Unit 2: Blues Like B.B.

Playing Like B.B!

In a few lessons time, we will be learning how to play the cool solo at the beginning of this lesson, but first, we need to learn two new concepts: how to play pentatonic shape 2 and how to link it to shape 1. Once we have that understanding, we will tackle the solo!

Pentatonic Shape 2

At this point, you should be very familiar with the pentatonic shape one and be able to move it into different keys, both in major and minor. Now, to really get to grips with BB King and to progress, we need to learn shape 2! Have a look at the fretboard diagrams to see the shape and get it learnt. The top part of this shape is often called the ‘BB Box’ as BB King typically uses this part of the shape to create a lot of his solos!

Finding Shape 2

Now that we know the shape, we want to know how to find it in every key. The easiest way to do that is to join shape 2 to shape 1. Have a look at the fretboard diagrams to see how the two shapes merge together when you put them back to back. The right side of shape one is the left side of shape two.

To help you learn how the shapes are joined, we have put together a cool exercise moving between the keys of G minor, A minor and D minor. The full tab can be found in the tab section, together with a fretboard diagram of all the shapes you are using in the exercise in the fretboard diagrams.

The Solo Part 1

To help you understand how to use this new shape and notes alongside the pentatonic shape 1, we have written out a cool solo in the style of BB King! This is not only a test of your scale knowledge but also a test of your speed, accuracy and ability to play 1/4 bends. The song is in the key of B minor and we are using the B minor pentatonic shape 1 & 2, as shown in the fretboard diagrams.

The Solo Part 2

We will now learn the second half of the solo and then put it all together. You can now use the tab to help.

When you are ready, you have the backing track and full solo in the backing track section to play along to. It is worth trying to play with just the backing track as you will not be 'hiding' behind the recorded guitar part. It will be all up to you to make it sound awesome!