Linking Pentatonic / Natural Minor Patterns

[giglamesh]

I've just started getting to that stage where i want to create my own decent sounding leads, but i'm having trouble moving down the fretboard to the higher notes (i'm stuck in one patterns "box" A LOT OF THE TIME, moving up and down that pattern only, hesitating A LOT when trying to link stuff together)

Is there a way to "get over this" so to speak?

should i just try and move down the neckboard on one string in that pattern, or is there more effective ways of moving forward in my technique?

NOTE - i'm not after speed right now, just an effective method of working through my problem.

Thank in Advance guys.

[Danimal]

Play them one after another. In other words, play the pentatonic position up in position one. When you get your pinky on the last note, slide it up to the next position for the next pattern and then play that one down (high string to low). When you get there, slide either your middle or index finger depending on where you ended up to the next position and play up again. This way you'll teach yourself to conenct the patterns and see them as one large pattern.

And you're right: don't worry about speed. You're teaching your subconscious, not trying to win a race.

[crossrhoads]

You can also create some licks starting in one pattern and ending in another. Also try to work on some solo's by your favorite artist and see how they do it or work on Dougs solo's he teaches in the course.

When I teach my students I have them do two things. I have them just simply run up and down the patterns as a sort of warm up routine and then I take say the first two patterns next to each other and we concentrate on improvising using them. When they are comfortable with that we add in another pattern and continue on until they are comfortable playing in all the patterns.

Again I use licks and runs I show them to help link the patterns together. Improvising is a combination of pre-arranged licks and things that are created on the spot. So experiment and create some licks that will transition from one to another. Then start improvising and try to work them into your playing! It can take some work but it does work!