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The Minor Pentatonic Scale

The scale we are learning is the A Minor Pentatonic scale. Pentatonic scales are 5 note scales (from the word penta, meaning five). The key we will use is "A" minor.

The notes for A minor pentatonic are: A C D E G

The intervals for the minor pentatonic scale are: 1 b3 4 5 b7

You should memorize this formula so you can construct minor pentatonics in other keys.

You should also try to stay with the fingerings shown above the notes as this will increase your speed ability.

Pentatonic Pattern #1

Let's look at the first A minor pentatonic pattern. It is found in "open position" (meaning we use some open strings).

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Pentatonic Pattern #2

Here is the second A minor pentatonic pattern. It is found in "second position" because the lowest fret used is the 2nd fret space.

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Pentatonic Pattern #3

Here is the third A minor pentatonic pattern. It is found in "fifth position" because the lowest fret used is the 5th fret space.

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Pentatonic Pattern #4

Here is the fourth A minor pentatonic pattern. It is found in "seventh position" because the lowest fret used is the 7th fret space.

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Pentatonic Pattern #5

Here is the fifth A minor pentatonic pattern. It is found in "ninnth position" because the lowest fret used is the 9th fret space.

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Pentatonic Pattern #1a (same as #1 up an octave)

Here is the final A minor pentatonic pattern. It is found one ocatve above the first pattern in "twelfth position." Notice your first finger replaces the open strings.

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