Pentatonic Connecting Run

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You may or may not be familiar with the different box patterns in which you can play scales on your guitar. That’s something I get into in a lot more detail in my Guitar Scale Patterns lesson.

To explain these very simply; the boxes you see on the free cheat sheet you downloaded indicate different places where you can play the scale.

In the video below, I demonstrate a connecting pattern that you can use to move in between three different box patterns. This connecting pattern, or run, is super handy because you can start your solo down in the lower registers, then move it up the neck to really build things up. It’s easy to play, and sounds really cool.

In the Guitar Scale Patterns lesson I teach this particular run in much more detail than you’ll see below, but I wanted to give you an idea of what you can do with the patterns.

Click Here To Get The Guitar Scale Patterns Lesson Now

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  1. I like the way you take the time to explain things…….
    not in a overbearing attitude…..like other online teachers
    I don`t want to call out any names (claude johnson) BUT…..

    THANK YOU…..WALT…
    Wal of the`RAPIDS` `CEDAR`that is………..

    LATERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

  2. Right on my guitar playing brother….It IS DEFINITELY appreciated when someone takes the time and remembers that we are students trying to learn. Some teachers approach lessons like they are showing someone in their band how to play a riff…they forgot who their audience is.

  3. Yes this is great stuff thanks so much for your tips and is so appreciated …the scale would be great to look at and pratice…thanks dude

  4. Thanks John, now i know what i could do with the key of E Pentatonic Scale.I just couldn’t register it in my mind
    before. Thanks for your perspective
    Gregory Wilson

  5. John,
    my name is Angie Randall, i ordered NEW Blues Turnarounds DVD on the 1th of March. As of the 20th now it has not arrived yet

    order reference: 46885/ 2889764395
    date and time of pymt: 03/13/2010 10:32:39
    29.95
    i have been learning a lot with your riffs and Really wish I could afford your Guitar ScalePatterns book an DVD but i’m headed for a major surjery an live on disability pay so unless you have a spar on for someone really in need i’ll have to wait.

    thanks for youf your time
    Angie Randall

  6. Hi Eric,

    I hadn’t actually heard of Fretboard Logic until you mentioned it, but a quick Google search told me a little about it. It appears their course is far more in depth than what I’ve done here… Although my lesson would be in agreement with theirs, from what I’ve read theirs is more complex and comprehensive. I’ve really focused on giving people a few patterns and the understanding required to really make use of them in their playing, without diving into all the background. Hope that helps.

  7. Thanks, Eric, I have your fretboard in the key of E and it is really putting some things togeather for me. Also, the quick access to the notes and where they are was awsome, it has been explained to me many times but either your method finally caught my attention of I finally get it. hehe

    I am 67 years old and have been studying Guitar for three pluss years. I do like your techniques and will keep a watch on what you are offering. Gene

  8. CLEAR.
    No Tricks and not Over Produced.

    Really nice Improv “noodle”, Sir
    (and fine timbre from the D-28HD, too).

    Compliments,
    jte

  9. THANKS! I was reading about relative and parallel minor scales today and I’m still a bit confused. But hearing/seeing someone who knows is sweet.

  10. What is common about the shapes?
    What gives us the ‘ok’ to connect the shapes?

  11. Hi Mark – you can move that whole pattern around anywhere you want. The thing that is ‘common’ between everything is really the spacing between the strings, and the spacing between the notes in the scale. Due to that, the same pattern can be played anywhere on the guitar and you’ll get a scale out of it… the only difference being that your root note determines which key you’re playing in.

  12. I enjoyed this etude.

    Would it be possible for you to generate a graphic of the run on the fretboard.

    That would be helpful for me and possibly others.

    Thank you.

  13. Hi Rafe, I do have a cheat sheet that shows the pentatonic run, but I’ve only made that available for members. Cheers.

  14. Great lesson. This will help us beginners maintain our excitement by expanding our abilities in moving up and down the fretboard. You reference getting a cheat sheet on your site. I cannot find it. Please help- I want to nail this NOW!
    Nick

  15. Finally, I found the information I was looking for. I have been doing research on this subject, and for two days I keep finding websites that are supposed to have what I’m searching for, only to be disappointed with the lack of what I had to have. I wish I could have found your website sooner! I had about 30% of what I needed and your site has that, and the rest of what I need to finish my research. Thank you and keep up the good work!

  16. i am not an advanced player by any means but for those of you that who have just learned this pattern i recommend the following…. buy a tape recorder. learn a few chords that go together- whether they’re open position chords or barred. play these chords over and over and over again while taping. then playback the tape and with your guitar play the scale pattern over the top of it. you will have to move your “starting position” around until your in the right key- you’ll hear it! doesnt matter what set of chords you use- this pattern will work with them somewhere on the fretboard! and it actually sounds like i’m making some kind of music-thanks Johnathan

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