Pentatonic Playbook: 60 Minor Pentatonic Licks to Unlock the Fretboard

Do you ever get stuck playing the same pentatonic licks over and over?

Are you only comfortable playing or soloing in certain keys, maybe only A minor, E minor or D minor?

Do keys like F# minor or Db minor make you slightly nervous?

Do you feel that you only play in the same pentatonic box shape (that A minor pentatonic box shape at the 5th position)?

If that sounds like you, this new eBook might be able to help you become a more confident and versatile guitarist.

PENTATONIC PLAYBOOK is an extension of my earlier eBook 60 Minor Pentatonic Jazz Guitar Licks (2019).

The main difference is that eBook was more of a jazz guitar licks eBook, and this one has some jazz but also has ideas that you might feel comfortable playing in pop, rock and blues settings.

How did I do it?

One thing I learned from Mick Goodrick and Hal Crook at Berklee was the concept of "limitation exercises". When you limit yourself, you can actually learn things with more depth than if you did a whole bunch of random exercises, or if you only keep doing the same things.

Most of the lines in the book are in the first position, and some in the 2nd position.

Why did I do this?

It's because by learning to play in all keys within the same area of the neck, you get to see how all the different keys look and sound like in one position.

This seems limiting, but once you actually do it, you might see how this can help your playing develop.

Besides this concept, I've also included lines that have 4th intervallic ideas (like what you hear jazz pianist McCoy Tyner and jazz guitarist Joe Diorio play) and also quite a number of odd grouped phrases (inspired by my studies in South Indian Rhythmic solfege and also from listening to prog rock and math rock).

The lines are not necessarily the most creative lines ever, but I'm pretty sure you will find some that are not what you usually play, simply because of the different ideas I included in the examples.

My hope (for you)

In the end, the whole idea is to give you more ideas and a playbook in that sense so that you are not just doing the same pentatonic phrases or licks that many players already play.

The point is also not to necessarily memorize every lick in this eBook, but to pick the ones that stick out to you, and use those as a launchpad for your own ideas.

This is what I do when I learn from other guitar players and resources over the years, and I encourage you to do the same.

Be playful, have fun and explore. I hope this PENTATONIC PLAYBOOK is helpful for you.

Az Samad
22 June 2025, 7:31 PM

What People Have Said About PENTATONIC PLAYBOOK:

“The Pentatonic Playbook is the most addictive guitar resource I’ve come across. Just like a good snack, you can’t just stop at one (lick). As someone who isn’t great at sight-reading, the notation and rhythm of the examples aren’t too difficult to digest and play along to. I love how even unfamiliar keys become less daunting very quickly, and areas of the fretboard that are seldom explored seem more inviting after trying the licks out. The Pentatonic Playbook has definitely helped me to expand my playing, and it has also inspired me to come up with my own licks as well.”

- John Jeeves, 8 time Anugerah Juara Lagu nominated composer, lyricist and producer

"This is an amazing piece, great for beginners as it's quite easy to catch and although lines are quite simple but very nice melody, great to improve your line vocab as well. As they always say foundation is the key, highly recommend!"

- Zheng Yang Lim

"I already go through this Ebook...and I really like the exercises in it.. practical and easy to understand especially for those who wants to know more about minor pentatonic scales...siap bleh bljar shape dan pattern minor pentatonic untk stiap chord,from E minor smpai Eb minor ..this book is great... thanks a lot for this book..!!.🙏🏼"

- Bresley

"As a guitarist who has relied heavily on pentatonic scales, this book helped me approach pentatonic lines in a broader and simpler way. It includes five very simple but interesting melodic lines for each key. And most important, each line is written in different shapes of the Pentatonic rather than just one shape! I like how most of the licks emphasize the use of open strings in different keys. Many guitarists only use or are only familiar with open strings in the key of E. Great finger exercises for guitarists of all levels. You are free to approach the melody lines (licks) on any genres/styles of playing! Love this ebook! Highly recommended for beginners. This should be the first method to approach. Not just stuck with one shape and only few style/genre of playing."

- Saiful Hazman

- KC Lau

"This is an amazing book. Az Samad always uses a no nonsense approach to teaching and making music. As a classical cellist with a little bit of creativity, I was able to use this Pentatonic Playbook. The lines in this book are beautifully written and rewarding to work on so that one doesn't feel like they practicing but actually working on music."

- Razef

Who is Az Samad?

Az Samad is a distinguished jazz guitarist, composer, and educator whose career spans over two decades. A graduate of Berklee College of Music with Summa Cum Laude honors in Jazz Composition and Guitar Performance, Az has established himself as a respected figure in the international music community. He has performed and recorded alongside Grammy Award-winning artists Flaco Jiménez and Max Baca, and served as an instructor at Berklee’s Summer Guitar Sessions program.

Az’s performance portfolio includes appearances at major events such as the Jarasum International Jazz Festival (South Korea), Hong Kong International Jazz Festival (Hong Kong), Penang Island Jazz Festival (Malaysia), and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay (Singapore). His work reflects a deep commitment to musical excellence and a passion for inspiring audiences worldwide.

In addition to his performance career, Az is dedicated to music education. He develops comprehensive online guitar courses in Malay, catering to students from beginner to advanced levels. To date, he has released over 100 video courses and eBooks, helping to grow the next generation of musicians across Southeast Asia and beyond. Perhaps you'd like to check out his courses, who knows, one might resonate with you. And for those interested in in-person 1-on-1 lessons, you can even sign up for classes too. 

Currently, Az is expanding his expertise into music production while continuing to explore creative avenues including poetry writing. His multi-faceted artistic journey underscores his commitment to lifelong learning and innovation in the arts. 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1) What do I get when I purchase this?

You get an 24-page eBook in PDF format that you can download (and even print if you'd like!).

More importantly, the eBook has 60 minor pentatonic licks in all 12 keys (5 licks per key), in both standard notation & tablature.

2) Is there any audio or video included with this?

At the moment, no. I might add something in the future, but right now it's just the eBook.

3) Is this for beginner, intermediate or advanced players?

This is suitable for all levels, mostly because I kept the rhythms very simple and the examples are mostly in open position and 2nd position.

The parts that make it challenging are when I include 4th intervals that usually require barres to get the line to sound smooth.

4) Is this more for jazz players or would it be ok for rock, pop or blues players?

It is suitable for guitarists of any genre, although some of the more difficult licks are the kind of licks you would hear more in prog rock, fusion or jazz settings.

5) Is there a refund policy for this?

All sales are final. Due to the digital nature of this product, once you have purchased, we are unable to offer refunds, exchanges, or cancellations. By making a purchase, you agree to these terms.

6) Ok, I'm ready to buy this. How do I get it?

Click "I want this!" and follow the instructions to buy the eBook.

You can pay using PayPal, debit card or credit card. The price is in US Dollars.