Pattern 1 Licks
Licks are small phrases or groups of notes that all lead guitarists use for improvisation. Each guitarist will have their own combinations and variations of licks that they will use during a lead solo. The following examples show a few basic licks that use notes from pattern 1 at the fifth position. Even though the licks are from pattern 1 at the fifth position, they can be played from pattern 1 notes in any position.
Practice playing these licks (and any note combinations you create from pattern 1) against progressions in the key of A, making sure you select the correct pattern 1 position. Because the licks only use notes from the pattern, they will sound good against any progression as long as you are playing pattern 1 in the correct position for that particular key (as explained later, under Using Pattern 1).
If you have trouble with the timing here, practice using a metronome.
This lick makes use of the shuffle rhythm.
Rolling the First Finger
The next three licks involve the technique of barring the 5th fret (flattening the finger and covering more than one string) and rolling the first finger across the 5th fret onto the required strings instead of playing on the tip of the finger. This technique is very common in lead guitar playing. Practice it slowly at first.
Key Notes
The key note is the note that has the same letter name as the key which the chord progression (or song) is in.
e.g.:
- The key note of a progression in the key of A major is A.
- The key note of a progression in the key of A minor is A.
- The key note of a progression in the key of C minor is C.
