If there’s one thing my experience has taught me over the years, it’s that going deep into one concept or idea will always make you sound better than trying to be a “jack of all trades master of none.”
But instead of trying to explain that, I’ve decided to make a “video blog” today where I’ll show you what I mean in reference to good old pentatonic box 1. At the end I’ll give you some ideas on how to implement this in your own practicing.
By the way, if you like the flash card idea, I’ve got a tool now to do this for you here. I recommend it to all of my students, so I hope you’ll try it out.
Downloads
This Video (WMV)Download this version if you have a Windows computer
- This Video (MP4)
Use this for Macs or Apple devices (ipad, etc.)
120 replies to "Narrow And Deep Always Wins"
Brill. as usual-this must have been B4 you developed the ‘blues guitar trainer’ I guess. Have been using the trainer for some time and have improved alot.
Thanks Griff.
Can you explain the five boxes? I am confused where box 1 starts vs 2 etc
I sure wish that “flash-card” tool was available as a download app. For those tiny, tiny few of us that don’t have interweb access at home. (Yea, I know.) I’d be willing to pay some semi-serious money for it.
I’d like to add a couple of comments that go beyond the scope of Griff’s video that I think will help a lot of people.
First, it’s good to know that songs and solos usually start on the root note of the song’s key.
Second, when doing a fill somewhere in the middle of a 12 bar blues, it’s often good to start on the root note of the chord being played (though one can also start on the root of the key, or really anywhere in the scale given the way there’s always exceptions). In fact you can use or start on chord tones that aren’t even in the pentatonic scale (more advanced and outside the scope of what Griff is concentrating on). I agree with Griff, it’s better to stick within the pentatonic scale until you’re comfortable with it.
If you learn these two ideas and try them out, I believe you’ll find your fills/solos sound better.
This is in response to Johnny Arvin and Donald. I’m in the same boat with you I’m 62 I only play for myself nobody else Griff Hamlin is the greatest guitar teacher on the internet I accidentally found him when I got my first smartphone it was also my introduction to the internet. There are a lot of people out there that try to teach some of them are extremely good but I haven’t found anybody that’s as concise and clear as Griff. I will never be able to play like Stevie Vai but it’s not necessary I am currently learning the entire song Coming Back To Life by Pink Floyd The solos in it or not extremely fast but boy are they tasty could not have done this without Griff Construction the boxes in the music theory before I was just memorizing now I understand thank you so much Griff
Griff’s videos over the past few weeks have helped me understand the difference between a pentatonic style and a box style. I always thought they were the exact same phrasing, which explains why I keep hitting clunkers. This was perfect. Can’t wait to try it out on my live teacher and my band.
I have just read every comment. Griff I hope you are feeling the love. As a senior I have very little money to spend on myself so I watch and read all you offer. I sure do appreciate your kindness and I am loving my retirement hobby, of learning the guitar. xxx
First off, I’m not really interested in the blues but harder rock material such as older Judas Priest and UFO. And I can also say that I have had absolutely abysmal luck with guitar teachers. My current state of affairs as a guitarist sloppy and undisciplined. Something has to change?
So why am I here? Recently, I came across a couple of videos from Mr. Griff and his teaching style helped me decide to start the basic Playing on the Porch lesson. If it turned out to be trash, I could reseal the DVD and give it away as a present.
After going a couple of chapters in the lesson, I realized that this guy is an awesome teacher. To make a long story short, I just received the BGU lessons and am starting the lessons.
Seriously wished I could have learned from someone of Griff’s level years ago.
Many thanks.
a fundamental blueprint in understanding soloing anywhere on the guitar neck. Now to refresh my memory o five box patterns and fret board notes again, an encouraging lesson.
Griff – you do it every time – bring a new insight to the table (or should I say boxes). But it’s not just the content of your lessons, it’s the way you teach. What a beautiful gift to have – and to pass on to us mere mortals.
Thank you Griff.
Oh,a glimmer of light! U did it again griff.thanks man!!!!wishing u happy birthday and many more.
I watched this a few years ago and went to the flash card trainer and stumbled for quite a while. My brain couldn’t quite grasp it–until it did. Seeing the patterns, the consistent patterns that were everywhere, not just the boxes, made it so very clear. Maybe the best thing I did to learn where I could be at any time on the fret-board in any key, major or minor. Thanks to you for the insight and to the flashcard trainer creator, whose name I forgot but not his impact. I only wish Rustie could have taken the time to see that. Rock On!
Ge Wiz! that was from a video , years ago. been with you for a Long time Griff. Just show me the chords and the change, or turn around and i’ll get it .
GO SEE ALICE , WHEN YOUR 10 FEET TALL. DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE. LO!
Griff I am new with the guitar boxes. I have a question. When you say play c on the 3rd string, are we to keep the same box shape starting on the 3rd string. In other words would the box shape be 1-3 on the 3rd string or will it be 1-4 as the beginning of the box on the 6th string but starting on the 3rd string shape. I am confuse. Help. Could you write me a tab from the beginning to the end using this c idea on the 3rd string. Thank you.
Griff this is an outstanding video. Not only does it expand on the use of box 1, it also is a great way to learn all the keys on the neck. Very helpful.
Jeannette, it would be 1-3 on the 3rd string
Hi Griff,
From my previous comments above in Oct 2015 and Oct 2016 and now Oct 2017, I can measure my progress in learning all the BGU courses that I now have and everyday I practice all the 5 Boxes in different keys as a warm up. Since I had my both eyes operated for Cataract I am now able to SEE much better and learning much faster now.
This is always a great refresher lesson.
Each time I learn more and it is all coming together now..
Now catching up on all the BGU courses I have.
All good.
Michael-Sydney-Australia Oct 2017.
This is one of the things I really need to work on. I know all my scales major and minor from a practicing in the same positions , but being able to recognize how to find the scales relative to where I’m playing slows me down. So thanks “Griff” for the exercise
Very instructive and good bodily structure of subject matter, now that’s user pleasant (:.
Top advice as ever, not odd at all
That is the essence of how not to trot out the sam 2 to 3 ideas every time you solo
Superbly put
Griff,
When are you coming to TX?
Hi Griff. My first comment! One of the great things regarding your courses is that the many valuable video “pearls ” that go along with the course. That in itself is worth the cost of enrolment. I can save and refer back to your teachings and find this very helpful. Thanks for keeping me in the loop! Best Regards Roy. Canada
Just today my teacher talked about movable scales, which to me sounds like what you are covering. I find this timely. thanks again for your help it reinforces what I am trying to grab onto.
Hi Griff,
I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your BGU course and how interesting and helpful your little free videos are. Your enthusiasm comes over in heaps and it’s a delight to receive and watch them…thank you so much.
All the very best from Scotland!
William
Awesome lesson Griff, it’s as if a light bulb went off in my head. Now I’m able to look at the 5 boxes in a different way and approach them differently. Great advice with the flash cards. I will definitely incorporate this in my daily practice routine. Thanks.
I’ve been trying the flashcards, and it’s a great method. Griff, I’ve been a BGU student for four years now, and one of the best concepts I got from you is the left- and right-facing patterns. I find I can dive right into a scale on any string, any fret, any key without just using the left/right pattern and not even thinking about boxes. Of course, the boxes are essential, but coupling that practice with the left/right pattern has given me the best fretboard fluency of my life. The best part is it focuses on root notes. Thanks for all the great instruction, Griff. I wish I was in Memphis!!!
Sure, Griff goes off to Memphis to jam and party with the elite members,
and we get stuck with homework on flashcards!
This Blues guitar stuff is giving me the blues! Thanks, Griff!
Hi Griff, Great ideas. Got the boxes down just not the different key starting points. More practicing to do :). Must say that your Jam tracks i recently aquired are great to practice with. All the best, Walter
Great stuff, Griff. I’m trying to get this all to be more intuitive, and I think your suggestions will help me get there. Memory-wise and “intellectually” I can go from one scale to another, but I want to hear it more readily.
Thanks I just had a light blub come on! I thought that box 1 was only on the 5th fret, boy do I feel dumb. Oh well you live and you learn.
Thanks for clearing that up.
Great stuff. Had an ahah when you said all the notes are the same. Where you start determines the key – Am vs C, etc.
Griff………… this is what I’m doing right now with your Maj min pent course….. It’s a really good course. In my spare time I working on the 52 rhythm and fills…….. both are great courses.
Am I understanding this box stuff correctly ,same pattern any key any position on neck? Help
yes that is correct, you can start that box pattern from any fret on the neck and wherever you start from, that is the key you are playing
Hey Griff,
I have been wondering for a LONG TIME how to use the boxes 1-5 in other Keys. I purchased your Pentatonic Scales & Technique Mastery about 6 months ago and have been practicing the 1-5 boxes in A minor. Until this Video Lesson in Oct 2015, I could never work out HOW to APPLY Box 1 & 2 etc in different Keys. Tonight, it was like learning another language but in Music for Blues Guitar. FANTASTIC LESSON IS THE WORD.
Maybe in your Pentatonic Scales & Technique Mastery you could show examples of each of the Boxes 1- 5 in the most Common Keys played in Blues so we students can learn the finger movements faster and fret board for the notes. When I practice I have the List of Fret Board Notes ( Refer Soloing Without Scales Lesson 6- Page 27 in the Manual on my music stand next to the Course I am learning which helps me to learn the Root Notes & to change Keys.
Great Lesson.
Michael – Sydney- Australia
Hey Griff,
How is Memphis, the Home of world famous Keith Durban Guitarist Singer from Australia also.
It would be great if you could video some of the BGUer’s Jams in Memphis and put them up in your FB Page or perhaps include them in a couple of your email video lessons. This would be great for all your BGUers friends around the world that just cannot make this great event in Memphis.. even better make a Special DVD to include in one of your Courses..
Anyway, since I first learnt this lesson back in Oct 2015 , I have progressed quite well in learning how to use Boxes 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 for different major & minor keys
Always a great lesson & refresher.
Michael- Sydney- Australia- 6th October 2016.
I love listening to you, but find all this theory utterly baffling. Surely it’s not necessary to know this morass of theory to play blues. Did Muddy Waters know all this? Flash cards, roots etc etc…..too much Griff, too much – despite your entreaty to keep it simple.
Hi Griff, Reference “Narrow And Deep Always Win”. Thank you for sharing your valuable ideas with us your students and followers. I would like to to take your discussion a lot deeper by asking you if there is a course or future course where you would through video and cd examples walk us through all the boxes explaining each and every step in layman’ terms for those
of us who do not have the regimental theorical experience.
I am a fairly new student of yours who has in the past purchased a number of your courses and would be very happy to receive your response either by email or through one of your blogs. Thanking you in advance.
This may sound strange but I can play all the boxes, 1 through 5, but still cannot play a song. Here is something I discovered about the boxes: all boxes have 5 pairs = 4 frets/4 frets/3 frets/3 frets/3 frets/ and the last pair being the same notes as the 1st set. So – the pattern (for Box 1) is 4-3-3-3-4-4. Whichever pair is played on the 4th string is the pair that starts the next box. For example:
Box (1) (starting at string #6) 4-3-3-3-4-4 / Box (2) 3-4-4-3-3-3 / Box (3) 3-3-3-4-4-3 / Box (4) 4-4-3-3-3-4 / Box (5) 3-3-4-4-3-3-
Another symmetry is that the 2nd note on string #6 is the 1st note of the next box. That is true throughout the patterns, ex: the 2nd note on any string is the 1st note on that string of the next box. Once I start on any note on the E (6th) string, I can play up and down the fretboard, shifting boxes and staying in the sams key. At this point, that is all I know about playing the guitar.
Factoring in the position change for the B string (#2) and it becomes easy to memorize / learn all the boxes. It also helps with finding a starting point other than string #6 as explained in this lesson. Now that I am taking Griff’s minor/major box lessons, I might even learn how to actually play some music instead of just Box exercises.
Griff: You had released this once before and I kept looking for it to watch again. As a student and as an English teacher, I have used flash cards to learn vocabulary in French and helped my students with their own vacab needs. I was glad you repeated this lesson. Keep on Truckin’.
Thanks Griff I was playing around with that but thought I was looney thanks for putting that out there,An I guess i’am on the right track
Hi Rick I am currently learning the guitar using your acoustic blues course. I have just watched your video regarding developing box 1. You mention finding minor notes on the guitar. I understand finding minor chords, but how do you find individual minor notes? Are they the same as a flat note. For example does A flat = A minor? I am really enjoying my course and appreciate the free video lessons you send me.
Could you please enlighten me regarding minor notes.
Hi Pete,
I think Griff is refering to finding the “minor key” notes, as opposed to the “major key”.
I.e. finding the notes in Box 1 in a certain minor key.
You are right, there’s no such thing as a minor or major note per-se.
Methinks anyway!
Dan
Excellent lesson Griff – so useful and makes so much sense. It gets right to the core of playing this music. The key you have given us here will open some very important doors in playing solos and fills.
Every good wish, Andy (In the UK)
Hey Griff; I have a question for you ! With your Strat, do you use a Trem Setter ? As you are doing a lot of bending of notes, does the guitar go out of tune offten, or is it fairly stable ? Drake J.
Hey Griff; This lesson blew my mind, it was confusing to me ! I guess in order to follow it, I’ll have to redo one of my old tricks again, and get a large sheet of hard board, or a dry board, and draw out a guitar neck, and label out all six strings with the notes, as it worked for me once before ! Mostly I am an ear player, and rythm player, but it might help me to grasp the thought visully again ! Thanks ! Drake J.
Hi Griff, Why the pentatonic scale and not the Blues scale, does what you are saying apply to both scales?????????
To make the Box 1 minor pentatonic scale a blues scale, just add the 6th note to the scale. In the key of A (1,b3,4, #4,5, b7, which is A,C,D,D#,E,G) the “blue note” is the Eb/D# at the 5th string 6th fret and 3rd string 8th fret. It can be used over just about any chord in every key. Add that note in Box 1 in any key and you have the B Blues scale in that key. There is also an A Blues scale (1,2,b3,natural 3, 5, 6) closer to the Major pentatonic scale but has a “lowered 3rd” which gives it the Bluesy sound, but is rather dissonant over major chords, so it is used more as a passing note.
I think I get the idea of the Am and Cmaj being the same but I have a question. What is it called if I start the scale from the 3rd, 4th, or 5th note in the scale and use the same fingering pattern?
Griff, great lesson. I had a feeling there was more of a connection to how you use the Pentatonic scales with chords then just going up and down the scales with no real feeling behind it. Your lesson opened my eyes to the fact you can start your solo on any string in the scale. That is what makes a solo interesting, and not boring. Thank You.
Great lesson. Thank you for the lesson and also the classical music of a few days ago. I also like the music theory ones.
Trust! You are the one we in the blues community trust.
Keep up the great work!
Bob
I’M SO CONFUSED!!
I was listening to Steve Via being interviewed. He also mentioned something along the lines of being a Master of none. He said, paraphrased, that he does’t worry about what he is just not good at but goes all the way with what he does well. Now that said, I know there will be folks that say you need to work on your weaknesses, sure, but not to be discouraged, just keep on….I am 63, I love the fast and crazy lightening riffs but I know I will never be able in this life be that fast, so I take the time to enjoy practicing in that direction not worrying about my lack of speed, I love the feel of a guitar in my hands, I enjoy the tone of each note I play. I do not perform for anyone except myself so I’m not tied to preforming, Playing and practicing are my meditations! I know my limitations are just challenges and I take them on….When I was in high school, in the late 60’s I took typing, I just never got past 50 wpm! Tells you something about my dexterity LOL…..
Griff and bloggers, I love this blog, the vids, I alway watch or read and feel great as well as encourage, this is a very unique learning experience.. I subscribed to BGU and am have a darn good time.
Johnie;
I am 72 and agree 100% with your comments. I actually started to learn the guitar to help me with the Bass which I started to learn at age 67 but could not understand the music theory that is needed to create Bass lines.
Now I practice both the Guitar and the Bass Guitar just because I enjoy it so much for the same reasons you mentioned. I have no intention of playing in a band; it is just so much better than passively watching TV.
My progress might be slow and I have to work hard to master each lesson but the feeling of accomplishment I get when I can finally play along with the CD is better than anything I have experienced since the first time I got laid.
One thing we old timers have learned is that patience and determination gets you further down the road than speed.
Well said johnny wood jr, i’m 59 and have been playing for 5 yrs, i had to scroll back to the top and make sure I didn’t write this myself! Keep playing for yourself and if anyone wants to listen have them pull up a chair! Blues on brother!
Thank you Griff for another wonderful lesson. I happen to be working on this very thing. My teacher Jeff Pogas says I’m overthinking and pushing too hard. At 64, the ol dawg habits are tough to break. This lesson will be archived and referred to until I knock it out. By the way, I loved the classical guitar position lesson.
After I watch your videos or read your blogs I always read the comments, and it is amazing how much of a captive audience you have, but I am always amazed at the age of some of the people who are trying to learn and understand this stuff with the guitar. I guess the guitar will always have its captive audience too and age has nothing to so with it.
I work with scales on the guitar every single day. I do 3, 4, 5, note exercises on all the boxes, I work on mode scales (Dorian, Lydian etc.) and the process is pretty slow where I notice the areas of improvement, and of course I pay special attention to damping strings so that the notes ring out true and clear.
Griff , thanks for the way you explain music theory. It is much more enjoyable and easier. This really helps . Mike Z
I have seen this video a few times its good but can be confussing. What I mean is that You correct Yourself and say a mnor and later say d . SO I get it that a minor and c major are the same . depends what note you want to start with in what scale . ALSO important that you wind up back at the root note . RIGHT? 10/1/2015
As far as I can see he is not correcting himself. C Maj & Am are the exact same notes. The only real difference is chord you are associating with the scale (and therefore, the Root note that you play around(A for A min & C for C Maj).
I should mention that we are talking about the Pentatonic scale.
Griff, I’m gonna get to this concept, but I’m still learning where every note on the neck is. One thing at a time! I have the scale mastery lesson, but am still on my original BGU dvd’s. I’ll get there. The music theory lesson is next, as I’m dedicated to becoming a better guitar player. Now if I had more time! Thanks again for all you do, until next time……Pete.
I have been doing this for a while now and playing around root notes this is a great way to get away from playing scales in a vertical fashion and start moving up and down the neck cuz nobody wants to hear plain boxes played in a vertical fashion thanks again Griff for your time !
Hey Griff,
Now I can understand where all the licks start and the phrases maybe next time I buy a lesson Mastery of Pentatonic Boxes. This lesson has now helped me understand the lesson Solos without Scales.
All Great stuff keep them coming.
Michael Sydney Australia
hey griff grate tip thank . And what very nice guitar.
Thanks for generously passing on your wisdom online free of charge. I was just thinking that you have been playing and teaching for a very long time and I suspect you love to practice or perform playing guitar every chance you get. What my point is that with your experience, isn’t it true that when you improvise a solo you are not really thinking of starting on a note in say Box 3 when you end a phrase and begin a new one but use your vast experience to go to a sound you are familiar with and your fingers just hit the right notes. I guess what I am saying is that isn’t it just a matter of thinking of the next sound and you fingers automatically go to the right place on the fret board because of your extensive experience with the guitar? That is what I want to learn to do.
I am with you. I forgot that I use to think that the secret to playing solos was a great ear and perhaps in the earlier years, the right drugs. I never pictured Jimi Hendrix having a formal guitar lesson. Right from the start it was the pentatonic scales and the start of the confusion began.This narrow and deep thing of Griff’s has been an eye opener for me and if I can succeed at absorbing this method it will be huge for me. I have got to get out of my basement. Enjoyed your comment.
thanks again for awesome free lessons you make guitar playing come together for us amatuers terrific and thank you DAR
ok watched this a second time and this ties alot of what your teaching together. yeah i played the first two scales over an over till purple well did not get it till now so many thanks for this and will get back asap . after 10 months of memorizing thoes 2 scales it will be good to finally move ahead .
interesting…and putting the brain back to work…I gotta revisit your Pentatonic Mastery course…hmmmm…thanks…later.
cowboh
Tom Morris tells it like it is thanks fore sharing Griff
thanks fore all your vidos and the little things thay matter so mutch I went to a place where friends practice and thay were having a jam with lots of people I did not know and thay got me up there and I build guitars and had my newest guitar .I just told all there the guitar was 4 sail and to go to my facebook and then I started to panic then one of the others started the blurs and instantly gave me the lead so I just followed what the A6 to a9 and thay all kept up same thing and made me sound so good and I just stoped the deer in headlights fealing and I was improving so mutch that because of you I could explain what I did and helped 2 or 3 ppl and u probable hav new pealpeon your blues unleashed mail list and I soled a guitar .I was invited to a after jam . and played bass that is what I play more and it made me stay in as the band did 4 me . I owe it all to you and your thinking to stop and explain it all aqnd what I need so I thank you so mutch ps go sea my guitars and keep on playen now I cant do no wrong LoL seaya [wizard] your fan for ever
Great video. What about modes. Are you saying no need to learn them ,or the mj scale/ natural minor/ harmonic minor ect.
Odd I think not informative and well done yes.I thru a cord out there called it a Dmflat7 ADD9 it does not exsist no such cord and a book of cords of 4400 does not list it just wonder if anyone picked up on that . I wanted to say a D7flat9 combine that with the D7sharp9 then the D7flat9 add a Em its a pink floyd thing which is interesting . I find this hendrix cord in another song as well . Do you know which one I mean ? anyone .
Griff. Thanks for this. You’ve demonstrated the magic of the Fretboard and using the pentatonic scale simplifies how to get both minor and corresponding major keys from the same finger pattern and tones.
extremely useful to know.
I will make note of the other matching links using the pentatonic (wouldn’t sound so good on the keyboard.)
Hands down, absolutely the best instructor, ive had private lessons and was left confused and frustrated.
I belong to 3 online sites
that have there purposes, but I can honestly say ive made more progress in the last 2 months than I have in 13 years.
Also, Annette at customer service is a absolute professional
Griff you have something special going on, I thought this kind of service was extinct
Griff,
I do know the five box patterns. So if I’m going to start with Am on the 5th fret and can use any of the 5 boxes, there must be some subtle differences between boxes 1-5. When is it more advantageous to choose one of them over the over four?
Thanks!!!
Ken
Hey Griff” I have been playing like that, but I didn’t know
what it was called. now I kind of understand what I am doing.
Thanks
Tea
Thanks Griff, a very good valuable lesson, well explained too. Yes l have found that out also .The pentatonics have the most practical ,and best sounding music usage. BTW ,a beautiful guitar too , the color makes me think of the song Blue Sky , by the ABB.
Griff,
I appreciate your clear and well thought out comments
Dennis
Fantabulous! Making the brain and fingers cooperate in the pentatonic framework will raise the level of innate understanding of the fretboard by orders of magnitude!! I can’t wait to pick up my guitar and start this new journey.
Many years ago I learned this by the third fret rule, just move three frets. The above seems a better approach (playing “boxed in” doh). I appreciate the lesson – although we are much more into black metal. Try sweeping and or Tremolo picking chords and arpeggios!
It is amazing how some folks can, while others cannot, capture a truly dark and mystical vibe. The latter group can lean on pertinent scales but it still feels “generic” or contrived. Imo.
I suppose it’s same with blues, to some extent. Likely folks who’ve suffered more play blues much better.
Great video. And I have a question. I have been playing most of my life but only in the last few years have I taken time to study some theory. Problem is everyone makes it so damn confusing. Are there any books that simplify it the way that you do or do you have any? Thanks for your time and great videos.
I bought your slow blues supplement and quickly realised I did not “know” the boxes. I can play them but just didn’t know them. This blog explains exactly how to get around that and I now understand why I need to know them. I’ve been noodling with the guitar since I was 18 but only now have I tried to learn it now I am 68!!! better late than never.
Mike
UK
Thank you Griff, I feel that your suggestions gonna be really usefull. I’ll practice that from now on !!! Angel, France.
Hi Griff, I have been watching your free videos for some time now and only playing on an Freshman 6 string / Adam Black 12 string. One day I was walking passed a charity shop and in the window was a Antoria Pro Star Les Paul copy ( Lime Green ) 1970’s €60 with a Gorilla 10amp box. I bought them both and thought, money down the drain here but it was for charity.
You wouldn’t believe it the sound was great, the Antoria felt like magic in my hands. The reason I send this message really is, playing with the right guitar in your hands really makes it so easy to play up and down the scales that you have shown the viewers of your videos. I am 65 in Dec this year and still keep on trying to master fret board but your videos have been pleasant and easy to watch. Well-done Griff and keep on the good work for us amateurs. John Cook UK
Really great video. This helps me to understand in a simple but very effective way to learn the neck.
Thanks Griff for your gift of teaching…
Tim Johnson
relativity, thank you
Griff,
I have never communicated with you before, but I really appreciate this teaching, and wanted you to know. Your communication style is really clear and helpful. It reminds me a lot of Andy Stanley who is a pastor in the Atlanta area, and is one of the best communicators on the planet. I enjoy your emails. I know it is a lot of work to keep so much content coming. Thanks a bunch.
In light of this video, I can say I have a better understanding of the anatomy of pentatonic scales…Thank you
Great Video, been playing guitar for over 50 years, and have been using these scales for many years, but never understood them until I watched this video. THANKS!!
Great Vid Griff. We must stay focused on what we want to acomplish and not stray off on this or that. Narrow and Deep.
Now that makes sense !!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks …
Wow Griff, you inspire us all, what a great lesson packed with important
information of the boxes and so easy to understand. A really good video
from a awesome guitar teacher who is a natural in front of the video camera.
Thank You! -Jay
what a awesome way to practice the box’s outside of the box.
Thank you
Thanks Griff – for me, this is yet another very practical piece of information, or perspective which has immediately impacted my ability to put together a more coherent and interesting solo, and my journey towards a degree of blues “fluency’. As I’ve worked with your material I’m finding that the dots are gradually joining up, the fog is clearing a little, and I’m getting the sounds I’ve long-sought from my playing – enormously satisfying ! Thanks mate !
Cheers Jeff
Mate
you are a gifted teacher and your passion for music in general and the guitar in particular shines. It’s also very evident that you love sharing your passion and joy with others which is a wonderful thing. Joy shared is joy and happiness multiplied and the world is a better place for it. Thank you. Your example should inspire all of us.
Anderson
Mt Barker West Australia
Well, now my weekend chore is set. Thanks
Dang! You’re making me THINK! I had to watch this twice because I thought you said that the root of a C (maj) was an A!
But I caught the “relative minor” part on the second go. The relative minor application is still kinda fuzzy. I’m wondering if you can use an A minor pentatonic over an A major or C major, and will that work for the 4 & 5 (f & g) of the C maj? Gotta try it !
Thanks for the brain exercise!
you just about got it
Am pent over A7 / D7 / E7 = blues
over C / F / G = country
just remember which key and the route
Hey Griff,
I really want to thank you for your efforts to impart guitar knowledge via these videos. You are so very generous in that most people would charge an exorbitant price to learn these foundational secrets.
I have been playing for over 40 years and I have found things through you and other online guitar teachers that have been extremely helpful to my understanding of the guitar.
I like your method of teaching as it is very friendly and comfortable, as if I am with an old friend who wants me to become a better guitar player.
Please keep up the good work Griff, I shall be looking forward to more guitar knowledge from you.
Best regards,
steve
This was great: You should sell flash cards for us lazies. I’m serious, I spent a good part of my youth (a long time ago) learning from flash cards and I’d buy them.
Try “Guitar Tuna” app for the phones its a tuner and has games(flash cards)for use with or without your guitar
Hey Griff, thanks for the great lesson. Have been working on the boxes now for about two weeks and can see much improvement already.
Thanks Dale
Griff,
Fantastic info. I have to say that I have learned more in 1 year with your videos and lessons than I did in decades of trying to figure out guitar from wood shedding and books. You have given me many “light bulb moments”. This is another. Thanks!
THANKS GRIFF. I’M GLAD YOU HAD THE LESSON ON LEARNING THE FRET BOARD. YOUR TALKING NOTES AND THATS GREAT. GREAT FOR THE GUY WHO KNOWS WHERE ALL THE NOTES ARE. I LIKE USING BOX 1 AND BOX3 . I LIKE TO USE THE BLUE NOTES IN MY SOLOS. I THINK I GOT WHAT YOUR GETTING AT. I HAVE NOT BEEN THAT GREAT OF A LEAD GUITAR PLAYER, BUT YOU HAVE MADE ME A BETTER ONE. THANKS. TK.
this was great, do you have a PDF of the “box” scale??? Thanks
Griff,
I am a new to your teaching, but the inspiration I now have is immense. The mysteries of playing the guitar in a way that I want to are made simple which is mind blowing. I have a hunger to practice and I never thought I would but want to show others what I can do and have the confidence to join in their jam sessions. Griff and Bluesguitarunleashed are the way forward and this video goes to prove what I have said. Please keep putting stuff out there Griff we appreciate it. Mike
This is why I have most of your courses ! You take the time to explain and simplify things like no one else. You just accomplished your goal with me, I now look at the box shaped differently and in more depth. Thanks again Griff.
As silly as it sounds with the few course’s I bought it’s still cool to have these lil teaser’s and tid bit’s coming in because i listen and practice them on a smaller scale and they all help!! Griff your a good man and amazing teacher!! If anyone is looking i ALWAY’s send them your way!! Ok gotta practice shhhh!!! LOL 😉 Hope all is well but it sounds like it!! 😀
Griff,
It is always a pleasure to experience a video from a musician of your high caliber. In my struggle with the “boxes” I found, after much effort, that my key was to be able to accurately identify the root positions on the strings and apply the box patterns to them.Certain boxes apply to root positions on certain strings. I also learned to think in terms of notes and not 1 -4 etc. This solidifies the scales in my mind and relates them to the fretboard. In stead of 1 -4 it is 1-A; 4-C etc. I love your videos and watch every one of them and hope to hear you play live one day. Thanks!
I see and here the idea of relative minors all the time in theory. However this is the first time anyone has showed me how it works on the fret board. Now it makes perfect since and it’s so simple. Griff you even made finding the roots so easy. Thanks so much for sharing this. I hope you didn’t break some sort or secret squirrel code of guitar players.
Greg in Seattle
Great session! It’s this kind of wisdom that really sets your work apart from all the other online instructors I’ve seen. Thanks so much!
Jack
Excellent video. Thank you sir!
This is the best video yet. I think I’ve just jumped to another level on the learning curve. Thanks, Griff.
Sweet Les Paul Griff!
Can’t put into words the benefit from real theory. I am just starting to become affluent on the Guitfiddle after years of hopeless practice. I have now reached my goal where I can jam with my cousin who might I add is and inspiration to me. I can’t stress how important it is to know the beats so improv becomes second nature. Ten minutes a day is better than 1 hour a week. Trust me Ive tried it. If you think its an impossible task youtube jeff healey ,anything is possible.
Griff: Just further confirmation that you’re truly a master teacher. You have a gift that you’re sharing with lots of people. We all appreciate it greatly!!!!!
Tom Morris
I love listening to you, but find all this theory utterly baffling. Surely it’s not necessary to know this morass of theory to play blues. Did Muddy Waters know all this? Flash cards, roots etc etc…..too much Griff, too much – despite your entreaty to keep it simple.