Scale Charts › E Minor Pentatonic scale

E Minor Pentatonic scale on guitar

E Minor Pentatonic is a five-note scale that sounds right over almost any minor or blues progression. Its notes are E, G, A, B and D (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 E roots sit at frets 0 and 12 on the low E string.

How to practice it

1. Start at fret 12 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: Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm, C and D.

Questions

What notes are in the E Minor Pentatonic scale?

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

Where do I start E Minor Pentatonic on guitar?

Put your first finger on E at fret 12 of the low E string; the root is also at fret 7 of the A string. Learn that box first, then link it to the next one up the neck.

What is the relative major of E Minor Pentatonic?

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

Also try: G Major Pentatonic scale · E Blues scale · E Minor scale · E Minor · Scale Charts