Killer Riffs w/ Notes Not In The Scale

What Are Passing Notes?

Passing notes are notes that briefly connect two scale tones. Even though these notes may not belong to the scale, they work because they are not emphasized for very long.
The key idea is simple:

• Play through the outside note quickly
• Do not linger on it
• Use it to connect notes that are inside the scale
  This creates extra movement and color in your riffs without sounding “wrong.”

Starting With the Minor Pentatonic Scale

In this lesson, the riffing approach begins with the classic minor pentatonic scale in Position 1.
Here is the basic concept:

• Use the familiar pentatonic notes as your foundation
• Add notes in between those scale tones
• Pass through the extra notes quickly
• Create riffs that sound more fluid and expressive
  The example in the video focuses primarily on the three thickest strings while starting around the fifth fret.

Why Notes Outside the Scale Can Still Sound Good

Music is not as rigid as many players think.
If a non-scale note is held too long, it may sound dissonant or unstable. But when used briefly as a connector between scale tones, the ear accepts it naturally.
This happens constantly in rock, blues, metal, and many other styles of music.
A lot of iconic riffs are actually built from:

• Scale notes
• Chromatic passing tones
• Quick transitions between target notes
  This is why some riffs may sound like they “break the rules” while still sounding powerful and musical.

The Secret to Making It Work

The trick is movement.
Instead of stopping on the outside note, you glide through it quickly on your way to another note.
Think of it like this:
Scale Note → Passing Note → Scale Note
The passing note acts like a bridge rather than a destination.

Simple Exercise

Try this exercise:

1. Play a minor pentatonic scale pattern
2. Add one fret in between some of the scale tones
3. Move through those extra notes quickly
4. Experiment with rhythm and phrasing
   You’ll immediately notice your riffs begin sounding:

• More aggressive
• More fluid
• More interesting
• Less predictable

Why This Technique Is So Useful

Using passing notes can help you:

• Create riffs faster
• Break out of repetitive pentatonic patterns
• Sound more advanced without learning complicated theory
• Add tension and release to your playing
• Develop your own style
  Many players stay trapped inside scale boxes for years. This technique helps loosen things up and gets your riffs sounding more musical and expressive.

Final Thoughts

Scales are important, but music is about sound — not rules.
By briefly using notes outside the scale as passing tones, you can instantly make your riffs more colorful and dynamic. The important thing is learning how to move through those notes naturally instead of emphasizing them too heavily.
Experiment with this concept slowly at first, and then start incorporating it into your own riffs and songwriting ideas.

Remember: always have fun with your guitar.




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About Mark Turko: Mark Turko is a professional guitar player and instructor with over 30 years of experience and teaches guitar lessons online.