Pentatonic Scales on the Guitar
In a recent blog post, we defined the major scale and covered several ways to practice it on the guitar. But there are many other useful scales you could practice to build up your finger dexterity and familiarity of the fretboard. Pentatonic scales are relatively easy to learn and provide a simple avenue to begin playing fun melodies and solos.
What is a Pentatonic Scale?
A pentatonic scale contains 5 unique notes, as indicated by the prefix “penta.” In this post, we’ll break down the minor pentatonic scale and the major pentatonic scale. Each scale has a simple shape associated with it, making them easy to memorize.
Minor Pentatonic Scale
Perhaps the most widely used pentatonic scale in popular music, the minor pentatonic scale consists of the scale degrees 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7. The scale degrees refer to the notes in a typical minor scale, which contains 7 unique notes (just like a typical major scale). As an example, let’s work out the notes in an A minor pentatonic scale.
A regular A minor scale contains the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. The A minor pentatonic scale uses only the first, third, fourth, fifth, and seventh notes of the original A minor scale: A, C, D, E, and G. First, practice playing this scale on just the A string. The first note is just the open A string. The next note, C, is on the third fret. D is on the fifth fret. E is on the seventh fret. G is on the tenth fret. And finally, return to A on the twelfth fret, an octave higher than where you started. The diagram below depicts the scale played on only the A string.
An easier way to play this scale is to use multiple strings, allowing you to keep your fretting hand in one position on the neck. Now, start from the A located at the fifth fret of the low E string. Fret this note with your pointer finger. Use your pinky to play the next note, C, on the eighth fret of the E string. The next note, D, will be played on the fifth fret of the A string with your pointer finger. Use your ring finger to play E on the seventh fret of the A string. Then, use your pointer finger again to play G on the fifth fret of the D string. Finally, use your ring finger to play A on the seventh fret of the D string. This scale shape places two notes per string, allowing for smooth movements up and down the scale without having to reposition your hand. The diagram below shows this scale played using the three lowest strings. Pay careful attention to the fret numbers at the bottom.
Considering the B String
While the aforementioned scale shape works anywhere on the 4 lowest strings due to their being tuned a perfect fourth apart, the interval between the G and B strings is only a major third. Any notes played on the B and high E strings need to be moved one fret higher relative to how the shape maps out on the four lowest strings. Below are two other shapes that account for the B string. Again, pay attention to the fret numbers at the bottom of each diagram.
Major Pentatonic Scale
The major pentatonic scale uses different scale degrees relative to the minor pentatonic scale. The major pentatonic scale consists of scale degrees 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. We’ll use the C major scale for our example, which contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. The C major pentatonic scale then consists of the notes C, D, E, G, and A. Notice how it shares the same notes as the A minor pentatonic scale, but beginning from C instead of A.
Begin applying this scale on only the A string. The first note, C, is the third fret. D is on the fifth fret. E is on the seventh fret. G is on the tenth fret. A is on the twelfth fret. And finally, return to C on the fifteenth fret, an octave higher than where you started. Refer to the diagram below.
Like with the minor pentatonic scale, it’s possible to play the major pentatonic scale in one position across multiple strings. The shape is somewhat similar to that of the minor pentatonic scale. You’ll still play two notes on each string, except you should play the first note of the scale with your middle finger instead of your pointer finger. Starting from the same C as the previous example (third fret of the A string using your middle finger), play the D on the fifth fret with your pinky. For the next note, E, use your pointer finger to press down the second fret of the D string. Use your pinky to play G on the eighth fret of the D string. Use your pointer finger to play A on the second fret of the G string. Finally, use your pinky again to play C on the fifth fret of the G string. Your pinky gets a workout with this shape!
Considering the B string
Just like with the minor pentatonic scale, you’ll need to make a couple of small tweaks to the scale shape to account for the interval between the G and B strings. Below are two other useful shapes to learn that account for the B string. As always, be mindful of the fret numbers shown under the diagrams.
Conclusion
As you become more comfortable with each scale shape, try creating some of your own melodies and riffs. You could also search for other ways to play this scale on the fretboard. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to rip some solos during your next jam session.
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