Pentatonic Minor Scale

Written by Edward Cupler

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The Pentatonic minor scale is a five note scale. It can be thought of as a simplified version of the natural minor guitar scale. The difference is that the 2nd and 6th notes of the natural minor scale are removed giving it a more basic sound. The Pentatonic minor scale is still a very popular scale for guitarists in hard rock and heavy metal and can be heard in the work of guitarists such as Hendrix, Page and Angus Young as well as many others too numerous to mention. It's safe to say, that every guitar player uses the Pentatonic minor scale at one time or another.

The following guitar scale examples are in the key of A minor.

Natural Minor Scale in A Tablature

This is the first example played in the video. For more on this scale, please view this lesson, Natural Minor Scale.

Natural Minor Scale in A Pattern

Note: The notes to be removed for the Pentatonic minor scale are in green.

Pentatonic Minor Scale in A Pattern

Note: The missing B (2nd note) & (F 6th note).

Pentatonic Minor Scale in A Tablature

Guitar Lesson Notes:

1. The Pentatonic minor scale is a five note scale.
2. The difference between the Pentatonic minor scale and the natural minor scale is that the 2nd and 6th notes of the natural minor scale are removed
3. Every guitarist uses the Pentatonic minor scale at one time or another. This is a must learn scale.

This guitar lesson continues here Pentatonic Minor Guitar Scale Continued