Lost in theory

Ok ,I will try to keep this as simple as I can, I have gone through the beginner program 1 and 2, gone throug blues 1 and most of 2 but I’m still lost...

problem is, If I’m playing say a blues jam I’m the key of D and the the chords are D, G,A, I got that part, but the patterns shift for each key, are the patterns the same progression just in different spots on the neck>, say instead of patten 1 starting on the 5th fret does it strat on another but is still the same pattern...i just wanna be able to play solos etc in a song but learning the same pattern all of the neck has me lost...I hope this remotely makes sense...I’m at the point of looking up a local teacher to help me out

Hey, there! Glad you've worked through GF1 & 2. Anders gets more into how to solo over each chord later in Blues 2 Chapter 4. So, I strongly encourage you to keep working through that course.

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=756

I'm going to address your concerns with some other suggestions, too! Let's take this one step at a time.

Originally Posted by: C.R. Rodgers

If I’m playing say a blues jam I’m the key of D and the the chords are D, G,A, I got that part, but the patterns shift for each key . . .

[/quote]

There are two basic ways to approach blues lead playing (or any lead playing).

1. Stay in one key, build licks using only one scale (targeting chord tones or not).

2. Change keys as the chords change.

But in real music, both happen quite frequently! Have a look at these tutorials on the basics of improvisation. They will give you a solid foundation in the theory & practice of lead playing.

Intro to Improv

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=876

Improv in a major key

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483

Improv in a minor key

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491

Originally Posted by: C.R. Rodgersare the patterns the same progression just in different spots on the neck>, say instead of patten 1 starting on the 5th fret does it strat on another but is still the same pattern...

I'm not sure what pattern you mean, diatonic or pentatonic scales? But, the answer is yes you can do it that way. It just depends on which approach you desire. You can stay in one pattern & target chord tones as they change. Or you can take a pattern & move it up & down the neck to match the chord changes.

Here are examples of each. This tutorial shows that you can stay in one pentatonic shape or pattern, but use different notes to target chord tones as the chords in the progression happen.

Major notes in minor pentatonic 1

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=217

Or you can move the same pattern around as the chords change. This tutorial is an extreme example of that approach!

Bread & Butter Blues Licks 1

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1614

But keep in mind that in real music both of these get used interchangable! So, it's not one or the other. They are both just different tools you can use to get different sounds that you want, when you want them.

[quote=C.R. Rodgers]i just wanna be able to play solos etc in a song but learning the same pattern all of the neck has me lost...

I think you may be getting ahead of yourself here. :) Learning to play lead solos is a matter of building a repertoire of licks to play. It starts with learning fretboard patterns & notes, to understand how all these things relate. But ultimately, you want to learn licks that sound good, and then be able to play them in time with music.

With all that in mind, I encourage you to keep working through Blues 2, have a look at the tutorials I linked (I promise they will help you understand the theory & practice of improvisation) & keep practicing. Also, learn some licks that you like the sound of. Leran some licks by your guitar heroes. Figure out why they work. Be patient with yourself.

Hope this helps. Please ask more if necessary. Have fun!

Thank you so much, Ive been paying diligently for 3 months now but I feel like I should “ get it” more, maybe I’m too tough on myself, played off and on since 10 years old but really decided to get serious about learning this year, hence my subscription.