This method applies to any scale, I used as an example the minor pentatonic scale.

When learning, many people start practising their scales vertically (including myself) based on the chords they know. (mostly CAGED approach)

On itself nothing wrong with that, but I noticed that I was limiting myself by playing my solos always at the same position or in blocks of positions. It became boring for me and for whomever was listening to me. That is why I tried it in another way, more specific by playing horizontally.

I started by playing only 2 strings (E & B) and moved horizontally up and down the neck. It gave me immediately a total different sound as I was used to. In addition I also played double strings and moved up and down the neck as shown below.

Or this way

or

Then I tried with 3 strings (E, B & G)

or with octaves

or .... you play them single (G string -> E string or E string -> G string) but move also up and down the same way.

By learning and using all these possible combinations your sound will change completely.

The next step I took was playing it diagonally. Starting by playing 2, 3 and/or 4 notes per string and moved my starting point also up and down the neck but approaching all strings in a diagonal way.

Now a whole new world will open for you. Combining the above methods gives you unlimited possibilities for improvising. See most common scales on my site.

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Have fun.

Peter Bos