Chromatic Sequences With The Pentatonic Scale

I have lots I could discuss, but first I want you to decide if you want to hear it. Go ahead and listen to the first 15 seconds of the video below where I play an example of what I am going to teach you. If you like the sound, keep reading.

Not too too long ago I posted a video on using the pentatonic scale on guitar to invent unlimited guitar licks. The video explained the concept known as “sequences”.

The general idea is that while the pentatonic scale contains just 5 notes, the melodic combinations you have to work with are endless (if you don’t quite recall what sequencing is, feel free to click the link posted above to watch the video that explains it).

I got a few comments on that video saying that while they did like the sound they got out of that technique, that they were concerned that they may easily become trapped using only that exact scale.

So here in this following video I will go over how to create unlimited licks using the scale, and also how to expand out of the scale as well. The sound of this comes from some bebop phrasing, but can also be adjusted for a metal sound as well (I go over this in the video).

Like I said, watch the first 15 seconds of the following video to first see if you would like to spend more time learning how to play it yourself.

Just like my other video about endless guitar phrases, this is only supposed to work as a starting point. Experiment with this concept to see where and when you can use it yourself in your own music. It’s great as is, but its also fun to create your own ideas with it as well!

Tommaso Zillio is a professional prog rock/metal guitarist and composer based in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Tommaso is currently working on an instrumental CD, and an instructional series on fretboard visualization and exotic scales. He is your go-to guy for any and all music theory-related questions.

Tommaso Zillio