The Pentatonic Mandolin

[Uncle Brad]

Mandolin Theory, Technique & Improvisation by Niles Hokkanen

Page 7 at the bottom below the black separation line.

The first paragraph: "The C pentatonic scale is..." This makes sense as he is moving into study of the C pentatonic scale.

The second paragraph: "This pattern is played up the neck..." What??? This paragraph seems so mixed up. It says "To play a B Pentatonic...", "Begin on the 7th fret of the G string...", "...you will have a D pentatonic scale."

What is going on in the second paragraph and how does that relate to learning the C pentatonic scale in this section of the book?

Thank you.

[mandocrucian]

It is simply a quick explanation of how moving the closed pattern up or down the neck will give you a different scale. By lowering the first finger to the 4th fret and starting on the B note...you'll get a B pentatonic. Or moving the first finger up to the 7th fret (D note) will give you a D pentatonic. The next page gives you exercises in C.

This moveable position stuff is essentially the same as those Cafe FFCP major scale exercises.

Niles H

[Skip Kelley]

Niles teaching materials are some of the best.

[Keith Witty]

There is a very short video on Youtube of Wayne Benson talking about this book and that was enough for me to order it. One of the best decisions I've ever made, as it's probably the best mandolin improvisation book I've ever read.

[Uncle Brad]

There is a very short video on Youtube of Wayne Benson talking about this book and that was enough for me to order it. One of the best decisions I've ever made, as it's probably the best mandolin improvisation book I've ever read.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNj0wPgyL7A