The First Step
Many Rock progressions are generally constructed from the three basic chords in a key which are illustrated in the following table. These three chords are referred to as the I, IV and V chords. The Roman numerals relating to the 1st, 4th, and 5th notes of the major scale from which each chord takes its name.
The First Step is a basic Rock solo played over a common twelve bar blues progression. This type of progression is used frequently in Rock music and is perhaps the most widely used sequence for jamming. The I, IV and V chords are played in the order shown here.
The First Step is played in the key of A. To play the twelve bar blues progression in the key of A simply substitute the I, IV and V chords for the A, D and E chords. Study the chords used and the order in which they are played, then play through the part slowly until you feel comfortable with the chord changes.
Minor Pentatonic Scale - Rock Guitar Pattern One
The first solo in this book is played solely within the Minor Pentatonic scale - Rock Guitar Pattern One. This pattern is the most commonly used lead guitar pattern in most styles of Rock music.
It is possible to create great sounding licks and solos using only this pattern. The following diagram highlights the most common pattern used for the Minor Pentatonic Scale (pattern one) in the key of A.
Most of the licks that make up the solo are simple and easy to play but some more difficult licks have been included that will prove to be more challenging. Triplets are played throughout the solo i.e. three notes are played within each beat.
In bars 13 and 14 (the first two bars of the second twelve bar sequence) of the The First Step a hammer-on lick using triplets is featured. To play this lick correctly hold down both the 1st and 2nd strings simultaneously at the 5th fret with the 1st finger of the left hand.
In bars 21 and 22 an interesting bend is used. As the 3rd string bend is played keep the 1st finger of the left hand fretted on the second string note. The 3rd string note (D) is bent up one tone (two frets) to the note (E) which is the same pitch as the 2nd string note(E).
The lead guitar solo to The First Step is played solely within the Minor Pentatonic Scale, Rock Pattern One in the key of A and features the use of triplets. Note: for music readers, when two eighth notes are notated together the notes are played as the 1st and 3rd parts of a triplet, indicated by the symbol 6 = z above the music.
