Improvisation requires an open mind. It is an opportunity for self-expression. Maybe you like the solo on the new Eric Clapton record, and you want to play along. Jamming with Eric Clapton is a dream for most guitarists, but millions do it every day by jamming along with a recording. When you improvise, you are making up solos and phrases as you go along. So how do you begin to learn that skill?

The beginning of improvisation begins with the pentatonic scale. There are two types: major and minor. The major pentatonic scale is the same as a major scale, only the fourth and seventh notes are removed. FIGURE 19-1 shows the C major pentatonic scale.

The A minor pentatonic scale is shown in FIGURE 19-2.

Try playing the scale in FIGURE 19-3 over Tracks 38 and 39 of this Book's CD. Do not concern yourself with which notes to play, just run up and down the scale. Try to make it familiar and easy.