Pentatonic Shred Licks

Hey guys! Welcome to my new lesson. In this one I wanted to share some cool shred licks using Pentatonic minor scale with the addition of Chromatic notes. You will find some amazing licks that I always use as well as some great players like John Petrucci, Zakk Wylde, Nuno Betencourt and Steve Morse.
What do I mean when I say Pentatonic minor scale + Chromatic notes?

The backing tracks starts in A minor and then modulates to E minor. That’s why I start the solo using A Pentatonic minor scale.



Now let’s add the “Chromatic notes” mostly used in this position.



As you can see, I’m just adding notes inside the scale box. These notes are what we call Chromatic notes referring to the 12 tones Chromatic scale. These “added” notes are usually used as passing notes, and this means that you can play them but you don’t have to stay too much time on them. If you analyze the licks that I’ll show slowly in the following video parts you’ll notice that I always start the lick from a Pentatonic minor scale note and end on another Pentatonic minor scale note.

If this is the first time that you hear the word "Pentatonic" or if you need a refresh of this scale, check out this amazing Workout by Ivan Milenkovic: HERE

The techniques used in this lessons are Alternate picking, Legato, Bending and Vibrato. The most tricky parts are the fast Alternate picking licks. It you are new to this technique you’ll have to be patient and practice the licks slowly with metronome.

I used my Gibson Les Paul Studio connected to a Line 6 Pod X3 Live to record this lesson. The amp simulated is a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier and the cabinet is also a Mesa Boogie.
I have also added an emulated Tube Screamer to add sustain.

Ok guys! I hope that you'll enjoy the lesson. Let me know if you have any questions about it.

Gab.-

E Pentatonic Minor:


E Pentatonic Minor with Chromatic notes: