The illustration above, shows the Am pentatonic scale in the root note position. To play leads, you must practice this scale. |
This lead continues from the upper illustration. You may need to review the tablature chapter to understand this. |
Finish up this scale on the A note of the High E string. |
Continue this scale to the A note on the Low E string. Do the same fingering pattern starting at the 7th fret instead of the 5th and you will be playing the Bm pentatonic scale, it Rocks. |
Play all of these licks in different keys. Move it around and make up your own runs. Do the same examples, but at the 12th fret, you will be playing in Em Pentatonic, it will Rock. |
Practice all of these leads and you will begin to come up with your own. These leads have been played by the best guitarists. Do the same fingering at the 10th fret instead of the 5th fret and you will be playing Dm pentatonic, Rock on. |
This riff plays every note in the key of C major. It starts on the A note 5th fret and only uses the High E string. This type of lick can rock and you can have endless possibilities. I've written this on the high E string, but you can play this type of riff on any string. The first measure plays over the Aeolian position and then Locrian, Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian and ends on the A note.
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Try this simple rhythm to come up with your own ideas. Base your lead in G major, but more towards the minor side. Maybe Em, Bm.
Good Luck,
From the Jam Room