Minor Pentatonic Scale - Guitar Scale Lessons

The minor pentatonic guitar scale is a five note scale. The minor pentatonic scale's use is popular in rock lead guitar riffs and soloing, and is usually played over chord progressions that start with a minor chord.

Minor Pentatonic Scales use the 1, 3b, 4, 5, and 7b notes from the major scale.

Minor Pentatonic Scale Guitar Diagrams


The diagram below shows the 5 Minor Pentatonic Scale Patterns spread over the length of the guitar neck. The diagram shows the patterns for the F Minor Pentatonic Scale.

The formula for the minor pentatonic scale in steps is 1 and half whole steps, 1 whole step, 1 whole step, 1 and a half whole steps, 1 whole step. This formula pattern can be seen easier across the high or low E strings in the diagram below.

minor pentatonic guitar scale diagram

Minor Pentatonic Scale patterns break the minor pentatonic scale into groups that are easier to play and improvise in. Notice how the patterns overlap eachother down the guitar neck. Match the Root note (red notes in diagram) with the Key you want to play in.

The diagrams below are the 5 Minor Pentatonic Scale patterns.

minor pentatonic guitar scale 1 minor pentatonic guitar scale 2 minor pentatonic guitar scale 3 minor pentatonic guitar scale 4 minor pentatonic guitar scale 5

Minor Pentatonic Scale Guitar Tabs

Guitar Tab for the A Minor Pentatonic Scale, Pattern 1
A Minor Pentatonic Scale Tab

Guitar Tab for the E Minor Pentatonic Scale in the open position, Pattern 1
E Minor Pentatonic Scale Tab

Minor Pentatonic Scale Tabs

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e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|-----------------|
D|-----------4-6-7-|
A|-----4-5-7-------|
E|-5-7-------------|
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