Pentatonic licks that always work

How to read the tab

Each line is a string (the thin top e string is on top), the numbers are frets. 'b' means bend: 8b10 means bend fret 8 until it sounds like fret 10.

All licks are in A minor pentatonic around fret 5. Want a different key? Shift everything so your root lands on the low E string: for E minor, shift everything 7 frets lower (or 5 higher).

Lick 1: the classic bend

Bend the D on the B string a whole step up to E, release it and end on the root note A. This lick appears in countless rock and blues solos.

e|-----------5--|
B|--8b10--8-----|

Lick 2: descending through the box

Two notes per string, from high to low. Play slowly and evenly at first, then in triplets.

e|-8-5-----------|
B|-----8-5-------|
G|---------7-5---|

Lick 3: with the blue note

On the G string you play 5–7–8: the 8 is the blue note E♭. Move away from it straight away and end on the A on the D string.

G|-5-7-8-7-5----|
D|-----------7--|

Lick 4: double stops

Lay one finger across the B and e strings at fret 5 (E and A) and strike them together. Repeat rhythmically and finish on the G string. Typical of Chuck Berry-style rock 'n' roll.

e|-5-5-5--------|
B|-5-5-5--------|
G|-------7-5----|

Practice tip

Learn one lick per week and use it deliberately in a solo over a backing track. Then vary it: a different rhythm, a different ending note, or combine two licks.