Minor Pentatonic Scales

These scales are commonly known as BLUES SCALES but they are really MINOR PENTATONIC SCALES. Think of it this way; PENTA- as in pentagon, as a five sided shape. PENTATONIC as in a five note scale. This scale is taken from the minor scale and only uses the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 7th notes from that scale.

Out of the 3 types of scales you will learn (Major, Minor & Pentatonic) the most important for soloing is the pentatonic, then the minor & major. You can easily play up and down the 1st pentatonic scale over the correct chord structure and it will sound like a simple solo. Most solos will use the 1st scale, but practice all 5 to the same level if you want to be competent with improvising.

The following lessons show the 5 minor pentatonic shapes you have to be familiar with. You will also learn the "Major Pentatonic Scales". These are the same shapes, the only difference is the root notes (represented by the black notes in each scale).

5 Pentatonic Scale Shapes

You can start the scale from any fret you like. I recommend using the starting points below because the pentatonic scales span over 12 frets. For example; if you play an A pentatonic scale starting from the 5th fret it will get difficult to place your fingers on the fretboard as you move further up the neck as some acoustic or nylon string guitars are not cutaway.

Recommended starting positions for the pentatonic scales on your guitar.
ELECTRIC GUITARS: (cutaway) All patterns will start from these positions if you play this scale in the key of A (5th Fret).			ACOUSTIC GUITARS: (non cutaway) All patterns will start from these positions if you play this scale in the key of F (1st Fret).
	1st Pattern	5th Fret	1st Pattern	1st Fret
	2nd Pattern	8th Fret	2nd Pattern	4th Fret
	3rd Pattern	10th Fret	3rd Pattern	6th Fret
	4th Pattern	12th Fret	4th Pattern	8th Fret
	5th Pattern	15th Fret	5th Pattern	11th Fret