***** Maximum Security by Tony MacAlpine - Possibly the Best Shred Album Ever

Move over Joe Satriani.  There is someone who has fewer fans than you and is far more gifted.  Maximum Security is one of Tony MacAlpine’s better albums, and it is far better than anything the far more popular Satch has released.  What makes this album so awesome is the control MacAlpine exhibits over his guitar playing.  He isn’t just playing the notes; he is feeling the notes, such that the subtleties of this album that make it so awesome are probably measured better with microns rather than the larger unit of measurement, the millimeter.  This is a achieved because Maximum Security has a lot of bends and whammy bar work that is exceptionally tonally precise.  If you know anything about music, then you know that there can be more than 12 tones before reaching an octave.  For example, one can bend a note a quarter of a note, which is different than a quarter note of time.  What I am referring to his a quarter of a tone, not a quarter note, which refers to the length of time that the note plays for in notation.  The subtleties of this album probably make such that it would be impossible to tab it or use musical notation to describe the song unless one has heard one of the songs on this album first.  Sit back and listen, and stop guess exactly how much MacAlpine bent the note, and just appreciate the tremendous song writing and virtuosity on this album, which is great from start to finish.

*** Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence by Dream Theater – Dream Theater’s Worst Album

In my opinion, the only good song on this album is the subdivision Solitary Shell, which is a part of the Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence song.   The rest of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence has its moments, but on the whole, with almost every song I feel like there is too much repetition.  It is as if Dream Theater was simply adding filler so that they could release a double album instead of a cd.  That said there are definitely some redeeming parts of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, and that much was demonstrated on later discs, such as Score.  On the album Score, all the parts of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence are astounding.  So perhaps you may think that it is the recording quality that I am complaining about and not the song writing itself.  That is almost certainly not the case, because I have heard 4 Degrees of Radio Edits and every track on that cd blew my socks off.  Four Degrees of Radio Edits essentially takes most of the filler out of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, making the songs more action packed and more impressionable.  So while Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence is only a three star album, I would give Four Degrees of Radio Edits five stars.  Likewise, 4 Degrees cuts to the chase and is only 1 cd long, where 6 degrees of Inner Turbulence probably should not have ever been released though it is the favorite album of many of Dream Theater’s fans.  For example, I think Awake is far superior to Six Degrees, but the last I check at allmusic.com Awake was absurdly rated 2 or 3 stars, while Six Degrees was absurdly rated 4 stars.

1:1:1:9 9th Blues Pentatonic Drill: 2 Fattest Strings. Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate. Root, 5, flat 3, 5.

Introduction to the Lesson

A.      1^st 1^st Position Pentatonic Soloing Drills: Mega Lesson Syllabus for 2 String Play of Single Notes

a.       1st Killing the 1^st Position Blues Pentatonic Scales in 4s on the 1^st and 2^nd Strings.

1.       1^st 27 Lessons for Mode 1 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1

·         9^th Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings. Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate.   Root, 5, flat 3, 5.

Note1:  Please note, that I call the fattest string, the 1^st string.  Thus, the second fattest string would be the 2^nd string, and the skinniest string would be the 6^th string, and so on.

Note2: If at any time you are experiencing pain during the playing of this exercise or any other exercise I give, then stop immediately!  Please!  It doesn’t help me as a teacher to gain students with tendonitis, or other guitar injuries.

Note3: 1: Refers to the section of pentatonic drills.  In this case, 1 means that the drill is for 1 and 2 strings.  For example, the second section uses 3 strings.

Note4: 1:1  The 2^nd 1 of 1:1 refers to the position of the blues pentatonic scale that is used.  As a pentatonic scale has 5 notes, there are 5 positions.  These positions are all part of a scale.  One can switch between positions and not play any wrong notes.  1:1a-1:1e in its entirety can be raised/lowered as much as 11 half steps to result in modes with root notes in different keys.  Also, note that the pattern changes between the 1^st and 2^sn strings because the intervals between open strings when using standard tuning are not always the same.

1:1a  Position 1 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1^st string; 12^th fret and 15^th fret.  2^nd string; 12^th and 14^th fret.  3^rd string; 12^th and 14^th fret.  4^th string; 12^th and 14^th fret.   5^th string; 12^th and 15^th fret.  And the 2^nd string follows the same pattern as the 1^st string.

1:1b  Position 2 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1^st string; 3^rd and 5^th fret.  2^nd string; 2^nd and 5^th fret.  3^rd string; 2^nd fret and 5^th fret. 4^th string; 2^nd and 4^th fret. 5^th string; 3^rd and 5^th fret. And the 6^th string 3^rd and 5^th fret.

1:1c  Position 3 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1^st string; 5^th and 7^th fret.  2^nd string; 5^th and 7^th fret.  3^rd string; 5^th and 7^th fret. 4^th string; 4^th and 7^th fret.  5^th string; 5^th and 8^th fret.  6^th string 5^th and 7^th fret.

1:1d  Position 4 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1^st string; 7^th and 10^th fret.  2^nd string; 7^th and 10^th fret.  3^rd string; 7^th and 9^th fret.  4^th string; 7^th and 9^th fret. 5^th string; 8^th and 10^th fret. And on the 6^th string 7^th and 10^th fret.

1:1e  Position 5 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1^st string; 10^th and 12^th fret.  2^nd string; 10^th and 12^th fret.  3^rd string; 9^th and 12^th fret.  4^th string; 9^th and 12^th fret. 5^th string; 10^th and 12^th fret. 6^th string 10^th fret and 12^th fret.

Note5: 1:1:1  The third 1 of 1:1:1 refers to the mode of the pentatonic scale that is used.  There are 5 modes.  Though there is at least one major mode and one minor mode, to my knowledge, these modes don’t commonly go by names such as Lydian, or Ionian.

Note6: 1:1:1:9  The 4^th in the sequence: 1:1:1:9 is a 7 and refers to the specific lesson title.  That is that this lesson is a drill that uses the Root note, the 4^th note, and the 5^th note of the 7 note major scale in a pattern, rather than the 4^th and 5^th of the pentatonic scale, etcetera.  That way a 5^th is always going to be a 5^th, even it is the 4^th mode of the pentatonic scale, where a 5^th would be the 5^th note of a major scale with 7 notes.

The Lesson Itself

1:1:1:9:1 A pentatonic scale is a 5 note scale.  Usually, for the blues pentatonic scale, scalar positions have 2 notes per string.  That is there are, 2 possible notes on the 1^st string, 2 possible notes on the 2^nd string, 2 possible notes on the 3^rd string, 2 possible notes on the 4^th string, 2 possible notes on the 5^th string and 2 possible notes on the 6^th string for any given position.  The notes for these exercises will all be played on the 1^st and 2^nd strings, which are the 2 fattest strings.  If your guitar is a standard 6 string with standard 6 string tuning then sometimes the 1st string is called the low E string, and the 2nd string is called the A string.

1:1:1:9:2  I will call the first mode of the blues pentatonic scale to be a minor scale.   5 notes of this pentatonic pattern follow the formula; root, flat 3, 4, 5, and flat 7, where the next note is an octave where the scale repeats itself.  Perhaps, it would be better to call it a hexave, but since intervals are told usually with respect to a 7 note major scale, the 8^th note of the Ionian mode, which is another name for a classical major scale is an octave.  An octave is theF same note as the root note, only an octave higher. 

1:1:1:9:3   The root note will be the lowest note for this exercise.  The root note does not have to be the first note, nor the lowest note, but for this lesson it will be.  Laying out the pattern root, flat 3, 4, 5, on a fret board that has standard tuning will always follow the following pattern:  On the 1^st string, the root will be the first note, and the second note of the pentatonic scale ascends 3 half steps on the same string, which is the 1^st string, and the 4^th is a whole step up from flat three, and is at the same fret as the root note, but on the 2^nd string.  Like the 4^th, the 5^th is also played on the 2^nd string.  This 4 note pattern represents a cross section of the blues pentatonic scale, where each drill will contain between 2 to 4 of this pattern of notes.

1:1:1:9:4  The time signature will be 4/4 time.  That means that it is to be counted in 4s.  Where the 1st note of the 4 note sequence is played slightly louder than the rest.

1:1:1:9:5  Time to play.  Make sure your guitar is in tune, and has standard tuning.  In another blog, I describe how this is to be accomplished through the usual methods.

1:1:1:9:6  With your index finger play the 12^th note of the 1^st string with a down stroke.  This place on the fret board is usually designated with a double dot marking.  This should be an E note.  Use your right hand to mute all the strings except for the string that is being played.  The next note to be played is a 5^th  from the E.  It is also a B note.  It is at the 14^th fret but on the 2^nd string, and is fretted with the middle finger.  Play the 3^rd note, a G at the 15^th fret, on the 1^st string with the ring finger, such that the transition actually causes the 2^nd  string to be muted.  This note is played with an upstroke and is called a flat 3^rd.  In this case the 5^th is an B note in the key of E.  The 2^nd 5^th is the 4^th note of the sequence.  It is to be played on the 2^nd string.  It is played with an upstroke at the 15^th fret with the middle finger.  Again, you want to try to mute all the strings, except for the one that you are playing.  The pinky won’t be used for this exercise.  Usually, it is not as capable as getting as strong as your other fingers, such that it is good to include a few exercises that exclude the use of the pinky finger.

1:1:1:9:7  Next repeat this pattern, always using a down stroke on the 1^st sting when playing the root note.  Play the pattern four times, down stroke, up stroke, down stroke, up stroke.  This is called alternating picking.  Later, sometimes I will indicate that you should use down strokes for each note that is played.

1:1:1:9:8  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  This steps of moving this pattern up and down the fret board cause key changes.  It will follow the pattern, 1^st string 11^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd  string 13^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 14^th fret using the ring finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 13^th fret using the middle finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:9 Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 10^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 12^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 12^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 12^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:10  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 9^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 11^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 11^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 11^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:11  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 8^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 10^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 10^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 10^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:12  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 7^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 9^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 9^th fret using the ring finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 9^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:13  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 6^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 8^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 8^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 8^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:14  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 5^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 7^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 7^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 7^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:15  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 6^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 8^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 8^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 8^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:16 Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 7^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 9^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 9^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 9^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:17  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 8^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 10^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 10^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 10^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:18  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 9^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 11^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 11^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 11^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:19 Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 10^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 12^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 12^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 12^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:20 Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 11^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 13^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 13^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 13^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:21 Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 12^th fret using the index finger, 2^nd string 14^th fret using the middle finger, 1^st string 14^th fret using the middle finger, and finish with the 4^th note on the 2^nd string at the 14^th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.

1:1:1:9:22 Repeat 1:1:1:9 6-21, except play the pattern only 1 time instead of 4 times working on the fluidity of your playing.  You may decide to also play this patter about the 12^th fret.

1:1:1:9:33 Repeat 1:1:1:9 6-21 using all down strokes and palm mute with your picking hand the ring that you are playing.  You may decide to also play this patter about the 12^th fret.

1:1:1:9:34 Repeat 1:1:1:9 6-21 using all down strokes, except play the pattern only 1 time instead of 4 times, similar to verse 32, working on the fluidity of your playing.  You may decide to also play this patter about the 12^th fret.

33rd Guitar Snake Exercises: Adding Playing below the 5th Fret Pt. 14 Open, Pinky, Ring, Middle in 4s

Note:  If at any time you are experiencing pain during the playing of this exercise or any other exercise I give, then stop immediately!  Please!  It doesn’t help me as a teacher to gain students with tendonitis, or other guitar injuries.

Note2:  Palm muting refers to muting the actual string that you are playing, and all the other strings.

Note3:  Without palm muting refers to not muting the string your are playing, while you are playing it, but then muting it after each note, while muting all the other strings.

Note4:  Down strokes refers to playing a string only with a downward motion of the pick.  Thus, the pick starts high hits the string and bounces off, and instead of picking the note with an upstroke of the pick on the rebound, return to a position with the pick above the string before making another down stroke.  This is a style of play Metallica commonly uses.  Generally, a down stroke sounds heavier than an upward stroke, such that using all downward strokes makes for a heavier sound.

Note5:  Alternating strokes refers to picking with upward strokes and downward strokes.  The purpose of alternating strokes is usually to gain speed while picking.

33:1  The first set of exercises I gave was primarily so that one doesn’t injure their fretting hand by stretch too much.  Next, I increase the amount of “jiggas,” to give a picking hand work out.  The lesson-blogs from 30 to 39 will be on strengthening one’s left hand, such that it is better able to reach.  It is probably a good idea not to start here.

33:2  The exercises in this blog will involve the pinky finger, the ring finger and the middle finger.

33:3  On string 6, at the 12th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 15^th fret with your pinky finger, 14^th fret with your ring finger, and 13^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:4  On string 6, at the 11th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 14^th fret with your pinky finger, 13^th fret with your ring finger, and 12^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:5  On string 6, at the 10th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 13^th fret with your pinky finger, 12^th fret with your ring finger, and 11^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated. 

33:6  On string 6, at the 9th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 12^th fret with your pinky finger, 11^th fret with your ring finger, and 10^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:7  On string 6, at the 8th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 11^th fret with your pinky finger, 10^th fret with your ring finger, and 9^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:8  On string 6, at the 7th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 10^th fret with your pinky finger, 9^th fret with your ring finger, and 8^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:9  On string 6, at the 6th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 9^th fret with your pinky finger, 8^th fret with your ring finger, and 7^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:10  On string 6, at the 5th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 8^th fret with your pinky finger, 7^th fret with your ring finger, and 6^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:11  On string 6, at the 4th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 7^th fret with your pinky finger, 6^th fret with your ring finger, and 5^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:12  On string 6, at the 3rd fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 6^th fret with your pinky finger, 5^th fret with your ring finger, and 4^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:13  On string 6, at the 2nd fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 5^th fret with your pinky finger, 4^th fret with your ring finger, and 3^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:14  On string 6, at the 1st fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 4^th fret with your pinky finger, 3^rd fret with your ring finger, and 2^nd fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:15  On string 6, at the 2nd fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 5^th fret with your pinky finger, 4^th fret with your ring finger, and 3^rd fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:16  On string 6, at the 3rd fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 6^th fret with your pinky finger, 5^th fret with your pinky finger, and 4^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:17  On string 6, at the 4th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 7^th fret with your pinky finger, 6^th fret with your ring finger, and 5^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:18  On string 6, at the 5th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 8^th fret with your pinky finger, 7^th fret with your ring finger, and 6^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:19  On string 6, at the 6th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 9^th fret with your pinky finger, 8^th fret with your ring finger, and 7^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:21  On string 6, at the 7th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 10^th fret with your pinky finger, 9^th fret with your ring finger, and 8^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:21  On string 6, at the 8th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 11^th fret with your pinky finger, 10^th fret with your ring finger, and 9^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:22  On string 6, at the 9th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 12^th fret with your pinky finger, 11^th fret with your ring finger, and 10^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:23  On string 6, at the 10th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 13^th fret with your pinky finger, 12^th fret with your ring finger, and 11^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated. 

33:24  On string 6, at the 11th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 14^th fret with your pinky finger, 13^th fret with your ring finger, and 12^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:25  On string 6, at the 12th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 15^th fret with your pinky finger, 14^th fret with your ring finger, and 13^th fret again with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:27  Repeat exercises 33:3 – 33:25 on the string 5.

33:27  Repeat exercises 33:3 – 33:25 on the string 4.

33:28  Repeat exercises 33:3 – 33:25 on the string 3.

33:29  Repeat exercises 33:3 – 33:25 on the string 2.

33:30  Repeat exercises 33:3 – 33:25 on the string 1.

33:31  Repeat exercises 33:3 – 33:30 using alternating strokes (up and down) instead of just down strokes.

33:32  Repeat exercises 33:3-33:5 except instead of repeating the each numbered verse 4x; play them 1x, repeating exercises 33:3-2:23 4x and work on the fluidity of your playing.  The first time, do it without palm muting and down strokes.  The second time, do it with palm muting and down strokes. The 3^rd time do it with alternating strokes and without palm muting.  The 4^th time do it with alternating strokes and with palm muting.

33:33  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  For example, on string 6, at the 13th fret, play the following: open, 16^th fret with your pinky, 15^th fret with your ring finger, and 14^th fret with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:34  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 14th fret, play the following: open, 17^th fret with your pinky finger, 16^th fret with your ring finger, and 15^th fret with your middle finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:35  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 15th fret, play the following: open, 18^th fret with your pinky finger, 17^th fret with your ring finger, and 16^th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:36  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 16th fret, play the following: open, 19^th fret with your pinky finger, 18^th fret with your ring finger, and 17^th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:37  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 17th fret, play the following: open, 20^th fret with your pinky finger, 19^th fret with your ring finger, and 18^th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:38  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 18th fret, play the following: open, 21^st fret with your pinky finger, 20^th fret with your ring finger, and 19^st fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:39  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 19th fret, play the following: open, 22^nd fret with your pinky finger, 21^st fret with your ring finger, and 20^th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:39  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 20th fret, play the following: open, 23^rd fret with your pinky finger, 22^nd fret with your ring finger, and 21^st fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:40  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 21th fret, play the following: open, 24^th fret with your pinky finger, 23^rd fret with your ring finger, and 22^nd fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.

33:41  Then,  feel free to work your way back to the 12^th fret using the same pattern.  Possibly consider moving the pattern down the fret in whole steps.  For example, start at the pattern at the 19^th fret, then the 17^th fret, then the 15^th fret, then the 13^th, then the 11^th fret.

For Intermediates: Catchy Heavy Metal Song Reviews. Chaos A.D. by Sepultura

This one was one of my favorites in high school.  By the time I was listening to this stuff, I used to get angry at people for listening to radio, and not moving onto better stuff.  It was like they were musical babies that didn’t want to grow up.  That said, as far as metal songs go, this one is on the easier side of things as difficulty.  Sepultura was never a very technical band, but they seemed to be among the first that bridge the gap between metal and hardcore.  Propaganda is another really good song on this album, and at one time I wanted to play Propaganda as a cover song in a band that never happened.

For Beginners: Pop Rock Singles Reviews. Lightning Crashes by Live

I have never liked this song.  It was too simple for me by the time it came out when, I was in high school.  In fact, I would estimate that this song is so simple that it may be able to taught to someone who doesn’t even own their own instrument, and simply picks one up and a song like this comes out immediately upon picking up the instrument.  Again, this is music that fills stadiums, and should you choose that route, there are probably a million other bands that could write and play a song like this one that never got popular.  It is like most other songs on the radio, in that it follows formulas any musicians should be familiar with if they want to write a hit single.  

For Intermediates: Catchy Heavy Metal Song Reviews. fff by Megadeth

This is one of my favorites off the Cryptic Writings album.  It is quite a bit like their song Tornado of Souls, but a little more simple.  This song is essentially punk music, but it is at a level of speed that would make it difficult for most people only capable of playing beginners son to perform.  Got to admit, upon relistening to it, it has a solo that is at the flat out unbelievable technicality level.

***** Review of Five by Greg Howe – One of Many Tremendous Greg Howe Album’s

When it comes to reviewing a Greg Howe album, chances are that it doesn’t come down to how many stars it is rated.  Every Greg Howe album I know of is a 5 star album.  The real question is which Greg Howe album do you like the best?  My personal favorite so far is Introspection.  However, my friend that was into jam bands preferred this album, Five, as his favorite.  I have lots of good memories listening to Five in my car cd player, which at the time was a cd walkman adapted to connect to a tape player, if I remember correctly.  On both of these albums Howe explores the genre of jazz fusion in what I could call borderline superhuman ways.  Truly, this is some of the most difficult music out there to play, especially if you are a guitarist, and if you buy this album, I can almost guarantee that you will think every penny of your money was well spent on 5, as though track 1 is the best, Five hardly loses any speed throughout the album.

1:1:1:8 8th Blues Pentatonic Drill: 2 Fattest Strings. Mode 1, Position 1. Root, 5, flat 3, 5.

Introduction to the Lesson
A. 1st 1st Position Pentatonic Soloing Drills: Lesson Mega Syllabus for 2 String Play of Single Notes 
a. 1st Killing the 1st Position Blues Pentatonic Scales in 4s on the 1st and 2nd Strings.
1. 1st 27 Lessons for Mode 1 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1
• 8th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.  Root, 5, flat 3, 5.
Note1:  Please note, that I call the fattest string, the 1st string.  Thus, the second fattest string would be the 2nd string, and the skinniest string would be the 6th string, and so on.
Note2: If at any time you are experiencing pain during the playing of this exercise or any other exercise I give, then stop immediately!  Please!  It doesn’t help me as a teacher to gain students with tendonitis, or other guitar injuries.
Note3: 1: Refers to the section of pentatonic drills.  In this case, 1 means that the drill is for 1 and 2 strings.  For example, the second section uses 3 strings.
Note4: 1:1  The 2nd 1 of 1:1 refers to the position of the blues pentatonic scale that is used.  As a pentatonic scale has 5 notes, there are 5 positions.  These positions are all part of a scale.  One can switch between positions and not play any wrong notes.  1:1a-1:1e in its entirety can be raised/lowered as much as 11 half steps to result in modes with root notes in different keys.  Also, note that the pattern changes between the 1st and 2sn strings because the intervals between open strings when using standard tuning are not always the same.
1:1a  Position 1 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1st string; 12th fret and 15th fret.  2nd string; 12th and 14th fret.  3rd string; 12th and 14th fret.  4th string; 12th and 14th fret.   5th string; 12th and 15th fret.  And the 2nd string follows the same pattern as the 1st string. 
1:1b  Position 2 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1st string; 3rd and 5th fret.  2nd string; 2nd and 5th fret.  3rd string; 2nd fret and 5th fret. 4th string; 2nd and 4th fret. 5th string; 3rd and 5th fret. And the 6th string 3rd and 5th fret.
1:1c  Position 3 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1st string; 5th and 7th fret.  2nd string; 5th and 7th fret.  3rd string; 5th and 7th fret. 4th string; 4th and 7th fret.  5th string; 5th and 8th fret.  6th string 5th and 7th fret.
1:1d  Position 4 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1st string; 7th and 10th fret.  2nd string; 7th and 10th fret.  3rd string; 7th and 9th fret.  4th string; 7th and 9th fret. 5th string; 8th and 10th fret. And on the 6th string 7th and 10th fret.
1:1e  Position 5 in the key of E minor is as follows.  1st string; 10th and 12th fret.  2nd string; 10th and 12th fret.  3rd string; 9th and 12th fret.  4th string; 9th and 12th fret. 5th string; 10th and 12th fret. 6th string 10th fret and 12th fret.
Note5: 1:1:1  The third 1 of 1:1:1 refers to the mode of the pentatonic scale that is used.  There are 5 modes.  Though there is at least one major mode and one minor mode, to my knowledge, these modes don’t commonly go by names such as Lydian, or Ionian.
Note6: 1:1:1:8  The 4th 1:1:1:8  refers to the specific lesson title.  That is that this lesson is a drill that uses the Root note, the 4th note, and the 5th note of the major scale in a pattern.
The Lesson Itself
1:1:1:8:1 A pentatonic scale is a 5 note scale.  Usually, for the blues pentatonic scale, scalar positions have 2 notes per string.  That is there are, 2 possible notes on the 1st string, 2 possible notes on the 2nd string, 2 possible notes on the 3rd string, 2 possible notes on the 4th string, 2 possible notes on the 5th ring and 2 possible notes on the 6th string for any given position.  The notes for these exercises will all be played on the 1st and 2nd strings, which are the 2 fattest strings.  If your guitar is a standard 6 string with standard 6 string tuning then sometimes the 1st string is called the low E string, and the 2nd string is called the A string.
1:1:1:8:2  I will call the first mode of the blues pentatonic scale to be a minor scale.   5 notes of this pentatonic pattern follow the formula; root, flat 3, 4, 5, and flat 7, where the next note is an octave where the scale repeats itself.  Perhaps, it would be better to call it a hexave, but since intervals are told usually with respect to a 7 note major scale, the 8th note of the Ionian mode, which is another name for a classical major scale is an octave.  An octave is the same note as the root note, only an octave higher.  
1:1:1:8:3   The root note will be the lowest note for this exercise.  The root note does not have to be the first note, nor the lowest note, but for this lesson it will be.  Laying out the pattern root, flat 3, 4, 5, on a fret board that has standard tuning will always follow the following pattern:  On the 1st string, the root will be the first note, and the second note of the pentatonic scale ascends 3 half step on the same string, which is the 1st string, and the 4th is a whole step up from flat three, and is at the same fret as the root note, but on the 2nd string.  Like the 4th, the 5th is also played on the 2nd string.  This 4 note pattern represents a cross section of the blues pentatonic scale, where each drill will contain between 2 to 4 of this pattern of notes.
1:1:1:8:4  The time signature will be 4/4 time.  That means that it is to be counted in 4s.  Where the 1st note of the 4 note sequence is played slightly louder than or stressed compared the rest.
1:1:1:8:5  Time to play.  Make sure your guitar is in tune, and has standard tuning.  In another blog, I describe how this is to be accomplished through the usual methods.
1:1:1:8:6  With your index finger play the 12th note of the 1st string with a down stroke.  This place on the fret board is usually designated with a double dot marking.  This should be an E note.  Use your right hand to mute all the strings except for the string that is being played.  The next note to be played is a play is a 5th from the E.  It is also an A note.  It is at the 14th fret but on the 2nd string.  Play the 3rd note on the 1st string with the pinky finger, such that the transition actually causes the 2nd string to be muted.  This note is played with an down stroke and is called a flat 3rd.  In this case the 5th is an A note in the key of E.  The 2nd flat 5th is the 4th note of the sequence.  It is to be played on the first string.  It is played with an upstroke at the 14th fret.  Again, you want to try to mute all the strings, except for the one that you are playing.
1:1:1:8:7  Next repeat this pattern, always using a down stroke on the 1st sting when playing the root note.  Play the pattern four times.  Later, sometimes I will indicate that you should use down strokes for each note that is played. 
1:1:1:8:8  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  This steps of moving this pattern up and down the fret board cause key changes.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 11th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 13th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 14th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 13th fret using the pinky finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:9 Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 10th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 12th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 13th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 12th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:10  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 9th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 11th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 12th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 11th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:11  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 8th fret using the index finger, 1st string 10th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 11th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 10th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:12  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 7th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 9th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 10th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 9th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:13  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 6th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 8th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 9th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 8th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:14  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 5th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 7th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 8th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 7th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:15  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 4th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 6th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 7th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 6th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:16  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 3rd fret using the index finger, 2nd string 5th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 6th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 5th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:17  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 2nd fret using the index finger, 2nd string 4th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 5th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 4th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:18  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 1st fret using the index finger, 2nd string 3rd fret using the ring finger, 1st string 4th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 3rd fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:19  Next, play the same pattern a half step lower.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string open, 2nd  string 2nd fret, 1st string open, and finish with the 4th note, a 5th at the 2nd fret on the 2nd string.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:20  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 1st fret using the index finger, 2nd string 3rd fret using the ring finger, 1st string 4th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the2nd string at the 3rd fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:21  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 2nd fret using the index finger, 2nd string 4th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 5th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 4th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:22  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 3rd fret using the index finger, 2nd string 5th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 6th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 5th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:23  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 4th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 6th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 7th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 6th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:24  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 5th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 7th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 8th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 7th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:25  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 6th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 8th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 9th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 8th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:26 Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 7th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 9th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 10th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 9th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:27  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 8th  fret using the index finger, 2nd string 10th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 11th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 10th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:28  Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 9th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 11th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 12th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 11th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:29 Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 10th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 12th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 13th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 12th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:30 Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 11th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 13th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 14th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 13th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:31 Next, play the same pattern a half step higher.  It will follow the pattern, 1st string 12th fret using the index finger, 2nd string 14th fret using the ring finger, 1st string 15th fret using the pinky finger, and finish with the 4th note on the 2nd string at the 14th fret using the ring finger.  Play this four times, counting 4s.
1:1:1:8:32 Repeat 1:1:1:8 6-31, except play the pattern only 1 time instead of 4 times working on the fluidity of your playing.
1:1:1:8:33 Repeat 1:1:1:8 6-31 using all down strokes and palm mute with your picking hand the ring that you are playing.
1:1:1:8:34 Repeat 1:1:1:8 6-31 using all down strokes, except play the pattern only 1 time instead of 4 times, similar to verse 32, working on the fluidity of your playing.
1:1:1:8:35  If possible on your guitar, then you may wish to continue this fret beyond the 12th fret and then return to the 12th fret.

32nd Guitar Snake Exercises: Adding Playing below the 5th Fret Pt. 13 Open, Index, Ring, Pinky in 4s

Note:  If at any time you are experiencing pain during the playing of this exercise or any other exercise I give, then stop immediately!  Please!  It doesn’t help me as a teacher to gain students with tendonitis, or other guitar injuries.
Note2:  Palm muting refers to muting the actual string that you are playing, and all the other strings.
Note3:  Without palm muting refers to not muting the string your are playing, while you are playing it, but then muting it after each note, while muting all the other strings.
Note4:  Down strokes refers to playing a string only with a downward motion of the pick.  Thus, the pick starts high hits the string and bounces off, and instead of picking the note with an upstroke of the pick on the rebound, return to a position with the pick above the string before making another down stroke.  This is a style of play Metallica commonly uses.  Generally, a down stroke sounds heavier than an upward stroke, such that using all downward strokes makes for a heavier sound.
Note5:  Alternating strokes refers to picking with upward strokes and downward strokes.  The purpose of alternating strokes is usually to gain speed while picking. 
32:1  The first set of exercises I gave was primarily so that one doesn’t injure their fretting hand by stretch too much.  Next, I increase the amount of “jiggas,” to give a picking hand work out.  The lesson-blogs from 30 to 39 will be on strengthening one’s left hand, such that it is better able to reach.  It is probably a good idea not to start here.
32:2  The exercises in this blog will involve the index finger, the ring finger and the pinky finger.
32:3  On string 6, at the 12th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 12th fret with your index finger, 14th fret with your ring finger, and 15th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated. 
32:4  On string 6, at the 11th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 11th fret with your index finger, 13th fret with your ring finger, and 14th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:5  On string 6, at the 10th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 10th fret with your index finger, 12th fret with your ring finger, and 13th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.  
32:6  On string 6, at the 9th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 9th fret with your index finger, 11th fret with your ring finger, and 12th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:7  On string 6, at the 8th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 8th fret with your index finger, 10th fret with your ring finger, and 11th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:8  On string 6, at the 7th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 7th fret with your index finger, 9th fret with your ring finger, and 10th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:9  On string 6, at the 6th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 6th fret with your index finger, 8th fret with your ring finger, and 9th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:10  On string 6, at the 5th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 5th fret with your index finger, 7th fret with your ring finger, and 8th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:11  On string 6, at the 4th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 4th fret with your index finger, 6th fret with your ring finger, and 7th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:12  On string 6, at the 3rd fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 3rd fret with your index finger, 5th fret with your ring finger, and 6th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:13  On string 6, at the 2nd fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 2nd fret with your index finger, 4th fret with your ring finger, and 5th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:14  On string 6, at the 1st fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 1st fret with your index finger, 3rd fret with your ring finger, and 4th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:15  On string 6, at the 2nd fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 2nd fret with your index finger, 4th fret with your ring finger, and 5th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:16  On string 6, at the 3rd fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 3rd fret with your index finger, 5th fret with your index finger, and 6th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:17  On string 6, at the 4th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 4th fret with your index finger, 6th fret with your ring finger, and 7th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:18  On string 6, at the 5th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 5th fret with your index finger, 7th fret with your ring finger, and 8th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:19  On string 6, at the 6th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 6th fret with your index finger, 8th fret with your ring finger, and 9th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:21  On string 6, at the 7th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 7th fret with your index finger, 9th fret with your ring finger, and 10th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:21  On string 6, at the 8th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 8th fret with your index finger, 10th fret with your ring finger, and 11th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:22  On string 6, at the 9th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 9th fret with your index finger, 11th fret with your ring finger, and 12th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:23  On string 6, at the 10th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 10th fret with your index finger, 12th fret with your ring finger, and 13th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.  
32:24  On string 6, at the 11th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 11th fret with your index finger, 13th fret with your ring finger, and 14th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:25  On string 6, at the 12th fret, play the following pattern using all down strokes: open, 12th fret with your index finger, 14th fret with your ring finger, and 15th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:27  Repeat exercises 32:3 – 32:5 on the string 5.
32:27  Repeat exercises 32:3 – 32:5 on the string 4.
32:28  Repeat exercises 32:3 – 32:5 on the string 3.
32:29  Repeat exercises 32:3 – 32:5 on the string 2.
32:30  Repeat exercises 32:3 – 32:5 on the string 1.
32:31  Repeat exercises 32:3 – 32:30 using alternating strokes (up and down) instead of just down strokes.
32:32  Repeat exercises 32:3-32:5 except instead of repeating the each numbered verse 4x; play them 1x, repeating exercises 32:3-2:23 4x and work on the fluidity of your playing.  The first time, do it without palm muting and down strokes.  The second time, do it with palm muting and down strokes. The 3rd time do it with alternating strokes and without palm muting.  The 4th time do it with alternating strokes and with palm muting.
32:33  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  For example, on string 6, at the 13th fret, play the following: open, 13th fret with your index finger, 15th fret with your ring finger, and 16th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:34  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 14th fret, play the following: open, 14th fret with your index finger, 16th fret with your ring finger, and 17th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:35  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 15th fret, play the following: open, 15th fret with your index finger, 17th fret with your ring finger, and 18th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:36  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 16th fret, play the following: open, 16th fret with your index finger, 18th fret with your ring finger, and 19th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:37  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 17th fret, play the following: open, 17th fret with your index finger, 19th fret with your ring finger, and 20th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:38  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 18th fret, play the following: open, 18th fret with your index finger, 20th fret with your ring finger, and 21st fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:39  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 19th fret, play the following: open, 19th fret with your index finger, 21st fret with your ring finger, and 22nd fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:39  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 20th fret, play the following: open, 20th fret with your index finger, 22nd fret with your ring finger, and 23rd fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:40  If it feels comfortable, this pattern can be played at higher frets than the one’s listed.  I will go up to fret 24 even though some guitars don’t have this many frets.  Unless you can grip the neck of the guitar with your fretting hand, don’t bother continuing beyond this point.  For example, on string 6, at the 21th fret, play the following: open, 21st fret with your index finger, 23rd fret with your ring finger, and 24th fret again with your pinky finger.  Repeat this pattern 4x counting to 4 each time the pattern is repeated.
32:41  Then,  feel free to work your way back to the 12th fret using the same pattern.  Possibly consider moving the pattern down the fret in whole steps.  For example, start at the pattern at the 19th fret, then the 17th fret, then the 15th fret, then the 13th, then the 11th fret.

1st Almost Killing: Outline of Almost Killing Series

1^st 1^st Position Pentatonic Soloing Drills: Mega Lesson Syllabus for 2 String Play of Single Notes

Hopefully, this will be part of a Mega Lesson Syllabus will be one of 5.  The other 4 should be:

1^st 2^nd Position Pentatonic Soloing Drills: Mega Lesson Syllabus for 2 String Play of Single Notes

1^st 3^rd Position Pentatonic Soloing Drills: Mega Lesson Syllabus for 2 String Play of Single Notes

1^st 4^th Position Pentatonic Soloing Drills: Mega Lesson Syllabus for 2 String Play of Single Notes

1^st 5^th Position Pentatonic Soloing Drills: Mega Lesson Syllabus for 2 String Play of Single Notes

Please note: I call the fattest string the 1^st string.  Thus, the second fattest string would be the 5^th  string, and the skinniest string would be the 6^th  string, and so on.

1^st 1^st Position Pentatonic Soloing Drills: Mega Lesson Syllabus for 2 String Play of Single Notes

1^st Almost Killing the 1^st Position Blues Pentatonic Scales in 4s on the 1^st and 2^nd Strings.

The “Almost Killing” series will be divided into many sections.  Hopefully, 4 sub-syllabi will be completed for each section.  Lessons already posted are in red in order to help students understand my jargon.  These 4 section should be:

1^st 27 Lessons for Mode 1 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1

Each of the 4 sections under the will contain between 20 to 27 drills, making for 87 drills in the section “1^st Almost Killing the 1^st Position Pentatonic Blues Scales.

2^nd 20 Lessons for Mode 2 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1

Notice that the primary difference of each of these 4 sections is the “Mode” of the pentatonic scale.

3^rd 20 Lessons for Mode 3 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1

4^th  20 Lessons for Mode 4 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1

1.       1^st 27 Lessons for Mode 1 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1

·         1^st Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.  Root, 4, 5, 4.   

·         2^nd Blues Pentatonic Drill: 2 Fattest Strings. Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate.   Root, 4, 5, 4.   

·         3^rd Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings. Mode 1, Position 1.  Root, 5 , 4 , 5^.

·         4^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate.  Root, 5 , 4 , 5.

·         5^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.   Root, flat 3, 4, flat 3.

·         6^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.   Root, flat 3, 5, flat 3.

·         7^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate.   Root, flat 3, 5, flat 3.

·         8^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.  Root, 5, flat 3, 5.

·         8^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings. Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate.   Root, 5, flat 3, 5.

·         10^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.   Root, flat 3, 4, 5.

·         11^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.   Root, flat 3, 5, 4.

·         12^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.   Root, 5, flat 3, 4.

·         13^5h Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.   Root, flat 3, root, flat 3.  

·         14^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.   Root, 5, root, 5 . 

·         15^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate.   Root, 5, root,  5. 

·         16^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position  1.  Root, 4, root,  4.

·         17^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate.  Root, 4, root, 4.

·         28^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings. Mode 1, Position 1.  Root, flat 3, 4, root

·         19^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.  Root , 4, flat 3, root.

·         20^st Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1 Root, 5, flat 3, root.

·         21^rd Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1  Root, flat 3, 5, root.

·         22^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.  Root, 4, 5, root.

·         23^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate.  Root, 4, 5, root.

·         24^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1.  Root, 5, 4, root.

·         25^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate. Root, 5, 4, root.

·         26^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 1, Position 1. Root, 4, flat 3, 5.

·         27^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill  2 Fattest Strings.   Mode 1, Position 1 Alternate. Root, 4, flat 3, 5.

2.       2^nd 20 Lessons for Mode 2 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1

·         1^st Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 3, Root, 3.

·         2^nd Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 2, Root 2.

·         3^rd Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 6, root, 6.

·         4^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 2, 3, 2.

·         5^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 3, 2, 3.

·         6^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 6, 3, 6.

·         7^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 6, 2, 6.

·         8^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 6, 3, 2.

·         9^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 6, 2, 3.

·         10^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 2.6,  2.

·         11^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 3, 6, 2.

·         12th Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 2, root, 3

·         13^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 2, root, 6

·         14^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 3, root, 2

·         15^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 3, root. 6.

·         16^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 6, root, 3.

·         17^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 6 root, 2.

·         18^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 2, 3,  6.

·         19^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 3, 2, 6.

·         20^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 2, Position 1.  Root, 3, 2, 6.

3.       3^rd 20 Lessons for Mode 3 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1

·         1^st Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 2, Root, 2.

·         2nd Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 5, root 5.

·         3^rd Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, root, flat 7.

·         4^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 2, flat 7, 2.

·         5^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, 2, flat 7.

·         6^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 5, flat 7, 5.

·         7^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 5, 2, 5.

·         8^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 5, flat 7, 2.

·         9^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 5, 2, flat 7.

·         10^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 2.5,  2.

·         11^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, 5, 2.

·         12^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 2, root, flat 7

·         13^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 2, root, 5.

·         14^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, root, 2

·         15^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, root. 5.

·         16^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 5, root, flat 7.

·         17^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 6 root, 2.

·         18^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, 2, flat 7,  5.

·         19^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, 2, 5.

·         20^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 3, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, 2, 5.

4.       4^th  20 Lessons for Mode 4 Blues Pentatonic Drills in 4/4 Time on String 1 and 2, Position 1

·         1^st Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 2, Root, sharp 5.

·         2nd Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 4, root 4.

·         3^rd Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, root, flat 7.

·         4^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 2, flat 7, sharp 5.

·         5^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, 2, flat 7.

·         6^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 4, flat 7, 4.

·         7^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 4, 2, 4.

·         8^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 4, flat 7, sharp 5.

·         9^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 4, 2, flat 7.

·         10^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, sharp 5.4,  sharp 5.

·         11^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, 4, sharp 5.

·         12^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 2, root, flat 7

·         13^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 2, root, 4.

·         14^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, root, 2

·         15^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, root. 4.

·         16^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 4, root, flat 7.

·         17^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, sharp 5 root, sharp 5.

·         18^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, 2, flat 7,  4.

·         19^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, 2, 4.

·         20^th  Blues Pentatonic Drill:  2 Fattest Strings.  Mode 4, Position 1.  Root, flat 7, 2, 4.

 Note:  I do not play on coloring these blog names red when and if I posted them.