How to Play a Blues Scale On Guitar

The blues scale, a slang term for the pentatonic scale, is the basis of most rock guitar solos and riffs. It's not that difficult to place, once a guitarist practices it a few times, and once you get the pattern down, you will be one step closer to shredding with the best of them. In this lesson, we will be playing an A pentatonic minor scale, or an A blues scale.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar in standard tuning

1. Start on the 6th string. Place your index finger on the 5th fret. Pluck the 6th string. Place your pinkie on the 8th fret. Pluck the 6th string.

2. Move up the the 5th string. Place your index finger on the 5th fret. Pluck the 5th string. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret. Pluck the 5th string.

3. Move up to the 4th string. Place your index finger on the 5th fret. Pluck the 4th string. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret. Pluck the 4th string.

4. Move up to the 3rd string. Place your index finger on the 5th fret. Pluck the 3rd string. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret. Pluck the 3rd string.

5. Move up to the 2nd string. Place your index finger on the 5th fret. Pluck the 2nd string. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret. Pluck the 3rd string.

6. Move up to the 1st string. Place your index finger on the 5th fret. Pluck the 1st string. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret. Pluck the 1st string.

7. Repeat the pattern over and over again, going both forward and in reverse. Focus on accuracy and keeping the notes even rather than on speed. The speed will come with time.