I need help with a blues solo

[explorer7]

So on a lesson it said that a good blues solo (using A minor pentatonic scales), is better when it has a few major notes thrown in it.

So how do I know what notes to play that would make it sound major sometimes?

It said to find a major third, how do I do that?

Thanks.

[CSchlegel]

I did three tutorials on that (20 lessons in all):
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=217
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=232
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=244

[Kurgan1536]

Just to make sure that I understand the tutorials (thanks, by the way), when playing the D7 and E7 chords, are you still using the Am Pentatonic scales (with the F# and G# respectively) and starting on either D or E during a lick, or do you shift to the Dm and Em Pentatonic scales (while adding F# and G#), since both scales also fit in the key of Am? My understanding of scales is rudimentary, but I guess what I'm asking is if you would ever incorporate the F or B at any point while playing in Am?

[CSchlegel]

Just to make sure that I understand the tutorials (thanks, by the way), when playing the D7 and E7 chords, are you still using the Am Pentatonic scales (with the F# and G# respectively) and starting on either D or E during a lick, or do you shift to the Dm and Em Pentatonic scales (while adding F# and G#), since both scales also fit in the key of Am?

Good question. In those lessons I am keeping things simple by always using the A minor Penatatonic scale as the point of reference. But in the long run, you can shift to the D minor Pentatonic shape or position if you want when the D7 chord comes along.

In fact you can even look at it like this: play A major pentatonic and add in the minor 3rd and minor 7th of the scale. The point is that a scale is a great reference point or "background" to keep in mind. But the real crux of the biscuit is to target chord tones: play notes from the chord that is happening at the time! The scale provides the passing tones in between the chord tones. Make sense?

My understanding of scales is rudimentary, but I guess what I'm asking is if you would ever incorporate the F or B at any point while playing in Am?
Sure, but only when I want the sound of those notes while certain chords are happening. I could and do play the B during the E7 chord, because it is a note of that chord (the 5th). The F sounds a little more "jazzy". I don't use it in those tuts. When playing, I would throw in the F on the E7 as a flat 9 or the D7 as a passing tone to the F-sharp; now that's a nifty "bluesy" sounding idea.

[Kurgan1536]

Thanks so much, Chris. I'll keep that in mind while I'm practicing today.

[jlacharite]

another option is to play all of the notes in between the 2 notes you would normaly play for a pentatonic scale, so that would give you 4 on the low E string (Frets 5, 6, 7, 8), 3 on the A, D, G (Frets 5, 6, 7) strings and finally 4 on the B and E strings (Frets 5, 6, 7, 8). It sounds a little more chromatic, but is an excellent excercise to recognize with your ears the difference a half step or whole can make. then through trial and error discover those unique sounds on your own, and what personifies your style the best.

J