Five Pentatonic Blues Scale Patterns

Special Review Five Pentatonic Blues Scale Patterns

A common question among guitar players is, "how can I add in blues scale notes to all five pentatonic patterns?" But learning all the blues scale patterns can be counterproductive. It's possible for guitarists to focus too much on technical things and miss the practical applications.

The blues scale is really just a musical idea that stems from adding chromatic passing tones to bridge the gaps between the existing pentatonic scale intervals. So if you really want to cover all your bases and learn every possible pattern, I guess you should memorize the pentatonic patterns with every possible gap filled. That would be every note on the whole fretboard! This is not helpful.

Instead, guitar players interested in learning scales should focus on memorizing the core five pentatonic scale patterns. Then learn how to play melodies, riffs, lead solos and bass lines that are based in the scale. Finally, consider the addition of extra notes and study songs that incorporate the technique. You'll learn how the patterns change as you go. And most importantly, you'll understand the practical application of the blues scale which is worth far more than memorizing more patterns!

Some great blues scale songs for guitar players to look learn include:

"Take It Easy" The Eagles..............................................................Gtr. Intro (G major)

"Sir Duke" Stevie Wonder.............................................................Band Riff (B major)

"Pride and Joy" Stevie Ray Vaughan........................Gtr. Intro Turnaround (E minor)

"Roadhouse Blues" The Doors.....................................................Gtr. Riff (E minor)

"The Old Man Down the Road" John Fogerty.......................Gtr. Riff (E minor)

"Readymade" Red Hot Chili Peppers............................Gtr./Bass Riff 1:10 (E minor)

"Truckin'" The Grateful Dead..................................................Gtr. Riff 0:01 (E minor)

"Sunshine of Your Love" Cream.........................Gtr. & Bass Intro, Verse (D minor)

"Heartbreaker" Led Zeppelin.........................................Gtr. & Bass Intro (A minor)

"Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" Rick Derringer.................Gtr. Riff 0:18 (A minor)

"Life by the Drop" Stevie Ray Vaughan..........................................Gtr. Intro (A minor)

"Love Her Madly" The Doors...............................................Gtr. Riff 0:40 (E minor)

"Black Dog" Led Zeppelin.............................................Gtr. & Bass Riff (A & E minor)

"Bombtrack" Rage Against the Machine.........................Gtr. & Bass Riff (F# minor)

"Groove is in the Heart" Dee Lite & World Clique...Gtr. & Bass Riff (Ab minor)

"Iron Man" Black Sabbath...........................................Gtr. & Bass Riff Bridge (B minor)

"The Lemon Song" Led Zeppelin.........................Gtr. & Bass Turnaround (E minor)

"Santeria" Sublime..............................................................................Gtr. Solo (E major)

"Grease" Frankie Valli....................................................................Horn Riff (B minor)

Sometimes a simpler approach to guitar theory and practicing will produce better results.