Originally Posted by: jarhead88I am on the first level of the ROCK core system should I be learning pentatonic scales on my own?

It sounds like you have completed Guitar Fundamentals 1 & 2, and are working on Rock Style Couse Level 1.

Slipin Lizard's advice is on target. You can't go wrong sticking with the course lessons. But if you have extra time, then it can't hurt to start working on pentatonic scales on your own.

All the course material is designed to be as concise & efficient as possible. But in the later tutorials, we can stretch out & take time to really go in depth into the material. Please check these out:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=296
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=722
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=185

Those are in depth tutorials covering the theory & practice of the pentatonic scales. If you can work them into your practice schedule without getting overwhelmed, go for it! If it's a little too much for right now, then stick with the Rock courses, and go back & work on that other stuff later!

Have fun. :)