ERIC JOHNSON GUITAR LESSON: HOW HE USES PENTATONICS [MINOR]

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Eric Johnson-Guitar-Modern-Pentatonics-lesson
Eric Johnson Modern Pentatonics part 2. The Minor Pentatonic scale. The Subject of this Blog

HOW ERIC JOHNSON MAKES CREATIVE USE OF THE MINOR PENTATONIC SCALE

In this 2nd part we will look at 2 examples that display how Eric Johnson takes the “Minor Pentatonic” from a worn out cliche and turns it into a unique musical tour de force of originality.

This 1st example is quite demanding to play but it demonstrates the power of manipulating the intervals to create a unique sound and style. [Notice that the interval of the 7th crops up a lot along with 6ths and 3rds].

Eric-Johnson-Minor-Pentatonic-Scale-guitar-Lesson
Eric Johnson Modern Pentatonics for guitar part 2. The Minor Pentatonic scale. An intervallic approach!

The 2nd example is a bit more straight forward, but, because Eric Johnson manipulates the interval of a perfect 4th he creates a fresh modern sound. Also notice that there are arpeggios. These arpeggios create melodic content to the example and draw the listeners ear into the music.

Eric-Johnson-Minor-Pentatonic-Scale-Lesson-example
Eric Johnson Modern Pentatonics guitar part 2. The Minor Pentatonic scale. 4ths and 7ths intervals concept

Although this is only a short lesson there is plenty to take from these two examples because they contain the key to unlocking an original approach to the most basic and most used thing in guitar the minor pentatonic scale. The way that Eric Johnson exploits the intervals in this scale is a real eye opener, oh, and a real ear opener!

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Jazz/fusion improvisation Altered scale Theory Lesson

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Today we will look at a John Mclaughlin alternate picking Jazz/Fusion improvisation cadence employing the altered dominant chord! Please watch the video below and then try it out yourself.

https://youtu.be/hfoXPKbkUtE

As you will see this cadence employs the Altered scale. It is a 2 [minor 7 flat 5] going to 5 [ “Altered Dominant”] 1 [major 7th]. This being Dm7 flat 5  G7 altered resolving to C major7.

I also employ a flat 5 substitution on the Dm7 flat 5. All of this resolves though and slips nicely into the altered dominant 5 chord. I also use pentatonics within the altered scale for rhythmic flow. Please look at the TAB/MUSIC below and play through it yourself to see and feel how it all “Naturally” unfolds. I employ alternate picking the same as John Mclaughlin.

John Mclaughlin alternate picking altered scale line Music/Tab

John Mclaughlin Alternate picking Altered scale jazz improviser line

VARIATION With an A flat Pentatonic shape replacing A flat minor/Major Arpeggio for the flat 5 substitution.

 

Altered scale jazz improvisation, jazz improviser lesson

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