenback8498]

The absolute best on KZbin I've been waiting for a lightbulb moment probably have to watch it a couple more times maybe take notes but truly helpful I don't feel lost anymore

[@GuitarJoLa]

Brian, you need vacation now! This is a blues lead course all in itself! All those practice materials, videos, charts, tabs and jam tracks packed into one lesson, must have been a lot of work! Your dedication and consistency are just incredible! I'm so glad I have found you 4.5 years ago ♪💕

[@denisechetty4019]

🎸👍🙏😊

[@jeffro.]

Aaw,.c'mon! Don't tell him that! It'll go to his head! (Not!) I'm sure he had all that stuff just laying around. Good job, Brian!

[@MJsap13]

I’m so thankful for every single one of Brian’s lessons. This one is absolutely brilliant. Learning guitar online is difficult. You’re not able to ask questions as you go to help clarify certain things. With his lessons I have no questions. He explains things in a way that should make sense to everyone. Thank you for all you do to help us guitar players constantly trying to improve. -Sincerely a proud Active Melody member

[@davidkarr5119]

Brilliant is putting it lightly my friend, Brian is an amazing guitar instructor & guitar player as well. 🎸👍

[@LissaDouglas]

Wow! This video was a complete light bulb moment for me! The way you explained joining the scales via your system made perfect sense to me. I also want to acknowledge your originality in your compositions ( lessons ). Original thinker, original composer. And also a generous guy! Keep it coming! And I love those stand-alone compositions !

[@avonnabors]

We are spoiled by your wealth of knowledge and ability to convey theory clear and concisely. Thanks so much for the consistency.

[@eunshim628]

Wow. I've come across many many music teachers that understand the concept but are not able to verbally or demonstratively transfer the knowledge to their students. This man is actually very gifted at articulating new ideas to learners. Bravo. I wish I had you as a resource 10 years ago.

[@marcusvaldes]

Agreed. I wish 30 years ago LOL

[@gsdcjd]

😊 2:05

[@MartynStandage]

I was really stuck understanding scales and positions, only ever reached learning pattern one of the pentatonic, then I started checking out Brian’s lessons and everything became clear, a great teacher

[@philipp6820]

What an amazingly eye opening video. Without a doubt the most clear, concise (yet extremely thorough) explanation on pentatonics I've ever seen. Brian - you've outdone yourself yet again. Joining Active Melody (premium membership) has been the best investment I've made in my guitar playing journey. The progress and "lightbulb moments" I've had as a result is crazy. Please don't ever stop teaching.

[@lukesteverything627]

It's so weird how anyone can dislike this. It's brilliant in every respect so a huge THANKYOU for showing me the light.

[@ady102]

Those are fat finger people that can’t even hit the right button. They are hopeless on guitar anyway.

[@lukesteverything627]

@@ady102 - Weird reply!!!! I've got very fat fingers. Just more hate I guess.

[@ady102]

@@lukesteverything627 I was just kidding. “Fat finger” meaning people that don’t have the finger coordination to hit the right button. When you have to explain your joke then I guess it wasn’t a good joke. 😆

[@lukesteverything627]

@@ady102 - Yes and when other viewers might take offence it's best not to bother!

[@alexwillis954]

Luke St Everything… my guess is that somebodies kid had the phone and was hitting random buttons on the screen lol

[@ianrichardson3968]

I have to say that's one of the easiest to follow lessons on pentatonics I've seen. The two intervals we remove from the two diatonic scales as Brian says can be a bit of a problem. My take on this, which occurred to me many moons ago when one of my brain cells worked properly for a few moments, is that by removing them we remove the two half steps. By adding one back in like the flat 5 (THE blue note) we create a blue note. Adding in the Major 3rd (as Brian does in this lesson) does the same, a passing note so a blue note in effect and so on. So we can see other notes or intervals as a blue note, not just the flat 5th. Just thought I'd chuck that thought in the hat for anyone who might find it useful.

[@Pokitchange86]

I'm still pretty new on guitar but it was getting boring just memorizing how to play a song because I wasn't really creating or learning much. Learning about music theory is opening up a whole world of studying that I'll probably never be finished with. I love it! Just bought the Gretsch streamliner and I'm in love with it.

[@jtm2554]

Wow, I was almost going to ignore this weeks lesson thinking, “ I’ve already put my time in the woodshed going through the pentatonic scales for the last ten years”. I’m sure glad I took a look at the lesson. Your insight and approach to these scales is a different than ones I’ve seen before. This was well worth my time. In addition, I plan on becoming a patron to support your efforts as soon as my Guitar Tricks membership expires later this year. Well done.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I've been a paying member of Brian's courses for about a year now and this is one of his best lessons... Just learning that you can use the minor pentatonic scales over the major pentatonic as long as you start in the major, but not vice versa was worth the time watching this!

[@stevefielding8324]

What a brilliant lesson! Literally light bulb moments. Brian, you are helping me so much, thank you.

[@nelsonchapman9029]

It's Great thanks Brian

[@jedsettah3372]

Awesome lesson I have been looking and never found anyone who explained the pentatonic patterns in one lesson and so simply .. So much great information. I picked up the guitar after not playing for 30 years .All I had was Burt Wheedons guitar for beginners I knew no theory at all , but not knowing limits you especially if you want to jam , I somehow worked out pattern 2 all those years ago but did not know what it was I just Found those notes sounded right . I’ve learnt more from Brian’s lessons in the last year and it’s invigorated my love of playing guitar. If you are just starting out can play a few chords and are looking to play solos, the odd lick or jamming this is the lesson you need.Thank you Brian

[@Gor537]

Thanks! That explanation of the pentatonic scale in the first 3 min was great! Made so much just fall into place. I never knew the WHY of that scale. Really helps to understand how to use that scale.

[@MJsap13]

I’m so thankful for every single one of Brian’s lessons. This one is absolutely brilliant. Learning guitar online is difficult, not being able to ask questions as you go. With his lessons I don’t feel the need to. He answers any questions I could have before I could even ask. Thanks for everything you do for us players trying to get better every day. Sincerely a proud active melody member

[@chesterburnett3466]

Brian: this lesson is by far one of your best (and I've seen quite a few). For me, It alone is worth the cost of a premium membership. So glad I re-upped this Summer. Cheers.

[@davidlewis3169]

THIS is the most important lesson for me, in my life!!! This is helping me SOOO much! THANK YOU!!!

[@pariahgaming365]

So far I’ve only watched 2 of your videos and I can say I’ve never connected with anybody’s teaching method more than yours. Thank you!

[@gardic7]

Absolutely brilliant. Learnt so much, particularly how the scales link together, the overplay areas and which are the best strings to bend. Now, let’s practice.

[@Robby24ish]

Hi! I swear! I've learned The Pentatonics, Both Major and Minor, Blues from You!!! . By far, one of The Best! Guitar Sites on KZbin. Still and Always shall be tuned into," Active Medley". ✌️🌷

[@EDGARDOUX1701]

Thank you so much, there's lot of information here and what I like is that you point the parts of the patterns that are worth playing and how to connect them, thats a problem I had till seeing your lesson. Thank you again and hope you will continue with this.

[@epiphone278]

Brilliant!! Fantastic lesson, have never known or been shown how to connect the major and minor pentatonics in the same area, it never even occurred to me so i was always just playing the minor (or major) pentatonic shapes but never mixing them in together. Understood it can only be done when the song is in a major key. This is powerful information, Thank You!!

[@cbalkamovies]

BRIAN - YOU ARE ELEVATING YOUR CATALOG OF GREAT TEACHING LESSONS TO YET ANOTHER LEVEL. THE FACT THAT YOU DO THIS CONSISTENTLY EACH WEEK MAKES IT CLEAR TO ME IT COMES FROM THE HEART OF A GREAT TEACHER. SO MANY CRITICAL, DYNAMIC CONCEPTS AND SKILLS WRAPPED INTO 26 MINUTES IN A VERY DIGESTABLE, CLEAR PRESENTATION. LOOKING FORWARD TO MY TOTAL IMMERSION WITH THIS MATERIAL AND THE MANY CONNECTIONS YOU OUTLINED HERE. PURE FUN. MANY THANKS.

[@latebloommusicians]

Fantastic Brian. This lesson is worth more than your annual Premium Membership fee! Nobody I have watched explains this better. Your timing is impeccable. Thanks so much.

[@timopeedu6077]

Thanks Brian for these priceless lessons. They are the absolute best internet has to offer.

[@MDyson151]

Many thanks for clearing the fog definitely a "light bulb" moment for me wonderful lesson.

[@JPHolbrook]

Thank you so much for this. I have a basic knowledge of the pentatonic shapes and how to get to major from the minor but you really cleared things up for me about how only minor works in minor keys, how to find the key in the first place, not having to follow the chord changes....so much goodness in this lesson! Your teaching style is one of the best going on the tube today. Thanks again Brian!

[@briang5586]

Thanks mate. This and last week's BB lesson are spot on. I have worked on minor and major pentatonic for ages based on chords - a little like you, but I have always been less certain about the relative positions of the minor and major penta shapes and paricularly moving to the major pentatonic. This and last week's BB lesson makes it obvious - let's hope it sticks this time. Also the linking between position one and two may be obvious, but your careful explanation of this has cemented it with me this time. Thanks as well for the bending guidance. More like this please. You've been so good to me over the years - I keep coming back. But membership is on the cards. If only a trial at first .....as you suggest. Thanks for this Brian.

[@earlbrackett6508]

amazing clarity that sticks in your brain long after the lesson is over, thanks very much for your time and expertise.

[@jeffreyvanausdal115]

I’ve watched this lesson probably at least 4 times ( I’m a slow learner) but I’m finally getting to understand how these scales work. Thank you so much!

[@puddle5ofmud599]

Ah the dots are connecting at last 😌 cheers and thank you very much it's fantastic what you do here and and on your site.

[@americojurca6380]

This guy is the best! I've already said that, but I do want to repeat it.

[@4stevio]

Having been totally confused by all of this for many, many years, and I have to say I even used to get totally lost within minutes of your excellent lessons. After watching your video lessons for a few years I’m finally understanding and I am able to follow most of what you are saying. I’ve known the first position minor scale and the blues house part of second position for most of those years. In the last few years I’ve learned that the BB box is just that second pattern moved up another two frets. My understanding of what’s happening is really starting to come together, I guess I just wanted to say thanks.

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

Become a premium member for only 10 bucks a month there are years of lessons and the 2nd part of all his videos with tab and backing tracks its a great deal you can't get cheaper than 10 bucks a month

[@johnnyscasadellamusica9818]

This is the only guy I can take notes from and when I read the notes back they still make sense. He not only tells you the "what," but also the "where, when, and how."

[@kentbrandmeyer2104]

Brian- Your teaching just keeps getting better. Thanks for fueling my passion every week- keep up the great work!

[@kurtwilliams9827]

This lesson is worth watching over and over. so many lightbulb moments for me. thank you

[@joebeamish]

This puts everything together in a way no other guitar teacher that I’ve seen has managed to do. 👍

[@studioedin5288]

you are the best tescher on youtube, watching for years but going to subscribe to your page.

[@BurnleyNuts]

Diatonic, A = F#m or C = Am etc. Relative minors. Great lesson Brian as always.

[@thelowprofile9767]

Pure gold….for free!!!!!

[@nickd8289]

I've been using the pentatonic scales like this for years. Great lesson and information. This is all you really need to play all kinds of cool things.

[@Elvis-dw7ux]

Wow, makes sense now as I have moved from Elvis, Cliff & The Shadows, The Ventures to playing Raags. The Penatonic info. is all related to the different types of Modes.

[@alvinuselton912]

Thank you 🙏 brother you are truly an amazing teacher. You have greatly impacted me in a positive way all I desire is to do a little something for GOD in this life and may you be greatly rewarded for your effective skill and ability to communicate your passion. Thank you sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MarcellinusVD]

This is the one I've been waiting for so long, thank you Brian. I'll look up the rest in the premium member section ;)

[@drwold1455]

Best lesson, Ever!!!! Thank YOU!

[@dnluc9]

You are such a great instructor!! Glad to be a premium member!!

[@imannonymous7707]

Its amazing how you make all these boxes logical digestable and applicable . I take away something from every vid

[@flylippfantom8425]

I advanced considerably when you taught to connect the chord shapes. I can play anywhere on the fretboard and need to practice the voicing, bending sliding all that. Thank you Brian

[@robertahli3738]

Thank You!You answered all my questions with this video..

[@bobcoffey1072]

The light is coming on more , and more thank you

[@friederlehmann2263]

Brilliant, thank you from the bottom of my heart, Brian

[@fredanderson5278]

Thanks Brian.

[@Zozzle12]

This one is a biggie. With the instruction on the minor and major pentatonic, the three shapes, plus the merging of the two and the adding of the BB Box, we've got just about everything we need to know. And what's really going to help is my awesome Vidami pedal for looping the more important bits like at 20:52 - "Mixing the major and minor pentatonic scales". Thanks Brian.

[@1974xaviers]

Superb lesson.... very well explained....and so informative 🙏👍

[@TdoggWilson]

This is such a great lesson Brian! Learn something new after each replay. Thanks so much for simplifying the pentatonic scale. Best teacher on utube, your lessons are gold!

[@d.l.huntministries8131]

I will check back in , this has been an awesome lesson , thank you very much .

[@JoergZimmermannKoeln]

Hello Brian, that's a really good course again. That opened my eyes and opened up new horizons. In my mind's eye I could suddenly see the fretboard and many knots came undone by themselves. I thank you for all your great instructions and the time you invest to lead us "ignorant" to new shores :) Thank you from Cologne / Germany Jörg

[@ericblaich7681]

So Good Brian ! I have watched a lot of lessons on this, you are by far the best at explaining and presenting a practical approach on how to learn these Pentatonic positions. Kudos to you !!!’n👊

[@richardd.4421]

Wow!! You really have a gift Brian....I find your lessons very easy to understand because you communicate basic concepts in a way that just clicks . Thank you

[@keefong2540]

Excellent lesson Brian ...

[@michaelsparks8632]

I would comment but Philip P said so perfectly I just gave HIM a thumbs up, which in turn means you got a thumbs up also Brian. He just nailed it!

[@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes]

Fantastic lesson Brian, very groovy!!!! 🎉 🎈 🎊

[@dieterreindl6466]

Hi Brian, this is the best, most helpful, most descriptive thing I've found so far on the subject of minor/major pentatonic. Great work, chapeau for the huge effort you put in. Thank you very much, this really helps me.

[@jeanabsonturel268]

Believe me man. Ya doing a great job. Thanks a lot. God bless you.

[@stephenmcfarlane7961]

Thankyou for your insights and no nonsense guitar lesson. Was almost about to give it away because I found it hard to make sense of what I was trying to learn.your lessons have given me a focus and I really appreciate your efforts.thankyou from the land of oz.

[@mckaymnm]

Ya this guy is the best I've ever seen. I watch a ton of different videos and most either talk or play too fast for my liking. This guy makes it understandable

[@stephenmcfarlane7961]

@@mckaymnm yes mark I dont get the ones that tell or go fast and I was driving me nuts then you find brian and he simplifies things and breaks it down so nicely. I am inspired to keep playing now all the best to you.

[@PE1978C]

Very nice lesson, Brian!

[@stoneglad]

Once again (we’ll, every single week!) another incredible lesson! This has really helped to tie a few of your most recent lessons and the following lesson to this one all together! Thanks to you I finally really understand the entire fretboard!

[@TomKaszuba]

Phenomenal lesson. Thank you very much.

[@davis12024]

Great lesson! Covered all of the key points of the pentatonic. Normally it would take watching dozens of lessons (from less complete instructors) to get all of this information!

[@bobdavidson4167]

What an INCREDIBLE revelation!

[@drutgat2]

Great stuff. Many thanks Brian.

[@davidthomson3592]

Great video broke it down real easy 👍

[@krispickett22]

You’re an awesome teacher! I’m signing. By far the best and most effective and efficient-you made it so easy!

[@dalesparks9570]

Really appreciate that you share your knowledge of music n you have that rare ability to make it understandable in a simple hands on approach. Thanks so much, very tempted to join your club

[@dieselman7453]

This is some great information this is wat I was working with today with my guitar teacher thanks for your help bro great stuff cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@foggyblues13]

This is one of the best lessons for me. Thanks so much!

[@AndSoMuchMor]

I really liked your explanation of why a pentatonic is more useful to improvise with. Never heard that before. Cool! It would be helpful if you could rotate the tab dots illustration above your playing so that they weren't upside down . Make it the same as the notes you're playing with the bottom e on top and the lower, thinner e string on bottom so ppl can pick up what you're doing more easily. Thanks for the video!

[@99vkh]

Very nice 👍 and I happy that I am a loyal member. Like to go ahead with the practice sessions now 😊🎸🎸 Thanks Brian 👏👏

[@MustafaBaabad]

Years ago I was astonished when somebody can fill the melody on the song that he just heard. I thought it was a tallent given by God. Now it seems very logical. You explain it in away so that it makes nore sense and make us understand the reason why. Thanks Chief. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@johnnybumpous9108]

great lesson, thanks for sharing !!

[@tuckasamms]

These are the very best lessons on youtube, superbly concise and wonderfully delivered. All that's left to say Brian, is many , many thanks.

[@smokeynewport1591]

You put this together in such a clear and easy way to learn. Thank you!

[@janveenis2851]

Thnx Brian, Very clear and practical explanation how to use and connect the the major and minor pentatonic scales in the same area. I understand why you're ar so exited after making this lesson. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@deslandeslarrieux1090]

Helpful advice! Thanks

[@joeyvaughn5643]

Always Enjoy your lesson dicriptions Brian, thank you! Very Informative.

[@1974xaviers]

Superb educative video...very well presented...and easy to understand... Thanks Brian for your efforts 😊

[@davidkarr5119]

Brian, thank you so much for this knowledge & lessons unlocking the fret board over a wide area of the fretboard. The work and time you put in for these lessons are amazing indeed . I been a musician for a number of years , you my friend have help me in so many ways to further my improvising on the Guitar 🎸, wow, I am amazed by your simple teaching techniques. Thanks so much, I am forever grateful. Where have you been my friend? Or better put, where have I been? Lol 🎸🎸🎸

[@luckyfamilyman]

Wow nailed it.. You got to get a bunch more subscribers and premium memberships off this lesson👍 If Somebody told me they play guitar and know chords and stuff but they want one best lesson to learn lead… BOOM this is it Great refresher for me too always something ya need reminding of!

[@ted9876]

Really simplified it for me. Great lesson as always.

[@jcdrnosecone]

Killer, I needed the fundamentals for hybrid blues drilled into me. Eureka

[@Latitude41N]

Massively helpful lesson. Thank you very much. On my way now to become an Active Melody member.

[@mraggrovator]

Execellent lesson delivered very professionally.

[@glenguldbeckmusic3410]

Fantastic lesson, Brian!!! Thank you and enjoy your weekend….👍🏻🎸👍🏻🎸

[@andrewhenderson9474]

Great lesson thanks 🙏

[@jeffdaniel2663]

What a fantastic lesson leaned a great deal thanks for sharing all these amazing lessons and explaining in simple format .your a star

[@jimkostan9932]

Ok:! I've been doing this for many decades but never knew the terminology of what I am playing, like the older Blues Greats! I don't have to think when I play guitar.

[@scottlenox4497]

Another excellent lesson from Brian!

[@gcartwright4411]

Love the light bulb moments! Bravo!