Blues Scale with Passing Notes

Lesson Goals:

♦ Learn how passing notes are used
♦ Visualize passing notes in relation to the blues scale
♦ Play licks incorporating passing notes

 

Quite often, when playing a lead, you can add some extra notes that are not technically notes in the scale. These notes are known as "passing" notes.

Passing notes are typically played in "passing" between notes that are "officially" part of the scale. In many cases, a passing note falls in between two notes of the scale, a lick may start on a note that is part of the scale, then proceed to a passing note, and then resolve on another note that is in the scale.

Other times it is possible to resolve a lick on a passing note - this is largely up to the interpretation of the guitarist, and the style of song being played.

Take a look at the diagram below.

The notes in black are the first two positions of the "A" minor pentatonic scale. The notes in blue are the ones that were added to make the scale a "blues" scale. The notes in orange are some notes that can be used as "passing" notes in certain applications.

 

 

Below are three examples of licks using some passing note possibilities.

 

 

The first two licks resolve on a note that is a scale note. The third lick resolves on a "passing" note and is a great run for a blues song.

Take some time to experiment with some licks using passing notes. They will really add spice to your leads!