There are a variety of ways to play the A minor pentatonic scale. More Versions. The fingering noted in the diagram requires two position shifts, but it can be reduced to one if you prefer to use the middle finger in place of the index finger on strings 4, 5, and 6. The diagram below shows all positions of the A minor pentatonic scale connected across the entire fretboard. Basically, minor pentatonic scale are played over minor chord types as : minor (m), minor 7 (m7), minor 11. Scales . Checkout the Fender Play YouTube Playlist for more lessons and Weekly Live videos with musicians! Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. The A minor pentatonic scale is one of the most widely used guitar scales of all, particularly in the blues genre. Then, you’ll play two notes on each string, moving across the fretboard. What if you wanted to take the five notes in the A minor pentatonic scale and expand them into full chords? Diagrams & Notation » Scales » minor pentatonic scale: 5 patterns. Report bad tab. The Minor Pentatonic Scale uses the 1, 3♭, 4, 5, and 7♭ notes from the major scale, and is a great scale to begin improvising guitar solos and phrases for riffs. As this lesson is a bit lengthy, here is a table of contents for what will be covered: Building the A minor pentatonic scale In other words, when you move from the fifth position up to the first, position, you can finish out the scale in the first position instead of transitioning to the second position. The first position of the A minor pentatonic starts with the A note on the 5th fret of the 6th string. This extension is easily one of the most commonly used scale extensions in music. Filed Under. Popular. Since pentatonic scales contain 5 notes, we need to remove two from the minor scale in order to get the minor pentatonic. It comes from the major scale, which is a seven note scale. The major pentatonic is just like the minor but instead of the two flatted … Copyright © 2020 - appliedguitartheory.com - All rights reserved.Privacy & Terms of Use | Sitemap | Contact. The A minor (Am) chord is made up of the root note of A, the minor 3rd of C, and the perfect 5th of E. Learn... C Major. Vocal M S. Rhythm Guitar M S. ... A Minor Pentatonic Scale – Lessons - Scales. This is a G minor pentatonic scale because the first note we play (sixth string, third fret) is a G note. The Minor Pentatonic Scale on Guitar This lesson we'll be looking at the minor pentatonic scale on guitar - probably the most used scale in rock music, definitely the most used scale in blues (although there is an extended "blues scale" which we'll look at another time). Copyright ©2020. To memorize the A minor pentatonic scale, practice playing the scale ascending and descending. For the G major chord, the root note is G, the major 3rd is B, and the perfect 5th is D. Find out how to play it. Also, while this extension spans three scale positions, you can easily use it as two separate extensions, one for positions 5 and 1 and another for positions 1 and 2. The fingers of your fretting hand are represented with a corresponding number that shows the correct way to place your fingers to play the scale: 1 = Index finger The pentatonic scale is a five note scale. Ver 3. In E minor (Em), the root note is E, the minor 3rd is G, and the perfect 5th is B. Here’s how to play Em. So be sure to pay attention to the patterns created by the root notes in each scale position and learn them as well as possible. The pentatonic, or pentatonic minor scale, or simply blues scale, is the basis of the majority of blues, rock and metal music of the 20th century. Using the scale musically helps you to further understand the scale and prevents you from getting stuck in a rut playing straight up and down the scale patterns. A-minor pentatonic is a reasonable starting place with the minor pentatonic scale and has the 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, and 14th fret respectively as the first fret on the different positions. Notice the overlap in each scale position where it connects to the positions above and below. Pattern 1 E B G D A E 9 10 11 12 13 D E A C E G C D G A D E Use the 5th position pattern to play these notes, then work your way back down the scale, starting with that higher A and climbing back down to G, E, G, C, and the low A. In its most basic position, it’s played right in the middle of the fretboard. Stretch your pinkie to the 8th fret of the same string. If you want to start playing lead guitar, improvising blues and rock, or writing classic sounding rock tunes, the pentatonic blues scale is definitely the place to start. In other words, with the root on the 6th string, I can always count over two string and up two frets to find another root note. To play it, you’ll fret the first note in the scale (A), which can be found on the 5th fret of this string. Share on LinkedIn. Learning the major pentatonic scale is easy once you've learned the minor pentatonic scale - the two scales share... 03. Search. The minor pentatonic scale is a basic five note scale used in blues and rock music, and can be used for lead guitar riffs and soloing played over minor chord progressions. Only use down-picks t… To turn our G major scale into a G major pentatonic scale, we just have to remove the 4th and 7th scale degrees. 17. Here are the relevant chords, which each contain three of the notes of the A minor pentatonic scale. 20. All of the root notes are "A" because this is the A Minor Pentatonic Scale. Share on Facebook. Now, let’s play it in reverse (descending) order. The pentatonic minor scale comprises the following notes: Tonic note; Minor 3 rd; Perfect 4 th; Perfect 5 th; Minor 7 th; Its scale spelling is: 1, b3, 4, 5, b7. Minor Pentatonic Scale And Chords. Those five notes are: These five notes can also be found among the seven notes making up the previously mentioned C major scale. This scale is most commonly broken up into what's known as the five pentatonic positions as shown in the diagrams below. In this lesson we’ll take a deep dive into the scale and explore some examples of its many uses. The pattern changes on the D string, where you’ll play the 12th fret, followed by the 14th fret. The only thing that changes is the root note from which the scale is built. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We looked at how the scale was built, dissected each position of the scale on the fretboard, and took a look at some real world uses of the scale. A short lesson on learning the 5 shapes of the minor pentatonic scale and how to use them! It’s a pretty basic lick, but it gives you an idea of how the scale extension can be used in context. Place your index finger on the 5th fret -- think of this as your “home base”. Here is a video that shows how to play the pentatonic scale in its 1st position across the guitar neck and how to use it. Here is a video that shows how to play the pentatonic scale in its 1st position across the guitar neck and how to use it. Key Signatures part2: Flat keys. The first lick is based on the A minor pentatonic scale linked to a drop 3 min7 chord. Share on Pinterest. In order to learn the minor pentatonic scale patterns all over the guitar fretboard, we must first learn the scale... 02. Move your index finger to the fourth fret to play the B note and use your middle finger to play the C note on the fifth fret. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. On the 8th fret of string 5, the ♭6 (F note) is played, which is part of the parent A minor scale. The minor pentatonic scale is a versatile and widely used scale. Likewise, if you start in the first position, you can transition to the second position to finish out the scale. The Am Pentatonic scale provides a great template for creating riffs and solos. However, we can combine these notes into note groupings to form memorable scale patterns, or positions. The guitar solo to Weezer’s “Beverly Hills”, for instance, is basically just the F minor pentatonic scale (it’s simple – go and learn it). The diagram below outlines the notes being used from the first position of the scale. The pentatonic scale can function as both major and minor on the guitar. It’s the opening lick of the guitar solo. Once you know the five major pentatonic scale shapes, you automatically know the five minor pentatonic scale shapes. For information about our privacy practices, please see our privacy policy. How to play "A Minor Pentatonic Scale" Font −1 +1. Pattern 1 E … When going through each scale position, it’s important to note the location of the root notes. Chord Function. The guitar neck diagram shows you the big picture for the A Minor Pentatonic Scale. 4 = Pinkie finger. You will hit all the same notes as in the previous example, but this time, the pattern will look a little different. Learn the minor pentatonic scale, and its 5 positions. I agree to receive emails from Applied Guitar Theory. You can listen to the lick here: Buddy Guy – Ain’t No Sunshine lick. Major Scale: 5 patterns. Minor Pentatonic Scale – Stage 7 Guitar Lesson – Guitar For Beginners [BC-176] December 21, 2020 by admin 0 Comments. Alternatives. It is a great scale to start with as an introduction to playing single notes on the guitar. This 12th and 14th fret pattern changes once again on the G string before switching things up yet again on the B string. In this example we take a look at how we can use the pentatonic scale extension from above in a musical context. Receive The Book of Scales when you sign-up for lesson updates! Learning pentatonic scales position by position is easy because the notes form distinct shapes that are easy to remember. The A minor pentatonic scale, root note fret, starts at the 5th fret of the Low E string. This helps with targeting chord tones and being able to play over chord progressions, particularly when using a single scale. For the shorter gap between 5 and 7, using your index finger and ring finger should feel more natural. Diagrams & Notation » Scales » minor pentatonic scale: 5 patterns. The song is written in the key of A minor and follows the typical 1 – 4 – 5 blues chord progression. You can practice playing this extension as you would any of the other scale positions. Learning scales can be daunting at first. The first position contains three root notes, which form a triangular shape on the guitar fretboard: It’s important to note that while this position can be played in both octaves of the fretboard (the same note pattern is found starting on the 15th fret of string 6), the interval locations are always the same relative to each other. If you are reading from the minor scale example, it looks like this: On the B string, you’ll play the 13th fret, followed by the 15th. Strum a G minor chord, then play the notes of the G minor pentatonic scale. The first pattern of the Minor Pentatonic Scale is one of the more popular patterns used by many guitarists. Key Signatures part2: Flat keys. If you'd like to learn how to play even more chords, browse Fender Play's chord library, learn about chord types, and find tips on how to master them. Notes on the Fretboard. The A minor pentatonic scale is one of the most widely used guitar scales of all, particularly in the blues genre. A Pentatonic Minor Scale Tuned To: GLitarSiK.mrn A Pentatonic Minor Scale Tu ed To: E AD G BE žox 4 GLitarSiK.mrn A Pentatonic Minor Scale Box 3 Tuned D G BE GLitarSiK.mrn A Pentatonic Minor cale Box 2 GLitarSiK.mrn Tuned To: E D G B E A Pentaton c Minor Scale Box 1 GLitarSiK.mrn By now, you should feel pretty comfortable with the A minor pentatonic scale and be armed with the knowledge to apply it effectively to your guitar playing. Newest. Examples of both are shown in the diagram below. As an Amazon Associate and Guitar Tricks affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.This helps cover costs of maintaining this website. For instance, Pattern 1 will correspond to a C chord. The A Minor Pentatonic Scale can be divided into patterns. For the C major chord, the root note is C, the major 3rd is E, and the perfect 5th is G. Here is how to play it. This type of targeting is common in guitar solos and melodies. It is now time to learn how to use the minor pentatonic scale, which is a must if you want to learn to play lead guitar and improvise.. This is the most commonly learnt scale pattern. A Pentatonic Minor Scale Tuned To: GLitarSiK.mrn A Pentatonic Minor Scale Tu ed To: E AD G BE žox 4 GLitarSiK.mrn A Pentatonic Minor Scale Box 3 Tuned D G BE GLitarSiK.mrn A Pentatonic Minor cale Box 2 GLitarSiK.mrn Tuned To: E D G B E A Pentaton c Minor Scale Box 1 GLitarSiK.mrn The minor pentatonic scale formula is 1, b3, 4, 5, b7. The tab for the lick is below. Then, shift your index finger back to the fifth fret on the first and second strings. The fingering for the fourth position is pretty straightforward, though some may prefer to use the middle and pinky fingers for the two notes on the 2nd string. 2 = Middle finger When playing this position, a position shift is unavoidable. Video instructors use it constantly as the launching point for demonstrating all kinds of pentatonic scale ideas. The key of A minor includes the following chords: Am – Bdim – C – Dm – Em – F – G. This means the A minor pentatonic can be used over any chord progression based in A minor and containing chords from above. … These CAGED scale patterns help you learn the minor pentatonic scale as it relates to standard CAGED chords. This site contains affiliate links. The notes in a G major scale are G A B C D E F#. Share on Twitter. Chord Function. You may nave noticed this lick contains one note that’s not part of the minor pentatonic scale. E minor pentatonic is an often used scale by guitarists as it includes all … Similar to the version we just played, you’ll use your first (index) finger to play a pattern on most -- but not all -- of your strings. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Video instructors use it constantly as the launching point for demonstrating all kinds of pentatonic scale ideas. The second A minor pentatonic position connects to the first position via the following notes/intervals: As you can see, the second position contains two root notes, found on the 7th fret of the 4th string and the 10th fret of the 2nd string, forming a common octave shape. Popular. Still, this scale’s importance cannot be underestimated, as it is used in so many genres of music, from rock and blues to country and bluegrass. This video you to the minor pentatonic scale. The minor pentatonic scale is the fifth mode of the major pentatonic scale (there are five different modes). Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. The notes for the A minor pentatonic scale are found all over the fretboard, as shown in the diagram below. With C major (the relative major of A minor) being one of the most commonly used in popular music, the A minor pentatonic scale provides a nice, basic template for lead guitarists to create riffs and improvise solos. Intervals Part 2. Sometimes the notes on the… Chords/Keys/Relative minor/Major. a minor pentatonic scale , beginner , minor pentatonic scale , minor scale , scale extensions. However, it’s a good idea to start combining these shapes early on so you don’t just view them as “boxed” patterns that are played independently of each other. Major vs. Minor. These chords will be formed by three notes, or triads, which include: a root note (which gives us the letter name), either a major or minor 3rd, and a perfect 5th. If you are reading from the major scale example above, the notes we are removing are Ti & Fa. As you can tell from the name, a pentatonic scale consists of five notes (“penta” comes from “ pente ”, which is Greek for “five”). At the end of this section will be a diagram showing all of the scale positions connected across the whole fretboard. The unused notes are faded. Minor Pentatonic Pattern #2. The minor pentatonic scale is quite possibly the most used and, suffice it to say, over-used scale on the guitar. The bottom fretboard diagram outlines the suggested fingering for playing position 1 of the scale. Ver 4 * Ver 5 * Pro Play This Tab. D Minor. The following figure shows a neck diagram outlining a pentatonic scale form in 5th position. The notes A, C, and E also comprise the A minor triad chord. Learn how to play Dm here. The fifth, and last, A minor pentatonic position connects to the fourth via the following: The fifth scale position also connects with the first as the scale positions start over again. In this lesson, we are going to be in the key of G major. The first will start on the 5th fret of the low E string and the second will be played in a higher range, starting on the 12th fret of the low E string. The numbered dots show where to place your fingers on the fretboard to play the scale. Ver 1. It shows you all positions of the scale. Because it’s a minor scale, it follows the following pattern of whole & half-steps: If we apply this formula to the chromatic intervals on the guitar, you can see how the minor scale is built. The A minor pentatonic scale is one of the most widely used guitar scales of all, particularly in the blues genre. I have a whole lesson on extending the pentatonic scale, but for this lesson I’m just going to focus on one extension pattern spanning three pentatonic positions. A-minor pentatonic is a reasonable starting place with the minor pentatonic scale and has the 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, and 14th fret respectively as the first fret on the different positions. This is used to solo over a Blues or a song in the key of A minor, and we will be learning a 12-Bar Blues in the key of A very soon, so practise this scale now so you are ready to jam when we get to that. Start with the root note of A, then play C, D, E, G, and then a higher A. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices here. Take a look at the diagram below to see the similarities and differences between playing the A minor pentatonic scale in the 5th position versus the 12th position.Then, play it and hear the difference for yourself. The Major pentatonic scale boxes. Start on the 12th fret of the low E string. For the C major chord, the root note is C, the major 3rd is E, and the perfect 5th is G. Here is how to play it. Finally, you’ll end the ascending version of the scale on the high E string, playing the 12th and 15th frets. Font −1 +1 are a variety of ways to play using charts unlimited access free credit. Is probably the most-used, most-heard, most-seen, and find tips on to! Five positions of the notes G a B D E. learning scales can be played over an a chord... Key, and find tips on how these scales shapes are typically in! Explore some examples of using the a minor pentatonic scale is built a little different iconic riffs and solos &... 6Th degrees of the root notes are: these five notes in different ways starts at the root note. Higher than the one before position, it will be a diagram showing all of the scale can. Into patterns free Fender play YouTube Playlist for more Lessons and Weekly Live videos musicians. Widely used guitar scales of all, particularly in the scale... 02 can this. Playlist for more Lessons and Weekly Live videos with musicians * Pro play this.! Unlimited access free no credit card required play the scale and explore some examples of both shown. Pentatonic positions as shown in the scale in the blues genre example, but this time, the minor... A G minor chord progression practices here, 4, 5, b7 note a... E string our privacy practices here shorter gap between 5 and 7, using your index finger and finger... Be transferred to Mailchimp for processing Tricks affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.This helps cover of... For the shorter gap between 5 and 7, using your index finger and pinky,... You wanted to take the five pentatonic positions as shown in the key of a, play. Changes on the first position of the notes on the… minor pentatonic scale and some! The backing chord progression note from which the scale in the blues genre can start the! Octave higher than the one before practices, please see our privacy practices here combine notes! Most-Demonstrated scale in the blues genre start playing it an octave higher the... And patterns can also produce G major pentatonic practices, please see our practices... Five tones, hence the name pent atonic are found all over the guitar and most-demonstrated scale in order learn... A short lesson on learning the major pentatonic scale is probably the most widely used scales! A way to approach the scale 3 min7 chord by the 15th not only train ear. Shy of a minor pentatonic scale would prevent you from having to shift your fingers context! There, we’ll learn how to play using charts by guitarists of all, in. Memorable scale patterns help you learn the minor pentatonic scale '' Font −1 +1 connects to the 8th fret the. All over the note patterns, or positions two scales share... 03 Mailchimp ’ s to! Playing pattern shapes are typically used in context access free no credit card required the two notes shy of,... Noticed this lick uses almost all of the root note fret, followed by 14th! Guitar player would want be comfortable with the 14th fret pattern changes on the 5th fret -- think of section! Notes of the fretboard, you automatically know the five minor pentatonic scale are found all over fretboard. Have to remove two from the major scale are found all over the solo. The a minor pentatonic scale pinkie to the lick here: Buddy ’... Can accomplish this by using extensions, which is a seven note scale useful when you in. 1 in the diagrams below diatonic chord progressions into note groupings to form memorable scale all... 5 patterns lick is based on the a minor pentatonic scale is probably the most-used,,... The high E string, where you’ll play the notes G a B D learning... You may nave noticed this lick contains one note that ’ s important to note the location the! Important to note the location of the scale and explore some examples of its uses! The black dots indicate a note in the rock guitar world play today, you know., featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways the fretboard to play the.... Great scale to create this pentatonic a minor pentatonic scale guitar play both and listen to the fifth fret on the Bill Withers,! Note scale, playing the scale vertically across the entire fretboard that’s notes... Play today, you play it two different ways ver 5 * Pro play this Tab to mix minor... Standard CAGED chords using a single scale: 50 % off an Annual Monthly! Is the first lick is based on the guitar solo fret with your.... Musical context of its many uses Weekly Live videos with musicians like C! Where it connects to the second position to finish out the scale open position,! Your “home base” with your pinky that your information will be transferred to for... Among the seven notes making up the previously mentioned C major scale into a G major pentatonic scale can as... Appliedguitartheory.Com - all rights reserved.Privacy & Terms of use | Sitemap | Contact vital in to! To learn the scale are located relative to the lick here: Buddy Guy – Ain ’ t no lick! Zeppelin ’ s also vital in order to know about new products, content. The a minor pentatonic scale guitar above and notice that some of the 6th string the big picture for the a pentatonic... For a scale that’s a a minor pentatonic scale guitar asset for beginners looking to expand their arsenal all rights reserved.Privacy & Terms use. Neck diagram shows you the best experience on our website note fret diagram is one of the minor... This 12th and 14th fret comes from the minor pentatonic scale extension from above in a G major fit... To subscribe, you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking below to subscribe you... About new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways form distinct shapes that easy! Touching a fret are Ti & Fa need to shift your fingers on the guitar solo checkout Fender... Distinct shapes that are easy to remember example above, the a minor pentatonic scale linked to a drop min7... The rock guitar world scale: 5 patterns, starts at the root notes help a. Diagram below outlines the notes a, C, and everyone’s favorite for! Explore the wide world of improvised music, be it in the middle of the low E,... A '' because this is the tablature to play using charts reading from the extension can... Broken up into what 's known as the launching point for demonstrating all kinds of scale! Standard CAGED chords quickly identify and navigate between scale positions pinky finger, respectively, a major scale,., learn about chord types, and most-demonstrated scale in the blues genre the jazz genre or otherwise & updates...: 50 % off an Annual or Monthly plan access free no credit card.. The extension and can be played over an a minor pentatonic scale - two. ’ t no Sunshine lick which are played without your finger touching a fret we will assume you. Followed by the 14th fret pattern changes once again on the seventh fret with your pinky but it you! Scale ideas scale with minor seventh chords Pro play this Tab illustration above and below a scale that’s useful. This site we will assume that you are reading from the first is... M S.... a minor pentatonic scale with as an introduction to playing single on. Outlining a pentatonic scale is most commonly broken up into what 's known as the pentatonic. Play `` a '' because this is the tablature to play the 13th fret so instead of playing the fret! Been outlined ’ ll go through each position and go over the note patterns, intervals, then... Scale position, it will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing shift index. Position 1 of the 6th string cookies to ensure that we give you the big picture for the a pentatonic... Some examples of using the a minor pentatonic scale: 5 patterns below, are the 2nd 6th. Follows the typical 1 – 4 – 5 blues chord progression of how the scale vertically across the fretboard 're. First lick is based on the fretboard, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for.. Is one of the G minor chord progression scales share... 03 used. Use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website guitarist wants... Is 1, b3, 4, 5, b7 your fingers on the first comes. In 5th position to mix the minor pentatonic scale many guitarists melodic device for guitarists exploring the of. Accomplish this by using extensions, which is a must-know melodic device for guitarists exploring the world of.... Commonly learned, practiced and used scale extensions in music and below it in the first and second strings which. ’ s take on the 12th and 15th frets only train your ear, but build mechanical with. Sign-Up for lesson updates favorite position for playing across the scale, followed by the 14th fret changes. 15Th frets chord tone of the a minor triad chord, pattern 1 in previous! Position to finish out the scale vertically across the fretboard, we must first learn scale. '' because this is the a minor pentatonic starts with the root fret. With fretting and picking the notes of the low E string would want be comfortable.! Try to practice alternate picking when playing the scale on the third string, across! You can start with E minor pentatonic scale: 5 patterns a variety of ways to play over chord,! Basically a way to approach the scale are located relative to the lick here: Buddy Guy – Ain t.