[ Masterclasses ](/courses#masterclasses) Share Members only Join Guitargate to watch this masterclass in full. Masterclass Posted Dec 18, 2023 # Blues Soloing Approaches [Jamie McLean](/instructors/jamie-mclean) @jamie ## About this masterclass In this blues guitar masterclass, instructor Jamie McLean covers approaches to blues soloing using the minor and major pentatonic scales. He begins by reviewing the five positions of the A minor pentatonic scale and demonstrates licks using the backing track. Then, he explains how to play the A major pentatonic scale by shifting the A minor pentatonic shape down three frets. McLean emphasizes the tonal difference between the minor and major pentatonic scales, demonstrating bluesy licks in the minor pentatonic and more upbeat licks using the major pentatonic. He shows how the scales overlap on the fretboard and encourages students to blend between the two scales. Throughout the class, McLean answers questions from students about scale shapes, chord tones, and soloing approaches. The second half of the masterclass focuses on applying bending techniques when shifting between the minor and major pentatonic scales over different chords in the 12-bar blues progression. McLean provides additional demonstrations of soloing with the backing track and encourages students to experiment with landing on different notes when shifting between the minor and major pentatonic scales. He leaves students with exercises to help internalize the concepts covered. ## Transcript AI summary **Introduction and A minor pentatonic scale review (0:00-4:34)** - McLean welcomes students and reviews the five positions of the A minor pentatonic scale - He demonstrates licks using the backing track in A minor pentatonic - Encourages students to be comfortable with all five scale positions **Relationship between minor and major pentatonic scales (4:34-11:41)** - Explains the A major pentatonic scale is the A minor pentatonic shape shifted down three frets - Demonstrates the tonal difference between minor and major pentatonic licks - Shows how the scales overlap on the fretboard **Applying bending techniques between scales (11:41-end)** - Incorporates bending from the minor third to major third over major chords - Provides demonstrations of soloing and blending the scales - Encourages experimenting with different landing notes between the scales Members only## Watch the full masterclass Create a free account or sign in to unlock this masterclass — the full video, transcript, downloads, and practice songs. [ Create free account ](/user/register?destination=/node/7928) [Sign in](/user/login?destination=/node/7928) ## Student submissions 2 posts Dec 19, 2023 Here is the backing track link Dec 19, 2023 Great lesson. I love blues. Here’s a song that I have been w Instructor [Jamie McLean](/instructors/jamie-mclean) @jamie As the Axe man for The Dirty Dozen Brass Band for years, and working with all the heavy hitters including Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Taj Mahal, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trombone Shorty, Los Lobos, Blues Traveler, Marc Broussard, and so many more… Jamie is the PERFECT window into what it takes to thrive with the very, very… 14 Masterclasses [ View profile ](/instructors/jamie-mclean) More from Jamie McLean [ All ](/instructors/jamie-mclean) [ ![](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/variable_height_thumbnail_480/public/video_thumbnails/931080008.jpg.webp?itok=QFxF35jn&v=1712326813) Members only ](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/stax-memphis-riffs-grooves-pt-2) [Stax : Memphis Riffs + Grooves Pt. 2](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/stax-memphis-riffs-grooves-pt-2) Jamie McLean [ ![](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/variable_height_thumbnail_480/public/video_thumbnails/925873361.jpg.webp?itok=Jff73wIx&v=1711036042) Members only ](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/stax-memphis-riffs-grooves) [Stax : Memphis Riffs + Grooves](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/stax-memphis-riffs-grooves) Jamie McLean [ ![](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/variable_height_thumbnail_480/public/video_thumbnails/922502056.jpg.webp?itok=A_ltXN9y&v=1710257750) Members only ](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/right-hand-rhythm-pt-2) [Right Hand Rhythm Pt. 2](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/right-hand-rhythm-pt-2) Jamie McLean [ ![](https://www.guitargate.com/sites/default/files/styles/variable_height_thumbnail_480/public/video_thumbnails/917656332.jpg.webp?itok=TtRUavAe&v=1709152776) Members only ](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/right-hand-rhythm) [Right Hand Rhythm](/masterclasses/jamie-mclean/right-hand-rhythm) Jamie McLean This masterclass includes - Full video masterclass - Full transcript + AI summary - Community discussion GuitarGate AI Ask Questions about this lesson or course?