UGP Basics #1 Easy Blues Pentatonic Em

Playing the Blues isn’t something that should give you the blues!

Does Rock ‘n Roll come from the Blues?

The foundation of Rock ‘n Roll, and pretty much all American music since Elvis, is based on a genre of music called the blues. Chord progressions of 7th notes, diminished fingerings, and flat fifths create dissonant sounds that propel the music through the sonic landscape, helping the listener feel movement.

Why the Blues is different?

The blues are set apart from classical compositions due to their use of a simple chord progression of twelve bars that can repeat until the player get tired. That progression, and the turn-around which keeps it moving, set up a unique rhythm and sound just waiting for a solo. That’s where the blues pentatonic scale comes in.

What are the Blues made of?

Comprising just five notes, the pentatonic scale is very versatile because it fits into chord progressions easily. Adding the flat fifth notes to the pentatonic scale changes the feel, adds additional tension and release, and conveys motion. These exciting elements are even easier to integrate into chord progressions because the blue notes help ‘ease on in’ to more chord voicings.

Why learn the Blues Pentatonic Scale?

What’s even better is that the scale is simple to learn on the guitar, and is one pattern that can be repeated up and down the fretboard. Practicing this scale will change how you play the guitar. It’s easy and can be picked up to playing proficiency by most beginners in just a couple of days.

Here’s how to play the Em Blues Pentatonic Scale:

The scale is played in the first position on the guitar. No bar fretting is necessary.

Step 1: Starting on the 6th string, the low E string, play the open E string, and then the G note on the third fret of the 6th string.

Step 2: The next note changes to the A (5th) string. Play the open A note, then the blues note of A# on the first fret, and finally the B note on the second fret.

Step 3: The next note is on the D (4th) string. Play the open D note and then play the E note on the second fret.

Step 4: The next note is on the G (3rd) string. Play the open G note, then the A on the second fret, and A#, the Blues note, on the third fret.

Step 5: Follow up by changing to the B (2nd) string. Play the open B note followed by the D on the third fret.

Step 6: Finish the scale on the high e (1st) string by playing the open e and finish with the G note on the third fret.

Step 7: Walk the scale back down in backward order.

Do you want to solo and play lead guitar, or lay down an awesome rhythm for others to follow? This Blues in Em tutorial will show you how!