Lead Guitar Mastery

Lesson 02 – The minor pentatonic scale

In the world of lead guitar, few scales are as essential and versatile as the minor pentatonic scale.

This scale is the cornerstone of countless iconic guitar solos and melodies, and it’s the perfect starting point for our lead guitar journey.

Understanding the Minor Pentatonic Scale

The minor pentatonic scale is a five-note scale that’s used extensively in rock, blues, jazz, and many other genres.

Its distinct sound adds a touch of melancholy and drama to your playing, making it a go-to choice for expressing emotions through your guitar.

In its basic form, the minor pentatonic scale consists of five notes and can be represented by the formula: 1, b3, 4, 5, b7.

Here’s how it looks in the key of A minor:

• A (1)
• C (b3)
• D (4)
• E (5)
• G (b7)

Learning the Scale Pattern in the First Position

To start using the minor pentatonic scale effectively, you’ll need to memorize its pattern on the fretboard.

In this lesson, we’ll focus on the first position, which is often the most commonly used position for lead guitar playing.

We’ll break down the fingering and explore how to move this pattern to different keys.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be comfortable playing the A minor pentatonic scale in the first position and understand how to apply it in various musical contexts.

Lesson 03 – Legato Technique

Now that you’ve become acquainted with the minor pentatonic scale, it’s time to enhance your lead guitar vocabulary by delving into the captivating world of legato technique.

In this lesson, we’ll explore two essential legato techniques: hammer ons and pull offs.

Hammer Ons:

A hammer on is a technique that allows you to produce a note without re-picking the string.

Instead, you initiate the sound by “hammering” your finger onto the fretboard from a higher position.

Here’s how to execute a hammer on:

Start by fretting a note on the fretboard.

For instance, press down on the 5th fret of the G string with your index finger.

Without picking the string again, use your middle finger to “hammer on” the 7th fret of the same string.

This action should be firm and controlled, creating a clear, distinct note.

Practice hammer ons across various frets and strings, focusing on producing clean and audible notes with each hammer on.

Pull Offs:

Pull offs are the reverse of hammer ons and are used to transition from a higher note to a lower note on the same string.

Here’s how to perform a pull off:

Begin by fretting a note on the fretboard.

For instance, press down on the 7th fret of the G string with your index finger.

While maintaining contact with the string, use a slight downward motion with your index finger to “pull off” the string, revealing the note you were fretting before. In this case, you’ll hear the 5th fret note.

Like with hammer ons, practice pull offs across different frets and strings to develop precision and clarity in your playing.

Lesson 04 – Bending Technique

In this lesson we’ll explore the art of bending notes on your guitar.

Bending is a fundamental and expressive technique that allows you to infuse your melodies and solos with emotion, drama, and character.

Specifically, we’ll focus on the “two-frets bend” and “release.”

How to Bend:

Bending a note involves playing a note and then using your fretting hand to raise the pitch of that note by applying pressure to the string.

In this lesson, we’ll concentrate on a “two-frets bend,” which means you’ll bend the note up to the equivalent of two frets higher on the same string.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Start with a Note:

Begin by fretting a note on the guitar.

For example, you might fret the 7th fret on the G string with your ring finger.

Bend Upward:

With your finger in position, use your fretting hand to push or pull the string upwards towards the ceiling while keeping it in contact with the fretboard.

This action increases the tension on the string, causing the pitch to rise.

Aim for a Full Bend:

When bending, aim to reach the pitch of the note two frets higher.

In other words, if you started on the 7th fret, the goal is to reach the pitch of the 9th fret note without actually changing your finger’s fretting position.

Listen for Pitch Accuracy:

As you bend the note, carefully listen for the pitch to match the target note.

It should sound like you’ve reached the 9th fret.

Hold and Release:

Once you’ve achieved the desired pitch, hold the bent note for a moment, and then release the pressure to allow the string to return to its original pitch.

Example lick:

Lesson 05 – 3 Petatonic minor licks

In this lesson, you’ll learn and explore three distinctive licks that showcase the versatility and expressiveness of the pentatonic minor scale.

Why It’s Important to Learn Licks:

Musical Vocabulary:

Licks serve as essential components of your musical vocabulary.

Just like words form sentences and sentences create stories, licks are the building blocks of your guitar solos and improvisations.

They provide you with a repertoire of phrases to convey emotions, tell musical stories, and engage your audience.

Inspiration and Creativity:

Learning licks exposes you to different musical ideas, techniques, and styles.

These ideas can spark your creativity and inspire you to develop your unique lead guitar voice.

By studying licks played by your favorite guitarists, you can begin to understand their thought processes and incorporate similar elements into your own playing.

Technical Proficiency:

Licks often incorporate specific techniques, such as bends, slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.

Practicing licks helps you refine these techniques and build the technical skills needed to execute them smoothly.

As you become proficient with these techniques, you’ll find it easier to create your licks and solos.

Ear Training:

Learning and playing licks is an excellent way to train your ear.

You’ll develop a deeper sense of pitch, rhythm, and phrasing, allowing you to recognize and replicate musical patterns more effectively.

This skill is invaluable for improvisation and playing by ear.

What to Do Next:

Master the Licks:

Spend time practicing and mastering the three pentatonic minor licks provided in this lesson.

Focus on precision, timing, and phrasing. Ensure that you can play them smoothly and confidently.

Modify and Experiment:

Once you’ve mastered the licks, don’t hesitate to modify and experiment with them.

Try altering the timing, adding variations, or combining elements from different licks to create your phrases.

This experimentation will help you personalize your playing.

Transposition:

Take the licks you’ve learned and practice transposing them to different keys.

This exercise will deepen your understanding of the pentatonic minor scale and its versatility across the fretboard.

You’ll learn how to do this in the next lesson!

Improvise:

As you become more comfortable with the licks and their variations, use them as building blocks for your improvisations.

Start by incorporating them into your solos, gradually weaving them into your improvisational arsenal.

Explore More Licks:

Continue your journey by exploring additional pentatonic minor licks and licks from other scales and styles.

The more licks you learn and incorporate into your playing, the more expressive and dynamic your lead guitar skills will become.

Remember that the ultimate goal of learning licks is not to copy others but to use them as tools to develop your voice as a lead guitarist.

Keep practicing, experimenting, and pushing your musical boundaries.

Lesson 06 – Playing in different keys

In this lesson, we’ll explore the essential skill of playing in different keys by transposing the minor pentatonic scale.

This ability is crucial for expanding your improvisational capabilities and adapting to various musical contexts.

Understanding the Sixth String Notes:

To play in different keys, you must first familiarize yourself with the names of the notes on the sixth string (low E string) of your guitar.

Here’s a quick reference:

• Fret 0: E (open string)
• Fret 1: F or E# (depending on context)
• Fret 2: F# or Gb
• Fret 3: G
• Fret 4: G# or Ab
• Fret 5: A
• Fret 6: A# or Bb
• Fret 7: B or Cb
• Fret 8: C
• Fret 9: C# or Db
• Fret 10: D
• Fret 11: D# or Eb
• Fret 12: E (octave)

Remember that each fret space can have two names, depending on the context and key you’re playing in.

Sharps (#) raise a note by one fret, and flats (b) lower a note by one fret.

Transposing the Minor Pentatonic Scale:

To play the minor pentatonic scale in a different key, you can follow these steps:

Identify the Root Note:

Determine the root note of the new key you want to play in.

For example, let’s say you want to play in the key of B minor.

Locate the Root Note on the Sixth String:

Find the B note on the sixth string.

In this case, it’s at the 7th fret (fret 7).

Position the Scale Pattern:

Place the root note (B) of the minor pentatonic scale on the 7th fret of the sixth string.

Now, your scale pattern will revolve around this new root note.

Play the Scale Pattern:

Play the same minor pentatonic scale pattern that you’ve learned previously, but now with the root note on the 7th fret.

This pattern will align with the new key of B minor.

Practicing in a New Key:

Now that you’ve transposed the minor pentatonic scale to a different key (e.g., B minor), it’s time to practice your soloing skills.

You can use the provided backing track in B minor to practice.

Here’s how to approach it:

Start with Random Notes:

Begin by playing random notes from the B minor pentatonic scale pattern.

Get a feel for the new key and experiment with the scale.

Create Melodies:

After familiarizing yourself with the scale pattern, start creating melodies.

Focus on phrasing, dynamics, and expressing yourself through your guitar.

By mastering the skill of transposing the minor pentatonic scale to different keys, you’ll open up a world of possibilities for improvisation and soloing.

As you continue to practice and explore new keys, your versatility as a lead guitarist will grow, allowing you to adapt to various musical situations and styles.

Keep practicing and experimenting with different keys to expand your musical horizons.

Lesson 07: The Octave Position

An octave is a musical interval that spans 12 half-steps or frets on the guitar.

This means that if you move any note up the fretboard by 12 frets, it will be the same note, but one octave higher in pitch.

This fundamental principle opens up exciting possibilities for your playing.

Scale Form Repetition:

One of the most intriguing aspects of the guitar is that the fretboard patterns and scale forms are repeated identically every 12 frets.

This means that if you learn a particular scale, chord, or melody in one position, you can find the same pattern 12 frets higher or lower on the neck.

A minor pentatonic (Octave Position)

Importance of Octave Positions:

Understanding octave positions is essential for several reasons:

Melodic Range:

Octave positions enable you to access a wider melodic range on the guitar. You can use the same scale or melody in different octaves to create dynamic and expressive solos.

Transposition:

Knowing that scale forms repeat every 12 frets simplifies transposition.

If you want to play a familiar pattern in a different key, you can easily find the equivalent position 12 frets higher or lower.

Creativity:

Octave positions encourage creativity and exploration.

You can experiment with different octaves to find unique sounds and approaches to your guitar playing.

Soloing:

When soloing, octave positions allow you to move seamlessly between different registers of the guitar neck, enabling you to craft solos that span a wide tonal range.

Practical Application:

To apply this concept, consider the scale patterns you’ve learned, such as the minor pentatonic scale.

Experiment with playing the same scale in different octaves by shifting the starting position up or down the fretboard while maintaining the same pattern.

By incorporating octave positions into your playing, you’ll unlock new creative possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of the guitar’s fretboard.

Whether you’re crafting intricate solos or exploring harmonies and melodies, octave positions are a valuable tool for every lead guitarist.

Practice moving your musical ideas up and down the neck, and you’ll discover a world of sonic opportunities at your fingertips.

Lesson 08: The Extended Shape – Moving Diagonally with Slides

In Lesson 08, we’re diving into an exciting concept: the extended shape of the minor pentatonic scale.

This extended shape adds a new dimension to your lead guitar playing, allowing you to traverse the fretboard with creativity and flair.

The Extended Shape Explained:

The extended shape of the minor pentatonic scale moves diagonally through different positions on the guitar neck.

This shape extends your playing range, enabling you to access higher and lower notes with ease.

Using slides (or sliding techniques) is the best way to navigate this extended form, adding a smooth and expressive quality to your playing.

Playing the Extended Shape – A Minor Pentatonic (Extended Shape):

This extended shape offers you an extended range to create captivating solos and melodies.

Practicing with the Backing Track:

To reinforce your understanding of the extended shape and the licks, make use of the provided backing track in A minor.

Play the licks and experiment with creating your phrases within this extended shape.

Remember that sliding is a key element when navigating this form.

Practice your slides to ensure they are smooth and controlled, allowing you to seamlessly transition through the extended shape.

As you become more comfortable with this concept, you’ll discover how the extended shape opens up exciting possibilities for crafting intricate solos and exploring the full potential of the guitar neck.

Keep practicing, experimenting, and adding your unique flair to this extended shape, and your lead guitar skills will continue to flourish.

Lesson 09: The Blues Scale – What It Is & How to Play It

In this lesson, we’ll delve into the captivating world of the blues scale.

This scale, an essential component of blues and many other genres, builds upon the familiar pentatonic scale by introducing the distinct and soulful “blue note.”

We’ll explore what the blues scale is and how to play it.

The Blues Scale: An Introduction

The blues scale is a fundamental scale used extensively in blues, rock, jazz, and various other musical styles.

What makes it unique is that it’s essentially an extension of the pentatonic scale, with the addition of one extra note known as the “blue note” or “b5.”

This blue note adds a distinct bluesy flavor to your playing.

The Blues Scale Pattern:

The blues scale pattern we’ll explore here is based on the A minor blues scale.

This scale consists of the following notes:

• A (root)
• C (b3)
• D (4)
• D# (blue note, b5)
• E (5)
• G (b7)

The blue note, D#, is the note that distinguishes the blues scale from the pentatonic scale.

It appears in two positions within this pattern.

Playing the Blues Scale:

Let’s play the A minor blues scale up and down:

Lesson 10: Applying the blues scale

In this lesson I show you how to practice the blues scale over a blues backing track.

Blues Backing Track in Am

The Bluesy Sound:

Practice playing this scale slowly and melodically to familiarize yourself with its unique sound.

Pay particular attention to the blue note (D#) and how it adds that distinct bluesy flavor to your playing.

The blues scale is often characterized by its expressive bends, slides, and vibrato techniques.

Next Steps:

Now that you’ve learned the A minor blues scale, consider the following steps:

Transposition:

Experiment with transposing the blues scale to different keys.

This will broaden your blues vocabulary and allow you to play in various musical contexts.

Phrasing:

Focus on phrasing when using the blues scale.

Blues music is known for its expressive and emotive playing, so work on bending, sliding, and adding vibrato to your notes to infuse your playing with feeling.

Jam Along:

Utilize backing tracks in A minor blues or other keys to practice your blues scale improvisation.

This will help you apply your newfound knowledge in a musical context.

The blues scale is a powerful tool for expressing raw emotion and storytelling through your guitar playing.

Whether you’re aiming to master the blues or simply add a touch of bluesy flavor to your lead guitar work, the blues scale is a must-know scale that will greatly enhance your musical journey.

Lesson 11: Blues Techniques – Vibrato, One-Fret Bend & Pre-Bend

In this lesson, we’ll delve into three essential blues techniques that will add depth, emotion, and authenticity to your lead guitar playing.

These techniques – vibrato, one-fret bend, and pre-bend – are the hallmark of blues guitarists, and mastering them will greatly enhance your bluesy sound.

Vibrato:

Vibrato is a technique that adds warmth and expression to your notes.

It involves a rapid series of small bends and releases of the string to create a subtle, wavering effect.

To perform vibrato effectively:

Use Your Wrist:

The key to achieving a smooth vibrato is to focus the movement on your wrist, not your fingers.

Your wrist should pivot gently to create the bending and releasing motion.

Start Slowly:

Begin by practicing vibrato slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become comfortable.

Pay attention to the consistency and control of your vibrato.

Apply It to the Whole Scale:

Once you’ve practiced vibrato on individual notes, apply it to the entire blues scale.

Experiment with different speeds and widths of vibrato to find your unique style.

The One-Fret Bend:

The one-fret bend is a technique used to hit the blue note (b5) in the blues scale.

To perform a one-fret bend:

Start from the Previous Note:

Begin on the note just before the blue note in the scale.

Bend Up One Fret:

Use your bending technique to raise the pitch of the note by one fret, reaching the blue note.

Practice this lick to get comfortable with the one-fret bend technique and how it connects to the blue note.

The Pre-Bend:

The pre-bend is a technique where you first bend a string up to pitch, then pick it and release it to create a unique sound.

To execute a pre-bend:

Bend Up to Pitch:

Begin by bending the string to the desired pitch before picking it.

Pick and Release:

After reaching the desired pitch, pick the string, and then release it back to its original pitch.

Practice this lick to develop control and precision with the pre-bend technique.

Incorporating These Techniques:

To fully integrate these blues techniques into your playing:

• Practice them individually to build proficiency.
• Experiment with incorporating them into your solos and improvisations.
• Play along with backing tracks to apply these techniques in a musical context.

Remember, these techniques are about feel and expression, so take your time to master them and infuse your blues playing with your unique style.

Blues guitarists often use these techniques to convey emotion and tell stories through their music, and with practice, you’ll be able to do the same.

Lesson 12: Blues Licks

In this part you’ll learn two blues licks applying the concepts learnt in the previous part:

Blues Backing Track in Am:

Blues Backing Track in Am

Lesson 13: Minor Pentatonic Form with Root on the Fifth String

In this lesson, we’ll explore the minor pentatonic scale form with the root note on the fifth string of your guitar.

This knowledge is essential for playing the minor pentatonic scale in different keys and expanding your lead guitar skills.

We’ll also practice playing the scale up and down to reinforce your understanding.

Understanding the Fifth String Notes:

To play the minor pentatonic scale with the root note on the fifth string, you must first become familiar with the names of the notes on that string.

Here’s a quick reference:

• Fret 0: A (open string)
• Fret 1: A# or Bb (depending on context)
• Fret 2: B or Cb
• Fret 3: C
• Fret 4: C# or Db
• Fret 5: D
• Fret 6: D# or Eb
• Fret 7: E (octave)
• Fret 8: F
• Fret 9: F# or Gb
• Fret 10: G
• Fret 11: G# or Ab
• Fret 12: A (octave)

Remember that each fret space on the fifth string can have two names, depending on the context and key you’re playing in.

Sharps (#) raise a note by one semitone, while flats (b) lower a note by one semitone.

Playing the Minor Pentatonic Form:

Let’s play the D minor pentatonic scale form with the root note on the 5th string.

This scale consists of the following notes:

• D (root)
• F (b3)
• G (4)
• A (5)
• C (b7)

Now, let’s play it up and down to familiarize ourselves with the scale:

Practical Application:

Now that you’ve learned this minor pentatonic form, consider these next steps:

Transposition:

Experiment with transposing the minor pentatonic scale to different keys by moving the root note to the desired position on the fifth string.

This will enable you to play in various musical contexts and keys.

Scale Patterns:

Explore different scale patterns and positions on the fretboard to expand your lead guitar vocabulary.

Improvisation:

Practice soloing and improvising using the minor pentatonic scale with the root on the fifth string.

Experiment with phrasing, bends, and expressive techniques to add depth to your playing.

Understanding the minor pentatonic scale form with the root on the fifth string is a valuable skill for lead guitarists.

It provides you with a versatile tool for creating captivating solos and melodies in various keys and musical styles.

Lesson 14: Finding the Blue Note – Adding the b5 to the Pentatonic

In this lesson, we’ll explore the concept of adding the blue note (b5) to the pentatonic scale, transforming it into the blues scale.

This addition introduces the distinct bluesy flavor that’s essential for authentic blues guitar playing.

We’ll also learn a lick to help you memorize this blues scale form.

Adding the Blue Note:

The blues scale is an extension of the pentatonic scale, with the inclusion of one additional note: the blue note (b5).

This blue note adds a unique and soulful element to your playing, synonymous with the blues genre.

Playing the Blues Scale:

Let’s play the D minor blues scale:

Learning a Lick:

To help you memorize this blues scale form, let’s learn a lick that incorporates the blues scale:

Practice this lick slowly and repeatedly until you feel comfortable with the pattern.

This lick is an excellent starting point for understanding how the blue note fits into the blues scale and how it can be used in your playing.

Applying the Blues Scale:

Experiment with incorporating the blues scale into your solos and improvisations.

Pay particular attention to how the blue note adds that distinctive bluesy flavor to your playing.

Explore different phrasing, bending, and sliding techniques to make the most of the blues scale.

As you become more familiar with the blues scale, you’ll find it to be an essential tool for creating authentic blues guitar solos and adding expressive depth to your lead guitar work.

Practice, experiment, and enjoy the journey of mastering this iconic blues scale!

Lesson 15: Pentatonic Sequences – Must-Know Patterns

In this lesson, we’ll explore essential pentatonic sequences that can greatly enhance your lead guitar playing.

These sequences, based on the D minor pentatonic scale, will help you create melodic patterns and add depth to your solos.

We’ll cover both 3-note and 4-note sequences and provide examples for ascending and descending patterns.

What Are Melodic Sequences?

A melodic sequence is a musical pattern that involves repeating a fragment of a scale or melody.

By using sequences, you can create continuous and captivating patterns within your solos, adding interest and flair to your playing.

The 3-Note Sequence:

Ascending:

In this 3-note sequence, you’ll play three ascending notes from each starting note of the D minor pentatonic scale:

This sequence creates a flowing and repeating pattern that can be used effectively in your solos.

Descending:

For the descending version of the 3-note sequence, you’ll reverse the pattern:

Practice both the ascending and descending 3-note sequences to build familiarity and dexterity.

The 4-Note Sequence:

Ascending:

Here’s a typical 4-note sequence ascending the D minor pentatonic scale:

This sequence introduces a bit more complexity while maintaining a melodic flow.

Descending:

The descending version of the 4-note sequence is as follows:

Similar to the 3-note sequence, practice both ascending and descending versions of the 4-note sequence.

Practicing with Backing Track:

To get comfortable with these sequences and integrate them into your playing, use the provided backing track in D minor.

Experiment with applying these sequences within the context of the backing track to create engaging solos.

As you practice these pentatonic sequences, pay attention to timing, phrasing, and how these patterns fit into your solos.

They serve as valuable tools for adding variety and musical interest to your lead guitar work.

Continue to explore and experiment with these sequences, and you’ll find your guitar playing becoming more melodic and dynamic.

Lesson 16: Final Words

Congratulations on completing this lead guitar basics course!

Throughout this course, you’ve delved into essential techniques, scales, and concepts that are fundamental to becoming a proficient lead guitarist.

As we conclude this journey, let’s recap what you’ve learned and discuss your next steps on your guitar-playing adventure.

What We’ve Learned:

The Minor Pentatonic Scale:

You’ve explored the minor pentatonic scale, a cornerstone of lead guitar playing, and learned to play it in different positions and keys.

Techniques:

You’ve mastered various essential lead guitar techniques, including legato, bending, sliding, vibrato, and more, to add expressiveness and flair to your playing.

Blues Scale:

You’ve added the blues scale to your arsenal, discovering how to create a distinct bluesy sound by incorporating the blue note (b5) into your solos.

Octave Positions:

You’ve learned about octave positions, allowing you to explore the guitar fretboard more comprehensively and expand your melodic range.

Extended Shape:

You’ve explored the extended shape of the minor pentatonic scale, enabling you to navigate the fretboard diagonally and create more intricate solos.

Pentatonic Sequences:

You’ve practiced melodic sequences to add rhythmic and melodic patterns to your playing, enhancing your improvisation skills.

Next Steps:

As you continue your guitar journey beyond this course, here are some next steps to consider:

Practice, Practice, Practice:

Dedicate regular practice sessions to reinforce the techniques, scales, and sequences you’ve learned.

Consistent practice is the key to mastery.

Jam and Improvise:

Play along with backing tracks or with other musicians to apply what you’ve learned in a musical context.

Improvisation is a fantastic way to express yourself on the guitar.

Expand Your Repertoire:

Explore other scales, modes, and musical styles.

Diversifying your musical vocabulary will make you a more versatile guitarist.

Ear Training:

Work on your ear training by learning to recognize intervals, chords, and melodies by ear.

This skill is invaluable for improvisation and playing by ear.

Study Guitar Theory:

Dive into guitar theory to deepen your understanding of how music works.

This knowledge will help you compose your music, understand chord progressions, and more.

Set Goals:

Establish specific goals for your guitar playing.

Whether it’s mastering a particular technique, learning a challenging solo, or writing your music, having goals will keep you motivated and focused.

Remember that becoming a skilled lead guitarist is a continuous journey.

It’s okay to face challenges along the way, and persistence is key.

Stay inspired, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun making music with your guitar.

Whether you aim to play for personal enjoyment or pursue a career in music, your guitar journey is a rewarding and lifelong adventure.

Embrace it with enthusiasm, and you’ll continue to grow as a guitarist and musician.

Best of luck, and may your musical endeavors be filled with joy and creativity!

Backing Tracks

Blues Backing Track In A Minor

A Minor Backing Track

B Minor Backing Track

Supplies and Essential

Realistically, all you absolutely have to have to start drawing is paper and pencil.

However, there are a few key supplies that are very handy to have in addition to those.

Erasers. A kneaded eraser is an absolute must, and is great for lightening areas, as well as pulling out details and highlights if the tone isn’t too dark.

If the tone is dark, or bright whites are required, an electric eraser will also be of great use.

Blenders. Get a variety of sizes of stomps (also called “stumps”) and tortillons.

These are rolled or compressed paper, and are very useful for smoothing tone, darkening passes, and removing excess charcoal or graphite from the paper.

You may also want to experiment with other blending tools, such as soft paintbrushes, chamois cloth, felt, and facial tissues.

Graphite and charcoal. These two basic mediums come in a surprisingly large array of options, and are available as either sticks or pencils in hardnesses ranging from very hard (9H or so) to very soft (9B, or even E).

You will probably want a range of 4 or 5 pencils in graphite, charcoal, or both to start. I recommend a 2H, HB, 4B, and 6B