Pentatonic Scale Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (05:09) Pentatonic Scale Introduction to the Pentatonic Scale

The minor and major pentatonic scales are the most frequently used scales in rock lead guitar. Many rock riffs use the major and minor pentatonic scales as well. "My Girl" is a fine example of a riff derived from A major pentatonic. This riff simply ascends the A major pentatonic scale in a catchy rhythm.

Scale Construction

Understanding the construction of the major pentatonic scale enables you to play the scale effectively in a musical context. The prefix "penta" means five. "Tonic" means tones or notes. So, the pentatonic is a scale comprised of five notes. These five notes are derived from the major scale which you have already learned. The major pentatonic scale omits the 4th and 7th scale degrees from the major scale. In the key of A, the 4th and 7th scale degrees are the notes D and G# respectively. Consequently, the A major pentatonic scale is spelled as follows: A, B, C#, E, F#, A.

Note: For more music theory information pertaining to the major pentatonic scale, please refer to the JamPlay Scale Library. This feature of the site can be accessed through the "Teaching Tools" button on the left-hand side of the homepage.

Playing the Major Pentatonic Pattern

The pattern that Dave demonstrates in this scene is most commonly used major pentatonic pattern. Watch carefully as he demonstrates an A major pentatonic scale at about 01:50 in the lesson video. Make a carefully note of the fingering that he uses. Do not deviate from this fingering when practicing through the scale. Start on the root note played by the second finger. This note is A. Then, ascend through the pattern up to the next highest A note. This note is located at the 7th fret of the fourth string. Finally, descend the pattern back down to the lowest root note. Play the scale along with Dave to ensure that you are playing the correct notes.

One Octave Pattern

This scale pattern spans a single octave across the three bass strings. You will learn a two octave pattern of the major pentatonic scale in a future lesson. The pattern presented in later lessons spans two octaves.

Note: Tablature and notation to the major pentatonic scale can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab. Proper left-hand fingerings are included in this document.

Changing Keys

The scale pattern that Dave demonstrated for A major pentatonic is a movable scale pattern. You can play the scale in a different key by simply shifting the pattern up or down the fretboard. As a result, this single pattern can be used to play the major pentatonic scale in all 12 possible keys. At 03:30, Dave shifts the scale to the key of B major. He begins the pattern he taught for A major two frets higher. This transposes the scale to the key of B.

Pentatonic Pattern 2

The A major pentatonic scale can be played in a total of five different patterns. When these five patterns are connected, they span the entire length of the fretboard. This allows a lead guitarist to utilize the entire range of the instrument when playing a melody or solo. For this reason, it is important to learn and memorize all five patterns. Take your time with this process. Tackle a new minor or major pentatonic scale pattern each week.

Second Position

The majority of this particular pattern is played in second position. The first finger plays the notes that are located at the second fret. Unlike the pentatonic pattern that Dave demonstrated earlier, this pentatonic pattern cannot be shifted anywhere on the neck. This is due to the A note played with the open fifth string. However, if this tonic A note is played at the 5th fret on the sixth string, a movable scale pattern is formed.

Note: Tablature and notation to this pattern is located under the "Supplemental Content" tab. Proper left-hand fingering is included.

Preview of Next Lesson

Dave switches gears from the major pentatonic scale to the minor pentatonic scale in the next lesson. He explains the basic theory and construction of this scale. You will also learn some common fretboard patterns for the minor pentatonic.

Until next time, memorize and practice the major pentatonic patterns Dave has taught you. Transpose both patterns to a wide variety of keys. Also, practice the scale along with a metronome to ensure that you can play it in time.

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