Explorer: Masterclass by Sam Bell at Licklibrary.com

Introduction

Licklibrary.com proudly presents "Sam Bell's Pentatonic Explorer," a comprehensive guitar lesson series designed by the renowned guitarist Sam Bell. This product is tailored for guitarists looking to deepen their understanding and mastery of pentatonic scales across various positions on the fretboard. Each lesson focuses on specific techniques, incorporating both instructional videos and a performance to demonstrate the practical application in music. Below, we explore each technique covered in this series and discuss the benefits of learning these skills.

E String Pentatonic Cells

The exploration begins with the E String Pentatonic Cells, where learners discover how to navigate pentatonic scales starting from the low E string. This foundational skill helps in building speed and fluidity, enabling guitarists to perform quick transitions and scale runs across the neck seamlessly.

A String Pentatonic Cells

Moving onto the A String Pentatonic Cells, Sam Bell teaches how to expand the player's repertoire with scale positions that begin on the A string. This technique strengthens the understanding of scale geography, crucial for improvisation and creating varied musical phrases.

D String Pentatonic Cells

D String Pentatonic Cells focus on scales starting from the D string, allowing players to explore new sonic territories. This lesson is vital for those looking to enhance their mid-register soloing capabilities, offering fresh and sonorous scale options.

G String Pentatonic Cells

In the G String Pentatonic Cells, guitarists learn to utilise the G string as a starting point for pentatonic scales. This technique is essential for mastering string-specific nuances and enriches the guitarist’s tonal palette, particularly in lead playing.

Combining Pentatonic Cells

Combining Pentatonic Cells is a critical lesson where Sam Bell demonstrates how to interlink cells across strings for fluid, all-encompassing runs. This skill is indispensable for developing a cohesive and versatile playing style, enabling guitarists to navigate the fretboard with confidence.

Linear B String Pentatonic Cells

Linear B String Pentatonic Cells teach students to perform linear scale runs on the B string, enhancing their ability to execute extended melodic ideas without shifting positions abruptly.

The CAGED System Analysis

The CAGED System Analysis provides an in-depth understanding of the fretboard layout relative to chord shapes and scale patterns. This methodical approach aids guitarists in visualising the fretboard as a whole, unlocking endless improvisational opportunities.

First Position Minor Pentatonic

The First Position Minor Pentatonic lesson focuses on the most commonly used scale position in rock and blues. Mastery of this position lays the groundwork for effective solos and is a gateway to more complex scale use.

Second Position Minor Pentatonic

Expanding upon the basics, the Second Position Minor Pentatonic lesson helps guitarists explore further up the neck, offering new voicings and expressions within the same pentatonic scale.

The Importance of Performance Context

Each lesson culminates in a performance by Sam Bell, showcasing the real-world application of the techniques. Observing these techniques in a performance context is incredibly beneficial as it illustrates how to integrate them into actual musical scenarios, enhancing both the listener's enjoyment and the player's expressive capabilities.

Conclusion

"Sam Bell's Pentatonic Explorer" is a must-have for any guitarist eager to refine their pentatonic prowess and elevate their musical expression. These lessons not only teach technical skills but also encourage creative application, making it an invaluable resource for players at any level.

Techniques Used in Sam Bell's Pentatonic Explorer

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Pull-offs
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends

Each of these techniques contributes to the depth and versatility of the lessons in "Sam Bell's Pentatonic Explorer," ensuring that every learner achieves technical proficiency and expressive depth.