Minor Pentatonic Scale Guitar
Interactive diagram
Pattern / position
A minor pentatonic
- Notes
- A, C, D, E, G
- Formula
- 1, b3, 4, 5, b7
- Intervals
- Root, m3, P4, P5, m7
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All 5 positions
Position 1 — Root on 6th string
The most common starting point. For A minor, start at the 5th fret on the low E string. This is the "box" shape most beginners learn first.
Position 2 — Root on 4th string
Shifts up the neck from position 1. The shapes connect so the top of position 1 flows directly into the bottom of position 2 — practice the join slowly.
Position 3 — Root on 3rd string
A wider stretch shape. Works well for melodic runs and connects to position 4 above.
Position 4 — Root on 5th string (upper octave)
The same root note as position 1 but an octave higher. Playing positions 1 and 4 back-to-back covers a full two-octave range.
Position 5 — Root on 2nd string
The final shape before the pattern repeats. Connects back into position 1 at the next octave up the neck.
All five positions share the same set of notes — they are just different ways to reach them on the fretboard. Once you know all five, you can move freely up and down the neck in any key.
A minor pentatonic — Position 1 (5th fret)
e |--5--8-----------| B |--5--8-----------| G |--5--7-----------| D |--5--7-----------| A |--5--7-----------| E |--5--8-----------|
This is the most common starting point for the minor pentatonic scale. Play it at the 5th fret for A minor, at the 7th fret for B minor, or at the 12th fret for E minor. The root note (shown on the low E and high e strings) is always your anchor.
Theory
The minor pentatonic scale is a five-note scale built from the natural minor scale by removing the 2nd and 6th degrees. Its formula is 1, b3, 4, 5, b7—so in the key of A, you get A, C, D, E, G. This gives it a darker, bluesy character that works over minor chords and dominant 7th chords, making it the most used scale in rock, blues, and metal solos.
On the guitar, the minor pentatonic is usually learned in five "box" positions that span the neck. Each position has the root on a different string, and the shapes connect so you can move smoothly between them. Position 1 (root on the 6th string) is the most common starting point—for example, the classic A minor pentatonic at the 5th fret.
Relative major relationship
The minor pentatonic and major pentatonic scales use exactly the same five shapes on the guitar neck — the difference is which note you treat as the root. Position 1 of A minor pentatonic is the same shape as Position 5 of C major pentatonic. This means learning one scale gives you the other for free: just shift your mental root note three frets up the neck.
Where to use it
Use the minor pentatonic over minor chords, dominant 7th chords (e.g. in a blues), and in rock and metal riffs and solos. It is the backbone of blues lead playing; once you know the five positions in one key, you can transpose them to any key by moving the same shapes up or down the neck.
Famous songs using the minor pentatonic
Smoke on the Water (main riff)
Deep Purple · G minor
Back in Black (intro riff)
AC/DC · E minor
Sweet Child O' Mine (solo)
Guns N' Roses · D minor
Whole Lotta Love (solo)
Led Zeppelin · E minor
Paranoid (solo)
Black Sabbath · E minor
These songs all use the minor pentatonic as the basis for their most recognisable riffs or solos. Once you know Position 1, try playing along with a backing track in the matching key — you will recognise the patterns immediately.
Practice tips
- Start with position 1: Learn the shape at the 5th fret in A minor, then play it slowly up and down until it feels automatic.
- Fingering: Use one finger per fret (e.g. index on 5, middle 6, ring 7, pinky 8) so your hand stays in one place and you can build speed.
- Connect positions: Once you know position 1 and 2, practice moving from the top of position 1 into the bottom of position 2 and back.
- Play over backing tracks: Use a simple blues in A or E minor and improvise using only the minor pentatonic—focus on rhythm and phrasing, not playing every note.