Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

MicroLesson: 073 – How do I START Improvising on guitar? Remember to keep it simple! ML073

Description

In this MicroLesson (ML073), you’ll learn a simple song that uses 3 chords and 5 unique notes. This is a great starting point for learning to improvise!

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

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Comments

  2. Andre N says

    Brian another great straight forward lesson. Your micro lessons are wonderful as they are concise and lends themselves to experimenting/improvising on your own with the basic outline you give

  3. John T says

    Hi Brian… Maybe your next Micro should be the same “Idea” (Maybe the same 3 chords and 6 notes) but emphasising the concept of Rhythm … For me rhythm makes or breaks music

    • Tom R says

      There are a lot of backing tracks available from many sources on the internet. Probably get one in the style and tempo that you’d like rather than have Brian furnish one that might not fit what you’d like to play. I do agree that backing track “keep me honest” but also provide inspiration to follow his suggestions.

  9. RANDY M says

    The firehose reference. I haven’t heard that for 50 years. Smile.

    KISS is what I need.

    Nice album collection! When cassettes came out and I’d buy an album I immediately recorded it. Now in my 70’s
    Playing my like new albums.

  16. Peter R says

    Very useful and exactly what I need. This type of lesson is what made me decide to become a premium member two months ago. I can honestly say I have learned more in these last 2 months than I did in the last 20 years strumming. I thought you read my mind when you posted this ML.

  18. Tim Moran says

    Excellent. I’d love to see more of this, using different pentatonic boxes (I know, the point is to figure it out myself, and they are the same five notes, but this was eye-opening for a dweeb like me….)

  20. John R says

    I’ve been playing to G Blues rhythm tracks a lot recently – and in B as well – this little sparky melody allows experimentation on about as many levels – tempo, style of music, etc. that I can think of.

    I’ve recently tried to get more familiar with modal plying and can see things already I might try with this – thanks Brian,

    J

  24. darrell b says

    Great lesson Brian ! My motto keep it simple, as a 50 plus year drummer that picked up the guitar 5 years ago it’s been a struggle., but something I am so happy that I have attempted. You help me stay grounded!

    Thanks!!

  27. Wil W says

    Hello Brian another great lesson. With a very good explanation, which I totally understand. Could you also please make a lesson with a 1, 4, 5 progression (in the key of G), but over a major pentatonic key of G (this would be the E-shape in the box fret 3-6, if I am right). I ask this because the major pentatonic is missing the 4 to land on. So in this case when going to the 4-chord, do you land on the 3 or the 5 of the 4-chord, or can you still use the 1 of the 4-chord? And if so isn’t this clashing with the 3 of the major pentatonic of G?
    I know you are the best in telling how to think and solve this problem (at least for me it is).

  30. Kevin S says

    Thanks Brian, very cool lesson. Very economical but insightful. Reminds me of the guy who was asked to give a ten minute speech and he replied by saying it would take him weeks to prepare, but if you let me talk for two hours, I’m ready to go now.

  32. jhunter05 says

    Brian, I wish you would hang right here involving this lesson. I would like more tabs/lessons that targets the notes of the chords that are being played. Then proceed into 7th’s, flats, bends, slides but still in targeting the notes of the chords. Just keep building on this premise.

  37. Keith F says

    Great ML lesson. Sometimes I overlook the obvious, little lessons like this help me tie it together. How about doing an actual 60’s or 70’s hit song of rock/blues genre with both lead and rhythm mixed in and explain how it all ties together? And maybe how to play the same song in another key.
    Thanks!
    Keith

    • Rodney W says

      I think the answer to your question lies in what to me is a great way to improvise.

      When I listen to a tune on say my car radio sometimes, quite often in fact, a snippet I have heard makes me think something like “this is how the next bit could go”,and I then have to struggle to remember it well enough until I can pick up a guitar. On another occasion, a bit of a tune comes into my head, perhaps because I have been noodling around on my guitar to see what comes. On another occasion it might be a riff or rhythmic element that comest to mind and gets me started. I am never quite sure where this will lead and what type of music will come out. Now how to deliberately create a rock and roll tune ? Well I guess the answer is listen carefully to a lot of rock music to learn what works and is popular, and then try to mimic the sound or chord sequence but using a rhythm of your own creation. A guy in a video I watched said use a simple sentence like “I like pizza” and use its rhythm, but with a variety of notes of your own choosing. Once you have picked a key for your tune say Emajor, then you can use the E major pentatonic scale, and the chords you can use (keeping it simple as Brian says ) are E, A and B7. The main thing is to tell yourself you can do it and you will, and you will gradually get better at it. Dont be frightened to experiment and see what works and what doesn’t. Good luck and have fun!

      Rodney

      • Richard N says

        Great idea to use a phrase (and I do like pizza) do get an idea for a rhythm. But what Brian played improvising using E A B7 just had a distinct blues sound, which didn’t surprise me because of the chords. But my question is how to use the same (or modified) notes or scale , what could make it sound like a rock solo. Trying to get at: what is the difference between rock and blues soloing?

  39. Ronald L. M says

    This was really great. I’m amazed at how you keep coming up with this excellent material. Your good work is starting to sink in. Got confident enough to go to an new blues jam here & sat in, planning to stay in the background but the guy running it wouldn’t have it & threw some solos my way & they went off so well. You’re right, we don’t need all those notes. I’m able to better get out of my own way. The host was also the harmonica play & liked what I did. There was room enough for both of us. Thank you Brian!!!
    Ron

  44. Mark H says

    Thanks Brian, that was a breath of fresh air and cool to jam along with. I just knew you were going to go up to second position at the end. Thanks to all the lessons I’ve been working on I was able to jump right on it.

    I’ve been a but hung up on theory lately, filling out the gaps in my knowledge and abilities. It’s very affirmative to take some timeout from that, just play for fun and actually be able to nail it.

  45. steph_70 says

    Micro lessons are fun and what is best for, I am slow learner when it comes to lead and phrasing, it takes less time for me to learn the whole thing, unlike longer lessons where i can spend hours listening to the same thing over and over again, than i get tired listening to it (and mostly likely my wife also). Keep ´em coming!

  46. Bjen says

    NO NO NO… you are absolutely wrong! This should not be a Micro Lesson, it should be a full lesson using the same
    kind of examples in patterns 2, 3, etc. This is the best beginner improvising lesson ever, just because it turns on the
    light bulbs. Thanks, Brian

  48. Lyn says

    Thank you man. I’ve been walking in circles trying to learn how to play lead. “Landing on the root note of the chord” helped to straighten out the path a bit. I hope things will continue to become more clear for me as I move forward. Appreciate you and what you do here.

    • David LC says

      In a way, learning to play lead is a little like jumping om a trampoline with a net around the edges.
      You can play notes of the chord, chord shapes, or scales but you can also combine them, as Brian has done here. That’s the brewing cauldron.
      A suggestion, if you want any, is to play and land on the notes that sound good.
      Keep playing, learning bits, putting them together and it will “become more clear for me as I move forward”, as you hoped in your original post..
      Have fun

  50. Dave W says

    I went to the Juke Joint Blues Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi yesterday and witnessed all of the techniques you teach Mr. Brian. This exact technique was very popular by all those blues players there. It was incredible and inspirational. Thanks for this awesome lesson!!!! I plan to master it.

  51. David C says

    I find with music, and really everything I learn, that I need reinforcement from different angles to really learn, not just from one text or video. Once I was learning Spanish (hey, music is a language too right) and suddenly use of the tenses became clear when a friend started using them in a particular way…..yes the right way, but what I needed to make my background work to become clear was the emphasis. This micro lesson has brought such clarity, giving emphasis on the 1,4,5 tonics to create the combined musicality that can be expanded throughout the fretboard. Sometimes I think I need to be slapped in the face with simplicity. I’ve been wandering around with too much complexity. Thank you Brian, for lighting the way.

  54. ian m says

    Hi Brian…I’ve recently joined your legion of students and am so grateful for this and other lessons you offer – especially playing blues on your own. My proficiency and understanding of the guitar has accelerated so quickly by the methods and details you offer. Keep up the fantastic work!

  55. ian m says

    Hi Brian…I’ve recently joined your legion of students and am so grateful for this and other lessons you offer – especially playing blues on your own. My proficiency and understanding of the guitar has accelerated so quickly by the methods and details you offer. Thank you!

  57. pan054 says

    Strangely enough I get drawn to this micro lessons more and more as they are so simple that they allow or even push me to play (and sometimes even enjoy 😊 ) music instead of an wrestling down an instrument. Thanks for that gift Brian.

  58. JH says

    Perfect, just what I need as I sit with my first dose of COVID after avoiding it for 25 months! Love the mastery and familiarity but most of all the enthusiasm. Thanks.

  62. Bindu S says

    I am sorry for a very basic question: You play the 1=4=5 using major chords, but use the minor pentatonic scale pattern 1. I thought I should be using minor chords over minor pentatonic scale and major chords over major pentatonic scale positions. Can somebody please explain and help me? Thanks!

    • Daniel H says

      Check out Brian’s short course. He covers your question. It’s based on the key you are playing in. In short: When playing a minor key, stick to the minor pentatonic. When playing in a major key, you can use either a major or minor pentatonic.

      • Bindu S says

        Thank you so much for your help Daniel! I checked out the lesson from Brian that explained it after you pointed me to it.
        Brian – thank you so much for your lessons! Greatly appreciate all the fantastic contents and lessons you put out.

  63. Jim D says

    Great lesson wish I would have found your site when I first started playing. You have a great gift both as a musician and a teacher. Have you ever thought of week long virtual workshop for for a fee.
    basics to advanced techniques?
    Keep up the great work we all appreciate it.

  66. David LC says

    This lesson and your comments certainly resonate with me.
    For years and years, I’ve hummed songs, tunes, notes and during all those times, I tried to play some of that humming on the guitar. Never really could until your lessons. Now, after your lessons and advice, I feel some beginning abilities to play and sound musical. Best of all, it’s not just playing the guitar but with Active Melody and a little self-initiative, I’ve also learned some practical theory along with the guitar playing,
    What resonates is my beginning joy from my nasally humming and your lessons coming together. At the same time. several of my guitar playing “skills” are beginning to come together. All that is giving me a chance to play guitar music and enjoy the realization that I can look forward to becoming pretty darn good.
    That’s what resonates with me. Thanks Brian. I don’t know if I would have made it without you.

  67. Marcel v says

    Thank you Brian. You emphasize it’s a simple lesson, and it is, but a much appreciated one. I think it is always good to go back to the fundamentals and make music without to many acrobatics. On a good foundation you can build many different buildings.

  70. Richard C says

    Hi Brian
    I listen every day to you and always get something out of your lessons,Currently I am practicing on EP282, but I think that I will also include this lesson in my practicing.
    Thanks for all of your help

  72. Lance P says

    Been subscribed for the past 4 years, always great lessons, but somehow these little nuggets are often the best,. Simple concept that sounds great straight out of the box but gives bags of room for improvisation at your own pace – awesome! Thanks Brian

  74. Werner L says

    Really enjoyed this. You are so knowledgeable that I often get lost in your explanations of where things come from (e.g. pattern X, modes, caged, et.al.) I get the most out of understanding connections which you provide so well. You have become my favorite teacher with your UNIQUE philosophy of learning to improvise vs memorize. Priceless!

  79. Michael M says

    Brian, three things I enjoyed in this lesson. Your variations of the simple melodies, your verbal imagery, and that impressive collection of vinyl. I suffered a break-in a few years back and about half of mine were stolen. The thieves must have been interrupted, as they left the unhooked TV, and dropped a bag with filled with some LPs. Funny thing, they never touched a single CD!

  80. Brian D says

    Brian,
    I was getting frustrated so I went back and looked thru some older lessons. I came across ML073.
    Yes as you said it was a simple lesson but I felt good playing and the best part was yes I could add to it and do my own thing. I felt good.
    I can tell by the number of positive responses I was not alone.
    I really hope to see more of this type of lesson..
    I don’t need my face melted or my mind blown!
    Lol. Thanks for pumping me up!

  81. Glenn D says

    Hi Brian Do you have jam tracks of A B C D E F G , I am learning the two Penta scales and the major scale , I am more into country but rock an blues are ok , do you have in DVD or discs. GLENN . DUNCAN.

  82. Stefan Z says

    Brian, in the Members video you are using the pinky instead of the 3rd finger to slide from F# to G (2nd to 3rd fret) on the D string. Is this your preferred method? I have never done it before and want to commit to memory the “right” fingering. I have to admit that in the beginning had problems moving my 3rd finger and also producing good sounds with finger 1. Now it works, but the bar was raised, lol. Also, I find this the best method to be melodic with the Pentatonic. Thanks a lot for a great lesson.

  87. Doug H says

    Edward S and I are on the same page. I like simple where i finish the meal (lesson) and feel like i can build on it. A lot of the lessons are too much in one setting and i need to work on a part before i can move on.

  90. David H says

    This is good. Beginners need some guidance like, “start with the root note of the chord.” So many just say “play what sounds good.” Maybe a pro can start with the 2nd of the chord and make it sound good. Beginners need rules like “this is safe” or “this will always work.” Sure, it may sound rudimentary, but at least it won’t sound terrible. We’ll get more inventive and expressive as time goes on. Right now we need lessons on how to crawl before we walk and then run.

  91. Daniel G says

    This system works great for the fiddle also. You are fantastic at simplifying the thought processes needed to stay in key (whatever key) just got to get away from the open stings all the time and move up a half step and start using the pinky. Once learning that, all the keys are playable up my NON FRET BOARD. I have watched this video 20 times and am still not done with it. I am so glad I subscribed to active melody because sometimes I need to see the notes on paper but I am learning to read your notes directly off your fret board as I continue. I used to play guitar chords – bar chords included so everything you say makes so much sense. I got the NUDGE on how to start solos from this video. I really appreciate the reminder that the rhythm sets the feel just like we talk – bo da mann; talks; in little phrases; and then later, adds a long sentence some times. Nice to know also that silence is golden cause now I know I can shine! My intonation is perfect on silence. haha. Side note: After being a music hacker all my life I never understood that for a solo (which I was never before able to play) to work one must find a parking place that fits the chord and mood.
    Thanks man!

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