There are specific formulas used to create different pentatonic scales.įor instance, if you wanted to build a major pentatonic scale, you’d play the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th notes of a scale. Plus, formulating these scales is a good way for new guitarists to apply their newfound knowledge of the notes that make up each scale and how these notes sound when played together. These shortened scales are great for beginners to learn because it means fewer notes to memorize. This isn’t unusual since all pentatonic scales (by virtue of their name, “penta’ means “five” in Greek) contain five notes instead of eight.

Chances are, you’ve heard a pentatonic scale and didn’t realize it!Ī pentatonic scale is an abbreviated five-note scale that is made up of notes based on its corresponding eight-note scale. It is an especially common guitar technique for rock and blues music. The E minor pentatonic scale contains 5 notes between a low E and high E note.Ī pentatonic scale is a popular five-note scale that you'll need to know for riffs, solos, and melodies. What Notes are in the E Minor Pentatonic Scale? For this reason, the E minor pentatonic is also popular among more experienced guitarists to create dynamic, yet lightning-fast solos. Your fingers don’t have to maneuver between too many different frets or require your fingers to stretch too far. Better yet, those notes (in the open position) can be played across open strings, and the second and third frets of your guitar. The E minor pentatonic is easy for beginners to learn because it only contains five notes. Rather, pentatonic scales are abbreviated scales that follow a certain pattern, taking five notes from the corresponding octave-based scale, removing three of those eight notes. The E minor pentatonic scale only contains five notes instead of the standard eight (octave) notes found in all major or minor scales. Led Zeppelin's 'How Many More Times,' 'Back in Black' by AC/DC and 'Rumble' by Link Wray are a few popular songs that feature this scale. The E minor pentatonic scale in the open position is ground zero for soloing. Take a look at a list of five essential scales for beginners (complete with guitar scale fretboard diagrams) to get you started below. And for those looking to brush up on the basics or just dive into scales for the first time, Fender Play has a wealth of videos that offer step-by-step guides of basic scales that will serve you well.

Practicing guitar scales also makes you more familiar with the notes on your fretboard, develops your musical ear, and provides a framework for creating melodies for your own original songs.įor those that want to expand their scale horizons, the available Player Pack on the Fender Tune app features a dynamic scale library with a variety of diagrams and patterns for any variation, flavor, and key. Guitar scales are organized sequences of notes played in an ascending or descending order that help you build finger strength and dexterity. You might have heard the word 'scales' throughout your guitar journey, but some players might not know exactly what they are.

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