Part 9: Pentatonics become musical choices · Lesson 083 / 117
Slides have starting and destination notes
Treat a slide as movement between identifiable pitches.
A slide moves a fretted note along a string while maintaining contact. Its musical meaning includes a starting pitch, a destination pitch and timing. “Slide somewhere upwards” is not a complete instruction.
On the B string, E is fret 5 and G is fret 8. A slide from 5 to 8 connects E to G, a three-semitone rise. First play the two frets separately so the destination is familiar. Then slide gently between them without excessive pressure.
Place the destination on a chosen beat. A slide that arrives late changes the phrase's rhythm even when it reaches the right fret. Begin slowly and keep the motion comfortable.
The course's basic sound player can provide the two target pitches. The rendered study examples use programmed notes; they should not be mistaken for footage of a player's exact hand technique. Your physical aim is to match the stated destination and rhythm.
Hear it
Separately picked E and G target references
Audio fileFour-beat count-in · 60 BPM · Warm sampled electric guitar. Listen once before playing along.
A concrete example
B string 5→8: E→G. In A minor pentatonic these are degrees 5→b7. The motion spans three semitones.
Try it, slowly
- Play E and G separately and listen.
- Slide from fret 5 to fret 8 and stop accurately.
- Choose a beat for the arrival, then compare with the separately picked destination.
Check one idea
What two facts are missing from “add a slide here”?
Show the explanation
At minimum, the starting and destination pitches and how the movement fits the rhythm need specifying. Direction alone is not enough.
A good place to stop
You can name and reach a slide destination without treating the gesture as decorative motion.
Return to the example after a short break. A clear explanation matters more than speed.