Putting the Cmaj pentatonic to work

So I've learned the 5 positions for the C major pentatonic scale to the point I play my own rudimentary solos up and down the fretboard.

I think my next step would be to find a song in C and improvise my own solo over top. I don't yet have an 'ear' for how scales fit into a song structure. I know there are loads of songs in C, but could you recommend one in GT (rock) for my little experiment?

And after I learn the major pentatonics, I'm thinking I should learn the minor pentatonic and then the blues scale. Is there a preferred order for learning scales?

Originally Posted by: cj.stevens

So I've learned the 5 positions for the C major pentatonic scale to the point I play my own rudimentary solos up and down the fretboard.

I think my next step would be to find a song in C and improvise my own solo over top. I don't yet have an 'ear' for how scales fit into a song structure. I know there are loads of songs in C, but could you recommend one in GT (rock) for my little experiment?

[/quote]

This Chuck Berry song is in C major.

You Never Can Tell

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1379

This Stones song is (mostly) in C major. But it has a modulation, which is another reason you need to know more than just the scale.

You Can't Always Get What You Want

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=2036

But, if you've learned the pentatonic patterns, then you can move them around to any key. That's one of the great things about the structure of guitar. Want to play in A major? Just move the entire C major patterns down 3 frets.

Also, soloing, or improvising consists of more than simply playing a scale while a song is happening. You need to play in time with the music, playing little phrases or melodies that work with the chords & melody of the song.

Improvising consists of 3 things.

1. Find an appropriate scale (key signature)[br] 2. Target chord tones[br] 3. Make musical phrases

So, knowing the right scale to use is a great first step. But it's just the first step. :)

I cover improvisation for beginners (in C major!) in this tutorial.

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

[quote=cj.stevens]

And after I learn the major pentatonics, I'm thinking I should learn the minor pentatonic and then the blues scale. Is there a preferred order for learning scales?

I think it's a great idea for all guitarists (musicians in general) to learn the basic concepts of the major & minor scales (in diatonic form). Then learn to play them in at least rudimentary form. It helps with conceptual skills like ear training & it helps with physical skills like finger coordination & single note at a time playing.

Another important concept & skill is understanding the basics of harmony, how scales are built into chords, in order to understand the fundamental structure of music.

All this is covered in GF 1 & 2, then continued in each style course (rock, blues, country). And while you are doing this, you should learn songs. Lots of songs that you like. After all, what good is a scale that you can't use to make music?

The vast majority of music is based in some way on the major scale. And pentatonic scales are just simplified forms of the diatonic scales. All that foundation info is covered in the courses.

https://www.guitartricks.com/beginner.php

Work through the courses. Then learn songs! Have fun! Ask more if necessary. :)a