5 Pentatonic Licks Your Teacher Never Taught You ft. Jemma Heigis

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The pentatonic scale is a go-to for improvisation across genres, bringing a bluesy edge and depth to any performance. If you’ve learned the basics of this scale, why not take it a step further? Here are five expressive licks using the pentatonic scale to help you stand out—and maybe even impress a few friends!

1. Lick #1: The Rolling Blues

For our first lick, we’ll start with a classic blues sound using the notes E and G, A and C. The trick here is to approach the E with a fast “roll” using D, D#, and E. Practicing this roll first will help build confidence and smoothness. Place your fingers on E and G, then drop your pinky onto A and C to create that bluesy flair.

2. Lick #2: Grace Note Slide

This descending lick uses A and C and then E and G but adds a grace note slide to make it stand out. Grace notes are quick, leading tones that make your playing sound polished and intentional. With this lick, you’ll slide down between notes to add a professional-sounding “flourish.”

3. Lick #3: Descending Pentatonic with a Blues Note

This lick uses the major pentatonic scale but introduces a blues note for extra flavor. Start with C, A, G, and E, then cross over to Eb to add tension. By repeating this descending pattern, you create a steady groove that sounds complex but feels natural once you’re in the flow.

4. Lick #4: Minor Pentatonic with Blues Note

Switching to the minor pentatonic scale, we’ll add a bluesy twist by descending with a blues note. Use C, Bb, G, F#, F, and Eb to create a moody vibe. Practice alternating between your fingers to keep the notes fluid and give the lick a smooth, expressive quality.

5. Lick #5: Fast Triplet Run

This one’s a bit trickier, but it’s also a lot of fun! Start with a fast triplet run using C, Eb, and F and repeat this pattern six times. Then, descend down the minor pentatonic scale for a dramatic finish. You can play this with different fingerings (like 2-3-5 or 2-1-4) to find what feels most comfortable.

Putting It All Together

Once you have the licks down, try practicing them with backing tracks or improvising them into your own music. The more you use these licks, the more natural they’ll feel—and before you know it, they’ll be part of your signature sound.

Master these five licks, and you’ll not only improve your improvisation skills but also add a bluesy depth to your playing that’s sure to turn heads. Let us know which lick is your favorite in the comments, and have fun exploring the pentatonic scale!

Want to dive even deeper? Join us at Pianote, where you can loop and slow down sections of any lesson, perfect for mastering licks like these. Start a 7-day FREE trial for step-by-step practice and get access to lessons from some of the best piano teachers around.

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Kevin Castro is a graduate of the prestigious MacEwan University with a degree in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music, and is the Musical Director and touring pianist for JUNO-winning Canadian pop star, JESSIA. As your instructor at Pianote, Kevin is able to break down seemingly complex and intimidating musical concepts into understandable and approachable skills that you can not only learn, but start applying in your own playing. Learn more about Kevin here.