I assume you've seen the diagram of the pentatonic scale and know the finger postions.
Every song follows one of several scales. The pentatonic scale is probably the most used and popular.
Lets say your using the pentatonic scale in the Key of A. If you begin on the sixth string, fifth fret, A note, that is the root. As you go up the scale, you'll hit the same notes that would be played with power chords, triads, and barre and open chords.
Depending on if your in a major or minor scale, all the chords would fall in to the pattern under the scale your in.
The same holds true for progressions.
One thing that may help you and that is to learn the modes of the scales. More patterns within a scale.
There are seven modes on each degree of the scale. Here are their names.
1. Ionian.
2. Dorian.
3. Phrygian.
4. Lydian.
5. Mixolydian.
6. Aeolian.
7. Locrain.
It's work, but if you learn these modes, you'll improve your playing in any scales your in. Minor, Major, Aug, 7th, don't matter. You'll be able to work the entire neck of the guitar in any Key.
Use a search engine and type in 'Guitar Modes'.
I've been playing guitar for over forty years and I use these all the time.
Good luck.
Slidin' on.
