ALTERNATING-THUMB BASS/PENTATONIC SCALE EXERCISE
This issue’s guitar exercise is designed to help you practice two things at once—your fingers will play major- and minor-pentatonic scale patterns on the top three strings, while your thumb tackles an alternating-thumb bass pattern on the fourth and sixth strings. Hear audio example.



I’ve set this example up in dropped-D tuning, so you won’t need to worry about fretting bass notes—the sixth string is tuned down one whole step to D, making it sound one octave below the fourth string. In the first example, you’ll find a D-major pentatonic scale with each note played right on the beat. To play the bass and treble notes together, use your thumb and index finger to simultaneously pluck each note—the movement should feel like pinching the two strings. In the second example, we’ve changed the scale to D-minor pentatonic, and also placed the treble notes on the upbeats between each bass note. This is more difficult to play, but if you take it at a very slow tempo, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll pick it up.

If you’re curious to learn more about pentatonic scales, be sure to check out “Pentatonic Scales Lesson,” where we tackle these interesting five-note scales and show how guitarists use them to great effect. For more practice with alternating-thumb bass patterns, there’s also “Alternating-Thumb Guitar Lesson”—a useful guide to help you get started in the style, or a nice refresher course for those who already know the basics. Both articles are brand-new and online this month at AcousticGuitar.com.

FEATURE LESSON
THE DRUNKEN SAILOR
Sharon Isbin discusses Edward Flower’s arrangement of the ubiquitous sea chantey, “The Drunken Sailor.” With video from the arranger. [More]

THE BASICS
PENTATONIC SCALES LESSON
Learn to express yourself with easy five-note major- and minor-pentatonic scale patterns. With audio. [More]

WOODSHED
ALTERNATING-THUMB GUITAR LESSON
Learn (or revisit) the basics of alternating-thumb guitar playing. With audio. [More]

PRIVATE LESSON
MURIEL ANDERSON
The award-winning guitarist talks about developing speed and playing in odd time signatures. With video and the Lick of the Month. [More]

ACOUSTIC BLUES FESTIVAL COMES TO PORT TOWNSEND
This July 26–August 1, Port Townsend, Washington, will be home to its annual Acoustic Blues Festival, complete with an immersive weeklong blues workshop. With daily classes offered in several instruments (including guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, piano, bass, washboard, and vocals) and faculty that includes Del Rey, Rich DelGrosso, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Suzy Thompson, and Acoustic Guitar contributing editor Steve James, this workshop may be the just the thing to cure the summertime blues. For a workshop schedule, a complete roster of artists and classes, and registration information, visit centrum.org/blues.

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