How to Improvise with Patterns 1 and 2

1. Review how to connect Major Scale Patterns 1 and 2 so that they’re in the same key. Next, Pattern 1 starts on the keynote, and Pattern 2 starts two frets up from the keynote. Next, find the note “A” on your low G string (fat string). Consequently, this will be your keynote. Play Pattern 1 (ascending then descending) starting on the keynote. Then slide two frets up and play Pattern 2 (ascending and descending).
2. Additionally, without playing along with background music, practice “blurring the lines” between Patterns 1 and 2. Next, start Pattern 1 on “A” at the 2nd fret. To improve flow, on the D, A, and E strings, practice sliding between Patterns 1 and 2. Try to jump “up” to Pattern 2 or “down” to Pattern 1 on all strings so you get a clear picture of how Patterns 1 and 2 “fit” together. As a reminder, this does not have to be perfect right now. Just do your best, then move on to the next step.
3. Next, go to YouTube and search for a backing track (a slow track is best) in the key of B Major. Then play the track, and practice “blurring the lines” between Patterns 1 and 2. For this step, make sure to start Pattern 1 on “B” (on the 6th fret) because you’re in the key of B Major! Do NOT worry about sounding great right now. You’re just EXPLORING what you can do by “mixing” Major Scale Patterns 1 and 2. Jump “up” to pattern 2, play around a bit in pattern 2, then jump back into pattern 1. Try to jump back and forth between patterns 1 and 2 on all strings, one at a time. Try to “listen” and “follow your ear” to tell you which notes to play next. Just have FUN!
4. Repeat step 3 for the keys of C Major and D Major. Remember to have fun, not take this too seriously right now, and we’ll continue to get better in the coming lessons.

More practice tracks