Along One String
Now we are going to take the concept of combining forms a step further. If you can slide between forms, then it is possible to play a scale along one string. Let’s return to the A minor pentatonic scale. here it is shown using only the 2nd string. Again, learn the scale degrees as you go.
A Minor Pentatonic - 2nd String
Three good reasons for learning to play along one string.
1. What if yo~ are in the middle of a solo and you break a string? Suddenly some of your notes are not there any more! If you are quick enough, you can find the same notes on other strings and nobody in the audience will even notice, or if they do they’ll be impressed.
2. Playing along strings increases your fretboard knowledge. You can’t just relax and think (or not have to think), "OK I’m in the E form". You have to constantly ask yourself, "Where am I now?". This is good for your playing, because the better your fretboard knowledge is, the more you can concentrate on the sound of the music instead of where your fingers are.
3. A third reason for playing along one string is that it forces you to find new ideas because a lot of your standard licks just won’t work. It may be difficult at first, but playing like this is a great way to get out of the rut of playing the same old licks all the time.
Here is an example of playing a solo on the 2nd string only. This one is in the style of Albert King, who often uses consecutive bends on the same string and often very large bends as well.
