Scale Charts › A Minor Pentatonic scale

A Minor Pentatonic scale on guitar

A Minor Pentatonic is a five-note scale that sounds right over almost any minor or blues progression. Its notes are A, C, D, E and G (1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7). It is the first scale most rock and blues players learn, and most classic solos live in its first box shape. The A roots sit at fret 5 on the low E string.

How to practice it

1. Start at fret 5 on the low E string and play the box from low to high and back.
2. Say or think the note names as you play until the roots jump out.
3. Play it over a backing track in the same key and aim for the root on strong beats.
4. Chords in the key: Am, Bdim, C, Dm, Em, F and G.

Questions

What notes are in the A Minor Pentatonic scale?

A, C, D, E and G. The formula is 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7.

Where do I start A Minor Pentatonic on guitar?

Put your first finger on A at fret 5 of the low E string; the root is also at fret 12 of the A string. Learn that box first, then link it to the next one up the neck.

What is the relative major of A Minor Pentatonic?

C Major Pentatonic. It uses the same notes starting from a different root.

Also try: C Major Pentatonic scale · A Blues scale · A Minor scale · A Minor · Scale Charts