Let’s talk about how to play the minor pentatonic scale on guitar. This scale is one of the most important scales to know, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player.

In this post, I’ll share two different ways to play the A minor pentatonic scale on guitar. We’ll cover how to practice the scale, songs that use the A minor pentatonic, and even some music theory behind it. Plus, I’ll even dive into how legend Eric Clapton uses the minor pentatonic scale as well!

So make sure you're tuned up, and let’s get started!

What is the minor pentatonic scale on guitar?

The minor pentatonic scale is a series of 5 notes per octave. It’s a simplified scale from a full minor scale that’s extremely versatile for playing solos, riffs, and melodies. The scale serves as a foundation for blues, rock, pop, and many other styles, and it’s often the first scale guitarists learn for improvisation.

It’s a great tool for understanding how melody, phrasing, and rhythm work together over chords in a ...

Years ago, I was rehearsing with this combo band led by blues guitar legend Kenny Burrell...

One day, he walked into the rehearsal, and the band was trying to decide which tune to play first. I suggested this tune.

There was this large window lining the top of the room we were in, and you could see the trees outside during the fall.

Kenny pointed up to the window and said, “Yeah, I guess that’s ok because... 

the leaves...”

It’s one of the most famous tunes from the American songbook, and in this post, I cover Eric Clapton’s powerful version.

It’s a perfect song for fall. Someone commented online saying this: “The guitar is the screaming voice of love and pain.”

I don't disagree. 

Many people don’t know this, but one of Jimi Hendrix's biggest influences was Curtis Mayfield. 

Mayfield’s style was unique. And you can hear strands of it in the DNA of Hendrix’s playing on tunes like “Little Wing” and “Wind Cries Mary.”

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on this style. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “People Get Ready” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote People Get Ready?

“People Get Ready” was originally written by the great American singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield. The message of the song is one of hope and spiritual readiness. It was first recorded by The Impressions in 1965, and blends gospel, soul, and blues in a powerful way.

The Impressions' take was recorded at Universal Recording Corporation in Chicago. The arrangement is simple and combines gospel-inspired harmonies with Mayfield’s iconic guitar style. 

Upon its release, “People Get Ready” became a hit for The Impressions, reaching #3 on the Billboard R&B chart and #14 on th...

I don’t know about you...

But one of my all-time favorite grooves to play is a... 

SLOW BLUES!

There’s just something about the FEELING of it that other groove can copy. Picture a smoky blues club at 12AM. The band is about to kick off the next song... 

What will they play?

Well, above is a brand new video on 9 slow blues tunes that could be perfect options for you.

Hope you enjoy!

Jon MacLennan

Behold… One of the best-selling Christmas songs of all time!

It wasn’t written by Elvis, but his version is certainly one of the most famous. 

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.  

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Blue Christmas” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Blue Christmas?

“Blue Christmas” was originally written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson in 1948. However, Elvis Presley has one of the most famous versions of it.

The song, as it says, is about a “Blue Christmas”. The main character is alone and feeling sad during the holidays because they are missing a loved one. The first recording of “Blue Christmas” was by Doye O'Dell in 1948, and his version has a classic country sound:

It wasn’t until 1957 that Elvis recorded his version at RCA Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The King’s version was featured on his album, Elvis’ Christmas Album, as song 5.

While there are many jolly Christmas songs, this one captures the...

RHYTHM:

LEAD:

Level: 🎸🎸🎸Advanced