:: L E S S O N S ::
Ken teaches guitar at Music & Arts Center in Alpharetta & Marietta, GA.
Sample Lesson: Am Pentatonic Picking Exercise
This is a cool alternate picking pattern for your right hand. The example below is in the key of Am, although I highly recommend practicing it in every key.
The pentatonic minor scale is handy in many applications. It is most commonly played in rock & blues I-IV-V progressions, although the more adventurous musician can also use the minor pentatonic scale in several minor modal keys (Dorian, Phrygian & of course Aeolian).
We have an even number of notes on each string (two). When you transition from string to string, you always will use the same pick stroke as you started with (as long as you follow strict alternate picking). I recommend starting with a downstroke. Master that first, and then learn it starting with an upstroke. Also, practice descending the scale with the same pattern.