You hear a lot of talk about boxes and scales and patterns when it comes to the guitar…

But do you know why you learn scales and what you’re going to do with them?

And do you know that there might be better and cooler ways to play your pentatonic and blues scales than just the same old “boxes”?

You’ve got some exploring to do, and today I’d like to help…


    10 replies to "How Do YOU Play The Pentatonic Scales On Your Guitar?"

    • Cozmik Cowboy

      how i play the pentatonic scale is very badly………

    • Michael Chappell

      Hey Griff,

      This lesson is always a great refresher, Its funny I always like moving around the Pentatonic minor scale in A with Box 1 & 2 and as you said you can start your scale licks on either A or C. You are right the best way to practice is with Jam tracks..

      Thanks
      Michael- Sydney-Australia May 11th 2023..

    • Frank Patrick Faircloth

      This lesson, I hope, turns out to be a game changer for me. I had never made the connection that where I land my index finger is where each box begins. Whoa! That is so helpful. Also helps me learn where each note is on the fret board. Thanks Griff. Again, a really helpful lesson.

    • Douglas Skinner

      I don’t understand how the boxes are used. For example, if soloing over chord changes from, example, E to A to B and Back; do you switch from the E box to the A box and then to the B box?? Or could you solo just from the E box because the entire song is in the key of E? I might be the only one having a problem with this concept.

      • Griff

        Believe me, you’re not the only one! As the chords change, you do not have to change. For a blues in E (E7, A7, B7) you can use the E minor pentatonic scale over all 3 chords – and you can play it in any way you see fit. It could be one or all of the “boxes,” or it could be all on one string, or it could be the 4 note solo pattern. Anything, as long as it’s that scale.

    • Robert

      Good exercise to learn the notes of the fret board, beside the Pentatonic Scales. Thanks Griff

    • Richarcd Karlis

      As always lots of information, well received and well presented. But I have a question that might just be a valuable add on which I feel should be addressed. I’ve noticed over time that whenever you discuss scales or boxes that you are always working form the ‘ A ‘ position and I’m wondering if it should not be noted, even though it might be obvious to some, that the pentatonic scale can apply to all keys and not just the key of ‘ A ‘. Meaning to say you can play it in G, C, D…etc. Seems to me if you leave that info out it might confuse some.

      Just a thought.

      • Dan

        All the ‘keys’ are covered in many courses that BGU offers…in fact, Blues Guitar Unleashed 2.0 is a great place to start finding them. Not to mention backing tracks in A, C, D, E, G from 5X5 Blues Jam Tracks, providing some of the best backing jam tracks you can find, in all of those keys you mention.

    • Randy

      I learned scale first and boxes second as extensions of the scale and really think it has made all the difference. Glad you made this video to help students see this. Scales really help to train the ear and help to find melody.

    • Steve

      Thanks Griff,

      A great explanation and example of how to better use the Pentatonic scale.

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