Minor Pentatonic Scale for Guitar
The minor pentatonic scale is the single most important scale for rock and blues guitar. From Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton, David Gilmour to Slash, virtually every iconic guitar solo is rooted in this 5-note scale.
Try it interactively
Select 'Pentatonic Minor' in the Scale Explorer to see every position highlighted on an interactive fretboard.
What Is the Minor Pentatonic Scale?
The word "pentatonic" comes from the Greek penta (five) and tonos (tone). The minor pentatonic is simply the natural minor scale with the 2nd and 6th degrees removed, leaving 5 notes that all sound strong and consonant over minor and blues progressions.
Formula
Semitones from root: 0 — 3 — 5 — 7 — 10
Example (A minor pentatonic): A — C — D — E — G
The 5 Positions
The minor pentatonic can be played in 5 interlocking positions that together cover the entire fretboard. Most guitarists start with Position 1 and gradually learn the others to break out of the "box".
| Position | Also Called | Key Feature | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position 1 | Box Pattern | Most common starting shape | Beginners, blues licks |
| Position 2 | A shape / 2nd pos | Brighter tone, higher on neck | Connecting to pos. 1 |
| Position 3 | G shape | Wide stretch, melodic runs | Intermediate players |
| Position 4 | E shape | Lower register feel | Rock riffs |
| Position 5 | D shape / 5th pos | Links back to position 1 | Full-neck soloing |
The Box Pattern (Position 1)
Position 1 sits at the 5th fret for A minor pentatonic. Every note in the scale is within a 2-fret span on each string, making it very hand-friendly. This is where nearly every guitarist starts.
String by string from low E to high E at fret 5: 5–8 / 5–7 / 5–7 / 5–7 / 5–8 / 5–8
Essential Techniques to Learn in the Box Pattern
- String bending: bend the b3 up a whole step to the 4th for a blues cry.
- Vibrato: add sustain and expression to held notes, especially on the root.
- Hammer-ons and pull-offs: legato playing gives fluidity to runs.
- Slides: connect positions smoothly; slide into the root for resolution.
- Double stops: play two strings simultaneously for a full, vocal sound.
Which Chords to Play Over
The minor pentatonic works best over these chord contexts:
| Chord / Progression | Works With | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| i chord (e.g. Am) | Am pentatonic | Direct match, root and b3 define the minor chord |
| i–iv–v minor | Am pentatonic | All three chords share scale tones |
| 12-bar blues (I7–IV7–V7) | Am pentatonic | Blues tradition; ♭7 matches dominant 7th chords |
| Power chord riffs | Am pentatonic | Root and 5th fit perfectly; b3 adds grit |
Minor Pentatonic in All 12 Keys
The box pattern shape is moveable. The same fingering at a different fret puts you in a different key. The root note always falls on the 6th string (low E) at the first fret of the pattern.