Pentatonic Minor First Mode
The First Position of the Pentatonic Major Scale
Since we did the major pentatonic in the key of G, we will do the minor pentatonic it’s relative minor, the key of E minor. Don’t forget you can transpose the scale to any key simply by placing the first note in the pattern over the correct note on the 6th string of your guitar.
If you want to play it in E (minor), line up the first note (the root note identified in white) to either the nut, or the 12th fret. If you want to play it in Am, then start at the 5th fret. In B, you would start on the 7th fret, and so on… You will notice, the first position of the pentatonic minor is also the fifth position of the pentatonic major. The pattern is exactly the same, the only difference will be the fact that your root notes (white notes) and perfect 5ths (red notes) reflect the root and 5ths of the minor scale instead of the major scale. In Em for example, the root is E and the 5th is B.
Typically, to follow the order of the lessons, you should begin to play this scale in Em starting at the nut with and open E, 6 string. However, this scale is extremely popular. It’s usually the first scale any guitarist learns. Many blues guitarists will actually play this scale over an E blues progression which is based on a I-VI-V, therefore based on a the major scale. Yes, they’ll often use this scale interchangeably along with the E major pentatonic.
Since this is the First Mode of the Minor Pentatonic Scale, you will be playing the following pattern with the first note starting at the 6th string open E, or at the 12th fret. Be sure you understand how to read these diagrams. Otherwise, click here to find out.
