Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

Soulful R&B Style Lead Guitar Lesson – Using the Major Pentatonic Scale – EP222

Description

In this week’s guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to improvise a soulful R&B style lead using the major pentatonic scale. I’ll explain which patterns the notes come from and how to connect them back to chord shapes so that you can start to visualize leads like this when you’re improvising.

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - For Premium Members

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Slow Walk-Through

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

  2. paul s says

    Another great lesson ! You should teach the Rhythm part as well with all the Embellishments. Truly one of the best guitar websites available and as a premium member I find the value amazing.

  11. Aussie Rick says

    Great lesson Brian, love the lead, especially the part played higher up the neck. I too would love to see a lesson on the rhythm part. We could then play the rhythm part into a looper and play the lead over it. Thanks again.
    Rick

  20. Bill W2 says

    Thanks Brian ! that short insight (circa 14:00) on how playing the A Major pattern 1 over the F#Minor chord can change the dynamics is excellent. I’ve heard in the past that playing modes can only fully be appreciated when playing along with another player playing the changes (underlying chords).

  21. wrightclick says

    What a piece of music i just wish my internal body clock could feel the groove better , coming in to early on some parts but getting better with improved feel . Listening to the track with no lead that is a great rhythmic piece with some added fills not too much great spaces just right , did you lay the track down Brian or is it automated on a keyboard accompaniment type thingy ? i’d like to see how them rhythm fills are executed would be a great timing exercise .

  25. klox says

    Agreed, an excellent lesson in using the major scale. Makes use of just about every scale position, clearly explained and also integrates application of chord tones (end section).
    Nice one Brian !

  28. Bret S says

    I think this lesson is one of my top five favorites? Its very Motown esq and my ear naturally favors that sweet major sound, especially when you emphasize hammering on the major 3rd. fantastic lesson!!! also, if your considering a Walter Becker memorial, look up the Pretzel Logic Shuffle. that would be a fantastic lesson. Bret

  32. Rob C says

    Absolutely love this lesson. I really thought I couldn’t tackle it but I’m getting closer every day. My only criticism would be that you spent a lot more time on the easier licks and sped through the harder ones in the second half. Those were definitely more challenging. Thank you for sharing this beautiful song, learning it has helped me break through to the next level. Thank you sir!

  36. Robert B says

    Brian,
    I have been picking up tid bits off your micro lessons for a while. your teaching style is great and very comfortable.I finally bought a years subscription and already feeling an improvement in playing. This is the first full legnth lesson for me. I love this piece ! I have been working on it for a couple of weeks and am seeing light at the end of the tunnel.I could be wrong,butI think that in bar 18 the tabliture does not show the slide from fret 14 to 12 on the B string.

  38. Don F says

    Hey Brian – Is there a way I can increase the vertical size of the viewable tabs? I can only see one line at a time which is very annoying when it jumps to the next line. I see the setting for infinite line but I’d rather see it a page at a time.

    Thanks

  40. paul s says

    Brian I think this is one of your outstanding lessons. You really put together an amazing solo over this chord progression. Your website is so professionally designed and thought out that it gives the guitar player every possible advantage to expedite the learning curve. I only wish I had this type of stuff at my disposal 40 years ago when I first started playing. All the best! Paul

  41. Chris J says

    Brian, I’ve just signed up for my Second Season with you, ayy. My playing has already ‘skyrocketed’ but I still need ‘more’ polishing ….. thanks for the great lessons. Well worth the money (even thought it’s 30% more for us Canadians )…. the American dollar is so damn ‘strong’. Could you spend some time talking about ‘counting’ and ‘timing’. Cannot read music and that is a ‘major’ weakpoint for me …. cheers Brian…

  42. Tarek D says

    Hi Brian, I just joined yesterday and I am thrilled with your lessons and the excellent feel and softness you have in your playing. You indeed made me want to improve big time and the way you explain everything is just great. I have spent so much time before going through various websites, and yours is indeed the best!
    I have one question regarding the jam track, it just finishes suddenly without an end, why is it like that? I noticed that most tracks you use end the same way.
    thank you,
    Tarek

  44. Scott B says

    Great, great lesson. One point that I think would help a lot of people is to point out the location of root, 4 and 5 notes in your licks. With no surprise, the licks typically resolve to the root and/or center around it. I’ve learned the importance of those three notes from other teachers. You always show the location of the notes of the fretboard, but I believe pointing out the root notes would help tie this all to music theory and help to translate to lead improvisation.

  49. richard c says

    start playing 15 month ago.
    am 74.
    was my dream to learn for years.
    play 3/4 hours a day..
    and this i can play it.
    imagine my joy….!!!!!
    your site is the best i found.
    all the best from Bali
    Richard

  52. Glenn A says

    Hey Brian! I love your playing and how you have your site laid out, but I do have to say that some of your tablature doesn’t match what your playing. One example is in measure #21…in your video you do a hammer on/pull off and in the tablature you don’t have it written that way.

  53. william zietlow says

    Hi Brian, this is one of my favorite lessons. Can’t believe it’s been that long ago since you offered it. Just this a.m. I read comments on rythm section. Very helpful and my suggestion is to post the link on the opening page of the lesson to be able to find it quickly. Keep up the great work, and have a very Merry CHRISTmas. Thanks so much for taking my creativity to a much higher level. God bless you and your family.

  54. Jeff L says

    This is one of the best online places for learning guitar. Thanks for all you do Brian. I don’t know of any other sight that has this much content for the price. Love It!!!!! And Love this Lesson!

  55. Bob O. says

    Great Lesson!
    Brings back memories of a song from the 60’s or early 70’s
    Anyone know the name of this Tune
    I think it was a Duet. Male & Female.

    I can hear the words but cannot come up with the Name

  56. pschlosb says

    I absolutely love this solo, it’s awesome. However, after listening to it about 50 times (and learning many of the licks) i still do not think of it as R & B. I think it’s more like country, maybe similar to A Woman’s Love by Alan Jackson in that vein, e.g., smooth country..

  59. Jeff says

    I joined yesterday, I’m really impressed! Well worth the cost! Brian I do like the way you teach, easy to follow but also very challenging! The song is sweet!
    Thanks Brian

  62. David D says

    Well I guess first, do you really have to scroll all the way to the bottom post a comment. For future. I’ve got to say this lesson has been a huge bridge for me as hard as it is. I mean I spent a lot of time with this one, I love it so much. So the Bend on the 4th fret third-string and hold, clean sound, that’s hard for me. I’m using the second string approximation, but it doesn’t sound nearly as good. I’m sure it will come in time.

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