The easiest way to get started playing lead guitar is to learn guitar scales. I recommend you start with your minor pentatonic scales. There are 5 of them, and if you learn how to form them on your fretboard, you’ll be able to play anywhere you want along the fretboard and stay in key.
The best way to learn scales is to start with just one. The #1 scale pattern that is most commonly used in lead guitar playing (especially just starting) is a scale used by all the great guitar players and is the one pictured below.
This one is presented in the key of A minor at the 5th fret, but it can be played anywhere on the fretboard. It is considered in the key of A minor because the A note is at the fifth fret. If you played it at the 3rd fret, it would be the key of G minor.
If it was played at the 7th fret it would be the key of B minor because these are where these notes reside on the fretboard. And since this scale uses a flat third (technical term) it is a minor scale.
Get down the scale
This is where I recommend you start on your journey to playing lead guitar. Get this scale down well, be able to play it in different positions on the fretboard, and then learn the other 4 scale patterns to go with it.
This will allow you to stay in key anywhere you choose to play around the fretboard. And the reason you learn scales is that scales are what create the melody in the music.
Create jaw-dropping melody
Chords create harmony and scales create melody. Guitar solos are considered melody so if that is where your interest lies, you want to learn scales and then learn techniques such as hammer-ons, bends, slides, etc to bring the scales to life. You know, make them sound like music.
If you are interested in furthering your education in lead guitar playing, I recommend you check out my website or YouTube channel of the same name, which has many lessons on this exact topic.
Take it step-by-step
If you like to take things step by step, I recommend you check out the book I’ve authored and self-published on lead guitar playing called,
Lead Guitar Wizardry Volume 1.
Easy to understand
With this training guide, you'll learn how to play lead guitar and create magic of your own. Jam-packed with simple diagrams and clear explanations, this training manual lets you practice at a pace that’s right for you. You’ll learn the secret formulas & techniques that provide the foundation of lead guitar as if you were taking private lessons with me.
In This Training Guide, you’ll learn:
1. How to play your guitar solo you create yourself (your friends will be cheering for more)
2. The lead guitar solo techniques of musical greats that you commonly hear in songs
3. The modern step-by-step method to pick up axe skills faster than you thought possible. From finger exercises to scales and basic music theory, this is the how-to guide to help anyone who’s dedicated enough to put in the effort to learn the sacred art of lead guitar.
And much, much more.
Private instruction is also available
I also teach private guitar instruction, This is a great option as it can give you immediate feedback, personal insight and make learning to play a lot more fun. If you feel this might work for you, contact me at my website, and we'll set up a time to talk on the phone.
Thanks for your time, and best of luck with your playing.
Until our next lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
