Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

Part 1 of 2: How to Jam (Improvise) on Guitar When Playing Lead – EP099

Description

One of the most common emails I get from folks that are learning to play the guitar is, “Ok, so I know my chords and scales… now what?” There seems to be a mental ceiling that we all hit at some point and knowing how to improvise is a big one. In this lesson, I’ll go over the technique used in changing scales as the chords change, and show you the minor and major pentatonic boundaries that you can work with for each chord. This is part 1 of a 2 part mini series on how to jam.

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - Premium Lesson Content

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access

Part 3 - Rhythm Part

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access

Slow Walk-Through

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access

Video Tablature Breakdown

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access
Curious about the benefits of
Premium Membership?
Try it for FREE!
arrow_downYou need to be logged in as a premium member to access the tab, MP3 jam tracks, and other assets. Learn More

Add to "My Favorites"

You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.

Comments

  2. Nihikai says

    Really a lot of great stuff here. Thanks so much for again opening my eyes. After all, I’ve only been at this 45 years. But finding a scale starting on the 3rd string (and I related it back to the 5th) opens up whole new worlds without moving all over the neck. Cheers.

  3. stevie P says

    Another excellent lesson, chock full of useful information that beginners and intermediates can learn from.
    The theory behind switching from major to minor pentatonic scales is thoroughly explained.
    The premium lesson also takes things a step further….i
    It would cost you a fortune and many months of private lessons to get what Brian explains so simply and effectively in these lessons.

  5. charleydelta says

    This lesson is another homerun, Brian. What continues to amaze me is that, when played at a slow pace, some apparently discordant tones (e.g., some double stops) sound really cool when played uptempo. Like you say, the human ear can be fooled.

  8. jimbostrat says

    Stevie P…………have you been reading my mind!! This is exactly what it is!! We all need to have this information driven into our guitar brains and Brian enthusiastically abides us!! Love the new comments he places on the screen too……..

    Jim C.

  10. MJR1164 says

    Y’know what, Brian.  One of your cover lessons on Rickie Lee Jones’ Chuck E’s in Love would be cool.

    A) because there aren’t any good lessons on it on the net
    and
    B) a lot of the stuff from here would fit into that song

    Great stuff as always.  Thanks

  11. JohnStrat says

    Brian I am getting stuck into this lesson its very, good thanks. I am one of those guys who tried to play many years ago and eventually put it aside because of impenetrable ceilings. Its like you have a good list of the troubles for you are driving me forward albeit that I am trying to catchup.

    I am definitely seeing and moving beyond some of those limitations and know that if I put the effort in you will take me along. That is great, it is all that I can hope for.

    I would like to recommend Active Melody subscription to any one reading this and who wants access to a fantastic resource for guitar I cannot think you could be disappointed.
    JohnStrat

  12. scattercreek says

    Another great example of great application of worthwhile music theory being contained in many of Brian’s lessons. thanks again Brian.

    Gene

  13. obxrunner62 says

    What Taylor Model is that?

    I actually bought the Alvarez SB66, on your post, even though I have Martins and Taylor’s, Love the Alvarez!

  14. BryanB says

    Hi Brian, another great lesson. I really like the way you have structured it so that I get to learn both rhythm and lead section. The whole content shows it is well worth being a premium member! Thanks.

  15. Mark SR says

    Well Bryan,  I must say you did it again???  I have been playing guitar for over 50 years and have been using those same notes in riffs for many of those 50 years, but never in quite that feel…  It took me just a few minutes to get your riff down pretty good and apply it to the track.  What I found my self doing was bending a few of those notes using double stops??  It creates a real nice steel guitar sound…. and if you play this a little slower, you can get a pretty good Blues feel groove….

    Folks say ” you can’nt teach an old dog new tricks”, but ” I think SO ”  !!!

    Thanks Bryan..
    John in Florida

  16. RobertBlower says

    Yet another great lesson.  I have often wondered how you can solo matching the chord changes.  This method certainly changes the sound of just sticking within the tonic scale of the one chord.  Thank you for adding the extra tools to the lessons which help greatly.  You obviously love your craft, and this comes through in your manner of teaching,  much appreciated’

    Robert an ex Brit, living Michigan

  17. middad0104 says

    Brian,
    I am SO glad I became a premium member. (what took me so long, duh)
    This is a lot of fun. this reminds me of some Bossa Nova blues chord progressions that I have.  Fun to play each time!  Can you do something like a Blues/Bossa Nova chord piece in the future?

    Thanks again.

    Dave A. Lake Mary Fl

  18. MikeG60 says

    I don’t know what this crap it but it sure the hell AIN’T the Blues!!!
    REFUNDS should be given to everyone!! This place sucks! I’m out of here!

  19. Brian says

    Hey MikeG60 - I never claimed this lesson to be ONLY blues, nor the site for that matter.  I disagree that “refunds should be given to everyone” because you didn’t like this style.  I actually was going to give you a refund because I like for everyone to feel these lessons are worth the cost, but I see that you’re not even a premium member.  I know you think it sucks - I’ve read through your other similar comments on the ActiveMelody Facebook page and on here.  I do like hearing comments from people that disagree or don’t like lessons - that’s how I can continue to improve content, but I think I’ll just disregard yours.

  20. Bryce.AKguitar says

    I have to say something…

    Brian,

    Your lessons are awesome and my playing really has improved since joining the site.  I enjoy that you have a variety of different lessons styles because it make me a better musician.

    I feel like I have a buddy that is really good at guitar and I get to jam with him whenever I want.  I have picked up quite a few tricks from my buddy I might add.  🙂

    I truly appreciate all the blood, sweat, and tears you put into this site and your lessons.  I am sure the vast majority of the members on this site feel similarly.

    Keep up the good work and don’t let the trolls get you down. :)  Looking forward to the next 100!

  26. Emsi says

    Dear Brian,

    I try to understand this quick litter cheat in part 1 22:03 sec. but I fail. I am lost where to continue on the B and e string. The idea is to get easy from the home base to pattern for isn’t it ?

    kind regards

    Gerhard

  28. banjopaul says

    Hi . Brian !I’m 79 years old and still trying to learn, you are making my retirement years so much fun.  Thank You, Paul Jacques

  29. Rudai123 says

    Great lesson. My question is when to solo like this versus staying in a certain key ? (besides just wanting that sound). Seems like Jazz does this changing of key during solos happens much more than rock and roll type blues. Thanks!

  30. Rudai123 says

    Great lesson. I love the call an repeat. It forces you stay in time, just like if you were with another guitar player. I can tend to jam to a jam track with not regard to timing or consideration for another player.

  31. Ply3 says

    Brian,
    I’m a new member — Ive checked out all the other online sites and I’m back to stay. I LOVE this lesson in particular as I play acoustic. I’m going to be the coolest girl lead player in my jam circle and it’s all because I’m taking the time to understand the theory after 30 years AND thanks to your excellent and clear explanations, I’m getting it. Thanks so much for demystifying it all. And who says girls can’t be good lead players?

  32. Dan L says

    Brian,
    New to the site and loving it already!

    You refer to soloing over 12-bar blues and staying in the same key (using major and minor pentatonics). Is there a lesson here showing that?

    Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!
    Dan

  33. Maurice S says

    Hi Brian ,great lesson .I am 65 and have been playing for over 50 years,sometimes seriously,sometimes casually,and started playing fingerstyle rag and blues about 3 years ago.It is a joy to learn new stuff with you.Greetings from Québec !

  35. Paddy C says

    Hey Brian
    So many light bulbs going off for me here,I love these lessons where your jamming with a friend and you each take your turn to improvise,another excellent lesson with so much take away material for me,cheers Brian 🍺

  36. Marcus C says

    Hi Brian,

    I’m trying to sort out what key we’re in. As all the chords have major thirds, I’m guessing one of them is a substituted chord for the minor. If the key was G then the A would be minor, and if the key was C, then the A would also be minor. And C major doesn’t show up in D major. Can you help me out? I’m trying to figure out what key I’d stick with if I wanted to solo in one key, asy you talk about at the very beginning of the lesson.
    Thanks for a great site. I’m enjoying all of it!

  37. Karina B says

    Thanks Brian. I have only done part 1 so far and am not going to overwhelm myself with part 2 just yet but this was great. I stayed with you the whole way, understood what you were saying about the scales and patterns, paused the recording to work it out for myself and pleased to say the light bulbs were lighting up! I’m glad to be finally linking up and understanding how they fit together and even more pleased to realise that it isn’t all that hard when you know what to do. Thanks for explaining things the way you do. I’ve been having private lessons for over 2 years and haven’t been taught/told/explained this.

  38. michael f says

    Timing question. I’m counting this out with 8 toe taps to each measure even though its in 4/4 time. I like doing this because its like giving yourself “extra” time to get my bearings as I try to play the chord changes. I have a fighting chance of getting my mind there enough to play the chord changes. How are you counting this out?

    Also is there a reason that you don’t put time signatures in the music?

Leave a Reply

Recent Lessons

Contact

For all support questions email: support@activemelody.com
For all other inquires email: brian@activemelody.com