Pentatonic Scale Guitar Lesson
Pentatonic Scale
The minor pentatonic scale is the most commonly used scale in rock solos. Brad introduces the pentatonic scale and demonstrates how to use it in a practical, musical context.
Taught by Brad Henecke in Rock Guitar with Brad Henecke seriesLength: 14:30Difficulty: 2.5 of 5
The minor pentatonic scale is the most commonly used scale among blues, jazz, rock, metal, and country guitarists. It finds its way into countless improvised solos in all these genres. For this reason, mastery of the scale is of the utmost importance.Playing the Scale
This scale is derived from the Natural Minor Scale. It consists of 5 notes, hence the name “pentatonic”. The prefix “penta” means five. Tonic means tones or notes. These five notes are the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th scale degrees derived from the Natural Minor Scale. In the key of A minor, these notes are A, C, D, E, and G. These notes are chosen because they are most consonant against a diatonic progression. B and F are notes that are generally used to create tension. As a result, they are omitted from the pentatonic scale.
By adding a blues note (the b5 or Eb) to the minor pentatonic scale, the minor blues scale is formed. As a result, the fingering of these two scales is very similar.
Note: Open the “Supplemental Content” tab for a fretboard diagram of the A Minor Pentatonic Scale. This pattern spans two octaves of the scale.
Notice how Brad has labeled each note on the diagram. The root note of the scale, A, is denoted by a red circle. Each note in the scale is labeled by its scale degree. The scale degree describes how a note functions within the scale. For example, A is the root of the scale. The second note in the scale, C, is labeled as the b3. A b3 indicates that the scale is minor.
When Brad refers to this scale pattern as the “1st Position” scale, he means that this scale pattern is the most common pentatonic pattern. When played in the key of A minor, this scale pattern is played in fifth position on the fretboard. There are four other minor pentatonic patterns that are used with lower frequency.
The left hand fingering used for the pentatonic scale is quite similar to the fingering of the blues scale. The first finger frets all notes at the 5th fret. The third finger frets all 7th fret notes. The pinky frets the notes at the 8th fret.Applying the Pentatonic Scale
Brad gives a string-by-string breakdown of the scale fingering at 2:30.
This scale is a great source to generate blues licks from. The first lick Brad demonstrates is a review from a previous lesson. This lick is then combined with a similar, second lick. This lick features a finger roll with the pinky finger. This technique is applied to fret the 8th fret notes.Chapter 3: (3:48) The Blues and Pentatonic Scales Brad presents a side-by-side comparison of both scale patterns. As you can see, the two scales are quite similar. Soloists frequently utilize both scales in the course of a solo. Both scales can be used over minor as well as major progressions. When these scales are applied to progressions in major keys, they take on a bluesier quality.
Throughout the following lessons, Brad will demonstrate how to play the remaining minor pentatonic boxes. Learning all five patterns is absolutely essential to your growth as a soloist. Chapter 4: (2:23) Exit Music Make sure you have all your scale patterns memorized before continuing to the next lesson! Stay tuned as Brad rocks out on the E minor pentatonic scale!
Supplemental Learning Material
Rock Guitar with Brad Henecke
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsIn this Phase 2 series Brad Henecke will school you in the art of rock guitar. You will not only learn how to play some of your favorite songs in this series, but you will also learn how to create your own.
Lesson 1
Basic Rock Guitar
This lesson covers the absolute basics of rock guitar. Learn about the electric guitar, pickups, amplifiers, changing strings, and more.
Length: 52:09 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Learning Chords
The first step of your rock guitar experience is learning some of the more popular chords and that is what this lesson is all about.
Length: 42:30 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Barre Chords and More
Brad Henecke introduces common strumming patterns and barre chords.
Length: 42:23 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Your First Song
In this lesson Brad covers some of the more advanced barre chord shapes. He applies these shapes to the song "Hotel California."
Length: 41:31 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Blues and Scales
Rock has its roots in the blues. Brad helps you explore the wonderful world of blues in this lesson. He also covers some chord theory.
Length: 48:14 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tricks and Lead
This lesson is all about specific techniques used by lead guitarists.
Length: 52:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Jammin With Scales
This lesson details how to improvise with the blues scale.
Length: 27:27 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
3 Songs
In this fun lesson, Brad Henecke teaches you riffs from 3 classic rock songs.
Length: 28:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Power Chords
Power chords help give rock music that "punch you in the face" feel. Learn basic power chords in this lesson.
Length: 13:22 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
2 New Songs
Are you ready to learn "Ain't Talking About Love" by Van Halen and "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC? That's what this lesson is all about.
Length: 27:32 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Pentatonic Scale
In this lesson Brad teaches the first pattern of the minor pentatonic scale and explains how it relates to the blues scale.
Length: 14:30 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Second Position
Brad covers the second pattern for both the minor blues and minor pentatonic scales.
Length: 9:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Message in a Bottle
Learn the classic rock song "Message in a Bottle."
Length: 10:22 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Third Position
This great lesson covers the 3rd fretboard pattern of the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales.
Length: 7:19 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Colorful Chord Tension
Brad demonstrates how open strings can be added to chord shapes you are already familiar with.
Length: 9:09 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
The 4th Position
Brad covers the 4th pattern of the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales.
Length: 8:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Daytripper
In this lesson Brad demonstrates how to play the Beatles song "Daytripper."
Length: 15:21 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The 5th Position
Brad demonstrates the 5th pattern of the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales. He also discusses practicing and memorizing them.
Length: 13:05 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
"Brown Eyed Girl"
Learn the classic rock song "Brown Eyed Girl" in this episode of Rock Guitar.
Length: 11:23 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Phrasing
Brad introduces you to the importance of phrasing. Quality phrasing is essential when performing any melodic line.
Length: 14:19 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Basics of Tapping
Tapping is an idiomatic guitar technique that offers a unique sound.
Length: 14:34 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Intro to Modes
Learning the modes is essential to the development of your scale vocabulary.
Length: 31:04 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Understanding Chord Shapes
Brad further explains what chord shapes are and how they relate to barre chords.
Length: 10:15 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Natural Harmonics
Learn the right and left hand mechanics involved in playing harmonics.
Length: 13:16 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Advanced Harmonics
Brad covers more advanced harmonic techniques such as harp harmonics, pinch harmonics and tap harmonics.
Length: 16:10 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Dorian Mode
Brad moves on in his modal lesson series to explain the Dorian mode. Includes 2 backing tracks.
Length: 22:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Phrygian Mode
Brad explains and demonstrates the Phrygian mode.
Length: 13:33 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Lydian mode
Brad continues his discussion of the modes. You will learn the Lydian mode in this lesson.
Length: 9:27 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Mixolydian Mode
Brad explains the Mixolydian mode and its practical applications.
Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Aeolian Mode
Continuing with his modal lessons, Brad Henecke teaches the Aeolian mode.
Length: 9:09 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Locrian Mode
The final lesson in our modal series covers the Locrian mode.
Length: 9:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Ace Zone
Brad teaches some licks inspired by Ace Frehley of KISS. Incorporate these licks into your own solos.
Length: 7:18 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Learn Licks
In this lesson Brad Henecke teaches you some fun licks that can be used in your own guitar solos.
Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Blues Licks
Brad Henecke demonstrates some cool blues licks.
Length: 17:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Modes and Scales
Brad Henecke provides an alternate way of comparing modes and scales.
Length: 8:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
A Different View
In the last lesson, Brad Henecke compared some scales that are major or dominant in quality. Now, he repeats this process with minor scales.
Length: 7:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
One String Scales
This lesson is all about 1 string scales. Learning scales on 1 string is essential to your knowledge of the fretboard.
Length: 8:34 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
One String Ionian Mode
Brad demonstrates a one string version of the Ionian mode. This lesson demonstrates the importance of horizontal scales.
Length: 7:27 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Aeolian Mode on One String
Brad continues his discussion of single string scales. He explains how to play the Aeolian mode across a single string.
Length: 4:11 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Octave Scales
Brad explains how to locate octaves within scale patterns. He demonstrates a cool lick that involves playing simultaneous octaves.
Length: 7:07 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Using Octaves
Brad explains how to use octaves in the context of an exercise. Octaves can also be used to build effective licks.
Length: 5:18 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Harmonic Minor Scale
Brad introduces the harmonic minor scale. He explains how it can be applied to the solo break in "Sweet Child O' Mine."
Length: 7:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Learning by Ear
Brad Henecke provides valuable tips regarding the process of learning songs by ear.
Length: 23:00 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
Ear Training Game
Improve your ear training by playing "The Tone Is Right" with Brad Henecke.
Length: 29:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Diminished Arpeggio
Brad Henecke explains diminished chords and provides a fun diminished arpeggio exercise.
Length: 19:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Understanding Time Signatures
Brad Henecke addresses time signatures.
Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Diminished Chords
Brad Henecke explains the construction of diminished seventh chords. He also provides a diminished chord exercise.
Length: 10:30 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Open G Tuning
Brad Henecke introduces open G tuning in this lesson.
Length: 23:50 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Drop D Tuning
Brad Henecke introduces drop D tuning in this lesson. He explains many advantages of this tuning.
Length: 12:57 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
G Major Pentatonic
Brad Henecke teaches the G major pentatonic scale. He demonstrates all 5 patterns and explains how they can be transposed to any key.
Length: 22:50 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Changing Scales with Chords
In this lesson Brad Henecke talks about changing the pentatonic/blues scales with each chord in a chord progression.
Length: 11:08 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Mixolydian Scale and Chords
Brad will show how to use the Mixolydian scale with a blues chord progression.
Length: 6:56 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Gear and Effects
This lesson is all about gear and effects. Brad begins his discussion with power conditioning and removing hiss from your amplifier. He progresses to discuss a plethora of effects pedals. Brad explores...
Length: 52:48 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
The Wah Pedal
In this lesson, Brad Henecke introduces the wah pedal and demonstrates its many applications.
Length: 15:53 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
About Brad Henecke
View Full Biography
Brad Henecke was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on May 5th of 1963. He has been a fan of music for as long as he & his family can remember. You could always find him running around the farm wailing on his cardboard guitar, pretending to be a member of the rock band KISS. Additional inspiration came during his first concert when he got the chance to see Boston & Sammy Hagar in the early 1970's.
This opened up a whole new world of rock and roll music for him; his parents noticed his growing interest in music and enrolled him into guitar lessons when he was 13.
From there he jumped into two years of lessons at a local music store in Cedar Rapids. After discovering Eddie Van Halen, Brad knew that the
guitar would always be a part of his life. He took his love throughout the city as he played as a pit musician & jammed at parties for friends.
This made him thirsty for more. He enrolled classes at Kirkwood Community College & also took lessons from the one & only Craig-Erickson (www.craig-erickson.com).
His love for music landed him a gig opening for Molly Hatchet in Cedar Rapids with a band called "Slap & Tickle". He has also played in the Greeley
Stampede show for quite a few years with "True North".
Brad is currently playing in Greeley, Colorado with a rock band titled "Ragged Doll". They play a wide variety of music with an emphasis on
classic rock from the 60's to present, with Brad playing electric guitar in the five piece lineup.
He currently jams on his all-time favorite guitar: a Paul Reed Smith Custom 24. Beyond guitar, he plays also plays drums & bass guitar. He has
also been known to thrash a banjo from time to time. He is still actively playing & passing his 31 years of playing experience on to others (you!).
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Hi Brad. Thanks for the lesson. Could you upload the backing track you are using during the intro? thanks
Brad, you sometimes produce a wanky sound on some notes. Think you often do this on the C note in the Am blues scale. Is this a special technique?
Brad, love your lessons / style very helpfull for a begginner like me. Is it correct to state that the Am Pentatonic scale is the same as the C major pentatonic scale ?
What do the numbers on the bottom of the scale mean??? thank you
Brad, I started playing the acoustic around May 2008, and then began to play the electric around October 2009. I have gone through all of your phase 2 lessons, and you occasionally picked up an acoustic guitar. When practicing with both guitars, what should I be aware of when going through exercises? Should the exercises be good for both types of guitars? I know many of the exercises will definitely be good for both guitars, but will all lessons? These are two very different guitars. Also, I am writing songs (i can play piano by ear, and can play a little bass). You have gone over a lot of lead guitar. I have written many chord progressions, and am attempting to write leads to go with the progressions. I do everything by ear. In theory, I know there is probably a better way to put a lead on top of chord progressions. You'll often play a blues scale, but there is no chord progressions under it. How would you know what chords would sound best under a lead or vice a versa? Is there a general formula? I hope my questions make sense. I will continue with your lessons. You are helping me tremendously. Thanks.
Thanks for the great Questions. You can adapted all the lessons I have taught to either electric or acoustic guitar .Keep in mind the acoustic guitar will be harder to do some of the bends and tricks but in the long run if you learn something on a acoustic it will seem a lot easer on the Electric guitar. Use your acoustic as a worm up guitar when you switch to the electric guitar everything will seam much easer. When I’m playing licks with no chords under them it is like a free style .With out chords under the lead you are free to do what you want. As long as it sounds good it is good. Most of the time I stay in one key. With the blues you are most of the time playing lead over the 1 4 and 5 chords, so yes there is a formula for that .I did a lesson on finding what the 1 4 and 5 chord are in a Key .As long as you know that you can find the key and know what scales will work for the chords .Learn your Major scales and how to make the chords that fit in to a key .that will help you greatly in understanding how music theory works.
Jeff's right...How each pattern is labeled is of little importance. People usually just list each pattern in the order that they teach them.
Brad... First - I enjoy your jamplay lessons. You display the Am Pentatonic Scale - Position 1 as starting on the 5th Fret. When I go here - http://www.berm.co.nz/cgi-bin/guitar/scales.cgi?A.Minor+Pentatonic.4 - they list this pattern as Position 4. Can you clarify? Wondering who is correct as I don't see how both can be.
Hey there, I will have brad answer this question, but the 5th fret position is almost universally taught as the first position when teaching the pentatonic scales. That doesn't mean either way is right or wrong however, it's just a matter of how it is taught.