Video summary

The TRICK That Pro Guitarists NEVER Reveal

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas, concepts, and lessons

  • Turning a pentatonic scale into a more powerful “secret weapon”

    • The speaker explains using a five-note (pentatonic) scale and expanding it into a six-note scale by adding one specific note.
    • Core concept: “pentatonic scale + one extra note” creates a practical tool for soloing with more options and built-in tension.

  • What the “six-note scale” is (in E)

    • The six-note scale described is:
      • E major pentatonic + the added note A (described as the fourth in that context).
    • Purpose of the added note:
      • The A note adds nice tension, making the line more interesting over chords.

  • Using multiple scales across chord sections

    • The approach is to use different scales depending on the chord progression segment:
      • Over the first two chords: use a six-note scale (the pentatonic with the added 4th/A note).
      • Over the second two chords: switch to E mixolydian for a bluesier flavor.
    • The speaker also notes alternatives:
      • One scale is E major pentatonic.
      • Another is E major with all seven notes (“seven-note scale”) as an occasional option.
      • The main “target” six-note scale is used as the core idea.

  • Chord-to-scale mapping described

    • For the chord movement D to B sus, the speaker treats B sus like B minor to justify using E mixolydian.
    • Explanation of why mixolydian works:
      • Mixolydian is described as E major with a flattened 7th, turning the “7th” into a D instead of D#.
      • It’s also related to an A major perspective, though the speaker says you don’t have to think of it that way.

  • Practical performance workflow (how to use it while playing)

    • The lesson demonstrates a repeatable process:
      • Start with E major pentatonic.
      • Then add the sixth note (A) so it becomes the six-note scale.
      • Play the six-note scale over all four chords.
      • Then switch partway through:
        • Use the six-note scale over the first two chords,
        • then switch to E mixolydian on the second two chords.
    • The speaker emphasizes experimentation with:
      • pentatonic,
      • six-note scale,
      • occasional full seven-note major scale,
      • and “toughening up” with other flavors like phrygian mixolydian (used briefly).

  • Additional technique advice for sounding musical (not just correct notes)

    • Dynamics and articulation
      • “Pick some notes slightly and some notes strongly.”
      • Punctuate phrases.
      • Use feather-light touch and then grow it to a super strong touch.
    • Contrast
      • Do something gentle, then follow with something aggressive.
      • “Contrast is always good.”
    • Use of hands/fingers
      • “Use the fingers, too.”
    • Speed control
      • There are cues about adding bursts of speed and then slowing back down.
    • Use open strings
      • Use open strings like open B and open E as part of the lick/sound palette.

Methodology / step-by-step instructions (as presented)

  1. Build the scale for soloing

    • Take the E major pentatonic (5 notes).
    • Add one note: A (described as the added “fourth” in this context).
    • Result: a 6-note scale = pentatonic + A.
    • Goal: use the added note to create tension and stronger solo phrasing.

  2. Choose which scale to play over which chord section

    • Option 1 (simple):
      • Play pentatonic and then the 6-note scale over the progression.
      • The speaker also says the 6-note scale “works over all four chords.”
    • Option 2 (more specific / recommended):
      • First two chords: play the 6-note scale (pentatonic + A).
      • Second two chords: switch to E mixolydian for a blues flavor.
      • Treat B sus as B minor to support the mixolydian choice.

  3. Experiment with alternate “colors” (occasional or for variation)

    • Use:
      • E major with all seven notes occasionally (“prettiness”).
      • Phrygian mixolydian briefly to “toughen up” the sound.

  4. Phrase and perform with musical control

    • Vary attack:
      • some notes slightly, others strongly
    • Add contrast (gentle → aggressive).
    • Use fingers in addition to picking.
    • Incorporate open strings (open B and open E).
    • Use dynamic crescendos within phrases (feather-light → super strong).

Speakers / sources featured

  • Primary speaker/instructor: The guitarist and teacher discussing the lesson (name not stated in the subtitles).
  • Referenced individuals (not as speakers on-screen, but named as contributors):
    • Eric Blackwell (credited for designing/installing the guitar inlays)
  • Product/source mentioned:
    • Anderson Custom Wolfhound guitar (speaker describes specs and features)
  • Music (non-verbal source):
    • On-screen music segments used during demonstrations (no specific composer named)

Original video