Improvisation with the A Minor Pentatonic Scale

Let's do some more improvising, this time using the A minor pentatonic scale. Remember, those five notes are:

• A
• C
• D
• E
• G

Lesson Structure

Just like in the previous example, I'll play the first part, then I'll improvise for four bars, and then you'll get a chance to improvise for four bars.

Rhythm

First, let's have a look at the rhythm of this first line of music. We're now in 3/4 time, so I'll first count to three:

• 1 and 2 and 3
• 1 and 2 and 3
• 1 & 2 and 3
• 1 and 2 & 3
• 1 and 2 and 3

Pitches

Now, let's add in the pitches.

I recommend starting with your one finger on A, and then your five finger will reach up to E. There are some big leaps here, so you'll probably want to move 1-5, 1-5 for the first bar, and also when it comes back the second time around.

Try It Out

Let's give it a try:

• 1 and 2 and 3
• 1 and 2 and 3
• 1 and 2 and 3
• 1 and 2 and 3

Backing Track

And now we'll add in the backing track. Remember, I'll play the first line of music, then I'll do some improvising for four bars, and then it will go over to you to improvise for four bars.

Let's give it a try!