Pentatonic Guitar Scales

Written by Edward Cupler

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The A minor pentatonic guitar scales and the C major pentatonic guitar scales are the two scales discussed in this lesson. My reason for this is that these scales are derived from the same C major scale as used in the "Guitar Scales Modes " lesson. The difference is instead of seven notes used in the C major scale (C D E F G A B), the pentatonic scale only uses five notes (C D E G A), the B and F notes are removed. The patterns for both the A minor and C major pentatonic scales are illustrated in Pentatonic Flash Example #1. Although only two scale patterns are demonstrated, I would encourage using all of the 5 notes throughout the length of the guitar neck.

Pentatonic interactive example #1

The major pentatonic scale is often used in rock, metal and country. The A minor pentatonic scale, specifically, sounds great over chord progressions in A minor . Here's how the scale sounds against an A minor chord. (audio example )

The major pentatonic scale is often used in rock, metal and country. The C major pentatonic scale, specifically, sounds great over chord progressions in C major. Here's how the scale sounds against a C major chord. (audio example )