*NEW:* I'm currently rolling out my full *Improv 101* course, a step-by-step improvisation guide for guitarists of _all ability levels_ (there are _no_ prerequisites other than being able to physically play single-note lines on your guitar). You can get early access on Patreon https://patreon.com/fretscience or learn more at https://fretscience.com/2024/10/25/fret-science-improv-101/
► *Errata:* Around the 9:00 mark, the major and minor targets shown in the "stack" shape are reversed. Sorry for any confusion this causes!
► *Downloads/Resources:* This video has a 14-page PDF written version with all the diagrams, plus backing tracks and exclusive looping video animations for all five pentatonic positions for the D - A - Bm - G and "Little Wing" examples. These are available to all paid Patreon subscribers: https://patreon.com/fretscience
► *Video description:* Improvising solos over chord changes can be intimidating—but it doesn't have to be! In this video, you'll discover an easy, powerful pentatonic visualization technique that simplifies soloing dramatically. By shifting familiar pentatonic scale shapes across strings, you'll effortlessly target chord tones and play melodically without much theory. Whether you're a rock, blues, or jazz guitarist, this hack will boost your melodic confidence instantly. Perfect for intermediate guitarists who know the pentatonic scale and want solos that sound intentional and musical.
► *Fret Science* is a new and robust method for understanding the fretboard (learning all of your scales, arpeggios, and chords) with _dramatically_ less memorization. And then using that knowledge to improvise and play freely in _any_ style of music.
The core method for learning scales and chords is available _for free_ here on YouTube. If you're new to the channel, I invite you to check out the "Big Picture" video and recommended video viewing order here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMuHlX9RiFi1L1RdC0CzYa1qxZllD5Ujz&si=cOp25GnXrL28rbLQ
► *Learn more:* If you want to go deeper or interact with me directly, come join me on Patreon https://patreon.com/fretscience where I'm sharing exclusive new lessons, breaking down classic solos, and rolling out a new improvisation method that will help guitarists of _all ability levels_ learn to improvise confidently over chord changes in any style.
You can learn more, sign up for my email newsletter, or contact me at https://fretscience.com
► *Related videos:*
https://youtu.be/wzWE0dpxnmY
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMuHlX9RiFi1L1RdC0CzYa1qxZllD5Ujz
► *Gear* used in this video (If you make a purchase via one of these links, Fret Science will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I have had nothing but good experiences with Sweetwater and recommend them highly.):
- PRS Fiore (insanely awesome guitar!) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/AW7jeJ
- DSM Humboldt Simplifier MKII - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/QyXLWP
- Wampler Tumnus Overdrive - https://imp.i114863.net/9W43V0
- Kernom Ridge overdrive pedal - https://amzn.to/3RdNm0N
- MXR Six Band EQ Pedal - https://imp.i114863.net/QOZgYM
- TC Electronic Plethora X5 - https://imp.i114863.net/VyzWOa
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/eKJ5Xj
- World's Best Cables 15' (Mogami/Neutrik) - https://amzn.to/3YqxCZY
► *Keywords:* Chord tone soloing, improvisation, pentatonic shifts, pentatonic scale, major scale modes, "Little Wing," Jimi Hendrix
► *Chapters:*
00:00 Introduction
01:25 "One Scale Per Chord" soloing
02:53 Six pentatonic scales inside the major scale
04:19 Rectangle and stack overview
06:11 Root patterns on the fretboard
07:18 How pentatonic shapes shift
08:08 Finding the "juicy" target notes
09:27 How to determine the chord functions
10:25 How to use this with a I - V - vi - IV progression
11:26 Demonstration over D - A - Bm - G
11:53 "Little Wing" analysis
13:27 "Little Wing" demonstration