Pentatonic Scales

Pentatonic scales are the first scales most guitar players learn to solo with. They are great for blues and rock. But they can also be used for jazz and fusion too.

Substitute Pentatonics

Pentatonics scales can also be used in unusual ways. You can use substitue pentatonic and altered pentatonics too for some cool sounds indeed. Eric Johnson and Steve Khan are two of my favorite exponents of "substitute" pentatonic scales.

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Pentatonic scales and relative modes diagram This pentatonic chart shows you the five pentatonic position fingerings and the related modal fingerings for Dorian/Lydian, Aeolian/Ionian, Phrygian/Mixolydian. The modes depend on whether you are using the pentatonic scale as a major or minor pentatonic.

Pentatonic substitution ideas How to use the common pentatonic scale in "uncommon" ways. Learn to add some really exciting new sounds to your improvising by using these pentatonic substitution ideas.

NEXT: Extended pentatonic scale