The major pentatonic scale is a guitarist’s go-to for creating solos that feel fresh, uplifting and bright. It’s the secret sauce behind some of the most memorable guitar solos in music history. You’ll find these solos in country music a lot of the time, but also in classic rock (The Eagles), folk (Hank Williams), blues (Freddy King, John Mayer) and pop music (The Beatles).

Major Pentatonic Scale vs Minor Pentatonic Scale

The major pentatonic scale (Formula: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6) and minor pentatonic scale ((Formula: 1, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭7)) have their differences. The minor pentatonic scale offers a more bluesy, darker feel and is ideal for minor keys or blues progressions. Although they share the same set of notes in their relative forms, the starting note and tonal center determine their distinct emotional impact.

The major pentatonic scale is derived from the major scale (Formula: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), but with two notes removed: the 4th and 7th degrees. This makes the scale sound “open” and free of dissonance.

The formula for the major pentatonic scale can be expressed as:

• 1 (Root)
• 2 (Major 2nd)
• 3 (Major 3rd)
• 5 (Perfect 5th)
• 6 (Major 6th)

For example, in G major:

• G (Root)
• A (Major 2nd)
• E (Major 3rd)
• D (Perfect 5th)
• E (Major 6th)

How to Play the Major Pentatonic Scale

In the diagrams below you find the two most common major pentatonic scale shapes. Both scale shapes are G major pentatonic and contain the same notes but played in different positions on the fretboard.

Once you’ve got these two scale shapes under your belt, you can also practice all five major pentatonic scales to really know your way around the fretboard and understand all the major pentatonic solos to their full extend.

Songs with Major Pentatonic Scale Solos

In this post, we’ll dive into some iconic songs that have harnessed the power of the major pentatonic scale to craft beautiful guitar solos. Let’s explore how this five-note scale has shaped guitar history!

We’re starting with “Let it be” by The Beatles. George Harrison is playing a C major Pentatonic Solo.

• Take it easy – The Eagles ( G major pentatonic )

• Tennessee whiskey – Chris Stapleton ( A major pentatonic )

• Knocking on heavens door – Guns ‘n Roses ( G major pentatonic )

• Something like Olivia – John Mayer ( G major pentatonic )

• Let her cry – Hootie and the blowfish ( G major pentatonic )

• Everything I do – Bryan Adams ( C# major pentatonic )

• Jaleous again – Black Crowes ( D major pentatonic )

• Sweet home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd ( G major pentatonic )

• Blue sky – Almann brothers ( E major pentatonic )

• People get ready – Jeff Beck / Rod Stewart ( D major pentatonic )

• Hard to handle – Black Crows( B major pentatonic )

• No woman, No Cry – Bob Marley ( C major pentatonic )

• Friends in low places – Garth Brooks ( A major pentatonic )

• Queen of California- John Mayer ( B major pentatonic )

If you have any questions or remarks leave them in the comment section below. I appreciate it. ~ Klaus Crow

Hi dear fellow guitar players, it’s time for the 5th position of the Major Scale series. The final CAGED shape position of the 5 positions. Also check out position 1, position 2, position 3, position 4 if you haven’t been able to do that yet. Now is the time to improve your skills and become an accomplished guitar player.

5th Position G Major Scale

We are going to learn the Major scale “5th position”, also referred to as the G-shape. Once you’ve practiced all these scale position thoroughly you have a broader understanding of the how the major scale works across the entire fretboard. The more you expand your knowledge of scales and music theory the more you will understand the overall picture of how music works and that will result into better playing, better soloing, better music composition skills, better everything guitar. So don’t waste your time and get to work.

See below for the scale diagram, tablature and guitar video lesson

Yes, it’s a gorgeous day today, it’s time for the 4th position of the Major Scale. This post is part of the G major scale series (position 1, position 2, position 3, position 4 up to this point) so if you haven’t checked out the previous lesson please do so. You can also dive into the lesson first and come back to the other lesson later. No problem.

4th Position G Major Scale

We are going to learn the Major scale “4th position”, also referred to as the A-shape which I will tell you all about in the video lesson. I will give explain everything in the utmost details with all the practice tips and tools to really make you own these scales inside out. You’re gonna have a blast!

See below for the scale diagram, TABs and video guitar lesson

I appreciate any feedback you have in the comments below.

Hey awesome people, how are you today? It’s time for the 3rd position of the major scale. We’re going to learn all 5 scale shape / positions related to the CAGED system to be able to play around the entire fretboard.

3rd Position Major Scale

Once you’ve learned the 1st position and 2nd position of the major scale thoroughly you can safely continue to learn the 3rd position, also referred to as the C-shape position of the major scale. (See video lesson).

Below are the TABS and the video lesson where I explain the entire scale shape / position with tricks and tips to really nail this one. Make yourself a nice cup of coffee or a profound cup of tea and start developing some solid guitar habits.

Have a great one!

Dear fellow guitar players, today I want to teach you how to play the 2nd position of the major scale. Learning the major scale is crucial if you want to become an accomplished guitar player.

2nd Position Major Scale

Once you’ve learned the 1st position of the major scale you can continue your journey by learning the 2nd position, also referred to as the D-shape position of the major scale. (See video lesson for more details on that).

Below are the TABS and the video lesson where I explain the entire lick slowly and in close up.

You’re gonna get a lot out of this.

Have fun!

Please share your feedback in the comments below or on Youtube. I read and reply to everyone of them. I’d love to hear from you!

Hi lovely people, today I want to teach you how to play the major scale, in particular the G major scale. The G major scale (1st position) is the best scale to start out with when you’re learning a major scale on the guitar, because of how it is positioned on the guitar.

Once you know how to play the G major scale you can move it up and down the neck to every key you like.

How to Learn the G Major Scale – 1st Position

• The best way to learn the major scale is by playing the 2 octave major scale.
• Memorize the notes of the major scale
• Learn the scale using the appropriate fingering
• Learn the scale also with one finger to become conscious of where the notes are on the neck.

Below are the TABS and the video lesson where I explain everything in full detail.

Please share your feedback in the comments below or on Youtube. I read and reply to everyone of them. I’d love to hear from you! 

Enjoy!

Other Major Scale Positions

You might also like:

G Major Scale – 2nd Position

G Major Scale – 3rd Position

G Major Scale – 4th Position

G Major Scale – 5th Position

Welcome you diligent guitar student. You have arrived at Part IV of the “One-Octave Natural Minor Scales” Series. The final lesson of these series to practice, play and put it all together. Let’s get your hands dirty!

If you are a first timer in these series start from the beginning and check out:

Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales – Part I

Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales – Part II

Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales – Part III

In Part IV we’re going up the strings again and start with the root note from the G-string (3rd string) all the way up to the high e-string (1st string). We have 3 different scale patterns to learn, all containing the same notes of the natural minor scale.

Why Learn One-Octave Natural Minor Scales?

Learning one-octave natural minor scales will make you see and understand the overal picture of the scale in a clearer way. You can easily recognize the shape, the structure, the notes and the intervals of the scale, also how to practice and put it in action, since it’s only one octave. The scale is as important for beginners as it is for intermediate guitar players. Both will benefit from these scale tremendously.

If you found yourself in this lesson but you’re looking to learn the two-octave natural minor scales, or you want a follow up for the “One-octave Natural Minor Scales Series” check out: Exploring the Natural Minor Scale and The 5 natural minor scale positions you must know. If you stay with this lesson, focus and dominate!

Left and Right Hand Playing

You can read the one-octave minor scale patterns in the tablature below.

In the yellow diagrams you can see the left hand fingering (right hand players) for each scale shape / pattern. The numbers in the dots indicate the fingers. The red notes are the root notes.

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger | 3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

Try to visualize the shape of each scale pattern. See the form of the scale and how the notes are placed on the strings in your mind’s eye. When you have the scale shape clear in your mind it’s easier to memorize and play it.

With your picking hand play the scale using alternate picking (down-up-down-up-down-up, etc.).

Learn the scale patterns in all keys

The natural minor scales in these series are playing in the key of A, but you want to learn to play them in every key possible. This is how you become an accomplished guitar player.

Learn one scale pattern thoroughly and then move it up and down the neck to play it in different keys. Check out Part I to learn how to play the shapes in different keys around the neck.

Some scale patterns also become easier to play when you play them in a different key. Pattern #11 might be more comfortable to play when you change keys and move it higher up the neck, while pattern #12 might be easier on your hands when you move it down a few steps. Make it a routine to practice the scales anywhere on the neck.

Enjoy a wonderful practice!

A Natural Minor Scale – Pattern #10

A Natural Minor Scale – Pattern #11

A Natural Minor Scale – Pattern #12

Scale pattern assignments:

• Learn and memorize each scale shape pattern thoroughly using alternate picking.
• Learn all the notes on the G-string.
• Play the shapes in random keys. Speak out the name of the key you’re playing in.
• Re-practice the one-octave Natural Minor scale patterns of Part I, II and III and IV.
• Exercise: Practice the scale shapes from the complete series in the key of A, then F, C and finally G.
• Try to create some melody with the new learned scale patterns.
• Now try to play some melody over a Jam track A minor Rock Backing track

Good day my guitar friends, we’re in the middle of the One-Octave Natural Minor scales series and we continue with Part III.

In the previous lessons we practiced the scale patterns starting on the Low-E and A string and now we’re going to start with the root note on the D-string. We’re heading into the higher regions of the scale where most of the guitar soloing takes place, so the shapes are getting more relevant to your playing once you go up the strings.

If you just stepped into Part III of the One-Octave natural minor scale series you might first want to check out Part I and Part II.here are the reasons you want to learn this:

Summary One-Octave Natural Minor Scales

The one-octave natural minor scale makes it easy to recognize the shape, the structure, the notes and the intervals of the scale. Since it’s one octave they are a perfect start for beginners and will definitely create new insights for intermediate guitar players.

For anyone who’s into rock, blues and pop music the natural minor scale is a crucial scale, but you will also encounter the scale in many other styles as well.

Starting With The Root Note on The Fourth String

We are learning three natural minor scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the D-string (4th string).

Tip: Learn and memorize the notes on the D-string so you can instantly recognize the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Natural Minor Scale Fingering

You can see the left hand fingering (right hand players) for all the scale shape / patterns in the yellow neck diagrams below. The numbers in the dots indicate the fingers.

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger | 3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

Also visualize the shape/form/figure of each scale pattern so it’s easier to memorize and learn all the different scale shapes.

Alternate picking

Play the scale shapes using alternative picking alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Practice in every Key

First learn each scale shape thoroughly, then learn the pattern in other keys as well (explained in part I).

Let’s roll!

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE – Shape / Pattern #7

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE – Shape / Pattern #8

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE – Shape / Pattern #9

One Octave Natural Minor Scale Assignments Part III

• Learn and memorize each scale shape thoroughly using alternate picking.
• Learn the notes of the D-string.
• Play the shapes in random keys. Speak out the name of the key.
• Re-practice the one-octave Natural Minor scale patterns of Part I and II.
• As an exercise practice the scale shapes from Part I, II and III first in the key of A, then F and finally C.
• Try to create some melody with the new scale patterns.

Easy does it!

To be continued soon.

Hi good people, today we’re going to continue our A Natural Minor (One-Octave) Scales Series with Part II. If you haven’t studied Part I yet, be sure to check it out: Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales – Part I

Benefits of Learning One-Octave Natural Minor Scales.

The one-octave natural minor scales are important scales for Rock, Blues and Pop guitar music, soloing and understanding music theory. They are great for identifying the shape and structure of the scale, the notes within the scale and the intervals. They are also easier to play and comprehend for beginners. For intermediate players they expand the way of approaching scales and soloing.

Natural Minor Scales Starting from the Root Note on the A-string

In Part II we are learning three natural minor scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the A-string (5th string).

Tip: Learn and memorize the notes on the A-string so you can instantly recognize the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Natural Minor Scale Fingering

I’ve notated the left hand fingering (right hand players) for all the scale shape / patterns below.

The numbers in the yellow neck diagrams indicate the fingers. The neck diagrams also clearly show what the shape or pattern looks like. Visualize and memorize the shape of each pattern.

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger |3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

How to read tablature? Check out How to Read Guitar Tabs – Tablature

Play the scale shapes using alternative picking alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Practice the scale in every Key

In the examples below we play the A natural minor scale, but the purpose is to learn these scale shapes/patterns in every possible key. Once you got these scale under your fingers learn the pattern in other keys as well. Move the entire scale up or down the fret to change keys easily. Need more help with that? A more detailed explanation on this in Part I

Now let’s get to it.

Enjoy!

NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPES – ROOT NOTE STARTING ON THE 5TH STRING

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #4

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #5

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #6

Assignments Part II

• Learn to play each scale shape /pattern thoroughly before moving on the next one.
• Make sure you play every note clean and clear. Listen carefully to your notes.
• Visualize and memorize the shape of each scale pattern in your mind.
• Learn to play the scale shapes in different keys and be sure to know what key you’re playing in.
• Re-practice the one-octave major scale patterns of Part I.
• Play all 6 one-octave scale patterns of Part I and II.
• Learn to create melody with each scale shape. This is the whole point of learning scales. Don’t get overwhelmed, just take small easy and regular steps. That’s it.

Have a blast!

Hang on a second! In the upcoming post (coming soon) we’re going to learn one-octave natural minor scales starting on the D-string. We’re going up the strings onto the higher sounding notes! Make sure you nail these patterns before moving on. Practice your scales today!

Don’t forget to leave a comment below ;) I honestly appreciate it. ~Klaus Crow

Today we are going to learn how to play one-octave Natural Minor scales. There are also the more common Two-octave natural minor scales, but in this guitar lesson I’m going to teach you HOW and WHY the one-octave Natural Minor scales are just as important.

Why You Want to Learn One Octave Natural Minor Scales

The one-octave scales are the smaller components of the two-octave scales. Their compact structure and shape makes them easier to play, memorize and comprehend.

Once you get them under your fingers you can combine the patterns to create the two octave and three-octave scales and other wild variations.

Moreover the natural minor scale is the perfect scale to combine with the minor pentatonic / blues scale to add some melodic flavor to your blues and rock soloing.

And last but not least, they give you a better insight in how those scales are constructed and how to easily move them all across the fretboard.

Note: This post is part of a free series where you will learn one-octave natural minor scale shapes across the entire guitar neck that will help you understand and own the natural minor scale landscape.

If you prefer the one-octave “Major Scale” series you can check it out here: Effective One-Octave Major Scales and Why!

Starting from the Root Note on the Low E-string 

Today we’re start learning three natural minor scale shape/patterns with the first (root)note starting on the Low E-string (6th string).

Tip: For this lesson learn and memorize the notes on the low E-string to recognize the notes the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Natural Minor Scale Shape Fingering

I’ve notated the left hand fingering (right hand players) for all the scale shape / patterns below.

The numbers in the yellow neck diagrams indicate the fingers. The neck diagrams also clearly show what the shape or pattern looks like. Learn to visualize and memorize the shape of each pattern.

1 = index
2 = middle finger
3 = ring finger
4 = pinky

Alternative Picking

Practice the scale shapes using alternative picking. Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger with the pointed end facing toward the strings. Strictly use alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Key of the Scale

In the examples below we play the A natural minor scale, but it’s the goal to learn these scale shapes/patterns in every key. 

Enjoy your practice!

NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPES – ROOT NOTE STARTS FROM THE 6TH STRING

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #1

First learn and memorize A natural minor scale pattern #1. Once you got the scale under your fingers learn the pattern in different keys. Move up the entire scale shape 2 frets higher (that means every note of the scale) and play it again. Your first (root) note should now be starting on the 7th fret Low E-string. You are now playing a B natural minor scale. Now play the scale starting with the first (root) note on the 10th fret. You’re playing a D natural minor scale. Practice moving and playing your scale pattern everywhere on the neck.

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #2

Natural minor scale pattern #2 needs a bit of a stretch, but after some practice it gets easier. I promise. This one is good for developing flexibility, and learning 3-notes-per string licks. Again, when you get this scale under your fingers learn to play it in different keys. Moving the scale pattern higher up the neck makes it easier to play, because the spaces between the frets get smaller.

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #3

Pattern #3 is the most common played natural minor scale pattern, because of the comfortable shape and root position. Learn and memorize the scale shape/pattern and then play it in different keys around the neck. 

Assignments:

• Learn to play each scale shape /pattern ascending and descending using alternate picking.
• Don’t rush, make sure each notes sound clean and clear.
• Learn to play the scale shapes in different keys and be sure to know in what key you are playing.
• Play the scale along with a metronome in different tempos.
• Try to create some melody with each scale shape. Experiment with playing notes from the scale in a different order, use rhythm and different note lengths, and pauses. Try to come up with your own melody or play an existing melody you already know. Play around with the notes. It’s such a valuable lesson. Dare to experiment!

Have a great time!

P.S. In Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales Part II we’re going to learn one-octave Natural Minor scales starting on the A-string. We’re going to master the entire fingerboard. Come on board!

Leave a comment below anytime. I really appreciate it. ~Klaus Crow