This lesson breaks down a versatile blues run technique using a specific fingering of the minor pentatonic scale. The beauty of this approach is that it works in any key and gives you a fluid, professional-sounding descending (and ascending) run you can drop into your solos.
The Descending Run (Key of E)
Start with your ring finger on the root note. In the key of E, that’s the 12th fret on the high E string. This fingering choice is key to making the whole pattern flow smoothly.
High E String: Pull off from 12 to 10
B String: Pull off 12-11-10, then slide down a whole step to the 8th fret
You can pick each note individually or use all pull-offs for a smoother, more legato sound. The video demonstrates using a down pick followed by pull-offs on the up pick.
Continue the Pattern in Octaves
The same lick pattern repeats an octave lower:
G String: Start on the E note at the 9th fret and repeat the same pull-off and slide pattern
A String: Pull off from 7 to 5
Low E String: Resolve to the open E (the root)
The Ascending Version
Reverse the pattern to go back up the neck:
Start with the open E, then slide with your index finger from the 3rd fret. This positions you perfectly to hammer on and incorporate the blues note (the flat 5th) as you ascend.
D String: Slide from 5 to 7
G String: 7 to 9
B String: Slide up to 8, then 10-11-12
High E String: End on the 12th fret — right back where you started
Transpose to Any Key
This pattern works anywhere on the neck. Just start with your ring finger on the root note of whatever key you’re in:
C minor: Start at the 8th fret
D minor: Start at the 10th fret
F# minor: Start at the 14th fret
The fingering stays exactly the same — you’re just shifting position.
Practice Tips
This isn’t a lick you memorize and play note-for-note in every solo. It’s a device — a technique that works its way into your improvising naturally as you practice it. Run through the ascending and descending versions slowly, then gradually work them into your playing over a blues backing track.
The demonstration backing track uses: E major → G13 → F#m7 → B7#9 — but any E blues progression will work perfectly for practicing this technique.