Unlocking the Power of the Minor Pentatonic Scale

About the Course

The "Intro To The Minor Pentatonic" course is your gateway to mastering one of the most versatile and essential scales for guitarists. Whether you're into rock, blues, jazz, or metal, the minor pentatonic scale is a cornerstone of musical expression. This course, available in full on the Gibson App, is designed to be accessible for players of all levels, offering a structured approach to learning each shape of the scale. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can incorporate these sounds into your playing, unlocking new creative possibilities.

In this article, we focus on Chapter 1 — the starting point of the full course. Here, you'll learn the foundational shape of the minor pentatonic scale and begin to explore its melodic potential. Each chapter builds on the last, inviting you to continue the journey in the app where you'll find a comprehensive exploration of all five shapes, extended techniques, and solos.

Chapter 1

Intro To This Course

The Versatility of the Minor Pentatonic

The minor pentatonic scale is a staple in various music genres, from rock to jazz. Its distinct sound is recognizable and widely used by guitarists. The scale consists of five notes: a minor third, fourth, fifth, minor seventh, and root. Learning this scale involves understanding its intervals and translating them into a template of whole tone and tone-and-a-half distances.

Connecting the Fingerboard

The scale is learned through five shapes, each starting from a different note of the scale. Shape number one begins at the root note, while the others are inversions starting from each subsequent note. These shapes help connect the fingerboard, allowing you to play the scale across the entire fretboard. The course will teach you each shape as an individual chapter, along with scale sequences and melodies.

Shape 1

The Foundation of Shape 1

Shape number one of the E minor pentatonic scale is the most common and popular scale shape for guitarists. Starting in the open position, it includes all open strings, with root notes on the open sixth string, second fret of the D string, and open top E string. Memorizing the distances between notes is crucial for mastering the fingerings.

Transposing and Technique

This shape can be transposed an octave higher, using the same formula across the 12th fret. The fingering lends itself to string bends and licks associated with various genres. Alternate picking is recommended, using an eighth note rhythm to synchronize both hands.

Pattern

Breaking the Monotony

Practicing scale sequences is a dynamic way to internalize and memorize shapes. They offer a break from the monotony of simply ascending and descending scales, providing a more engaging practice routine.

Building Technique and Vocabulary

The first scale sequence around shape one is straightforward yet powerful. It enhances technique, focusing on alternate picking and synchronization of both hands. This sequence is not exclusive to shape one and can be applied to other shapes, enriching your practice and improvisational vocabulary.

Melody

Creating Music with Scale

Learning melodies across different positions of the minor pentatonic scale teaches how notes repeat in different positions. The melody is performed over an E minor rock ballad, utilizing chords from the E natural minor family.

Harmonic and Rhythmic Structure

The melody incorporates chord tones that course the listener through the harmonic structure. Rhythmic phrases create hooks, making the melody memorable. Pay attention to fingering and muting techniques to ensure clarity and avoid unwanted ringing from open strings.

The Full Course

Chapter 1: Shape #1

Chapter 1 introduces the first shape of the minor pentatonic scale, laying the groundwork for understanding scale patterns and melodies. You'll learn to play a melody using this shape, setting the stage for more complex sequences and solos.

Chapter 2: Shape #2

Building on the foundation of shape one, Chapter 2 explores the second shape of the minor pentatonic scale. This chapter focuses on expanding fingerboard knowledge and understanding how scales interlink. You'll practice new scale sequences and melodies, further developing your technique and musical vocabulary.

Chapter 3: Shape #3

Chapter 3 delves into the third shape, popular for riff writing due to its consistent whole tone fingering across the bottom strings. This chapter emphasizes unlocking more of the fretboard and visualizing root notes, enhancing your ability to transpose scales and create dynamic riffs.

Chapter 4: Shape #4

In Chapter 4, you'll learn the fourth shape, adding another piece to the puzzle of playing the E minor pentatonic scale across the fretboard. This chapter highlights the importance of fingering techniques and synchronization, preparing you for more advanced playing.

Chapter 5: Shape #5

The final shape completes the minor pentatonic scale system, enabling you to play across the entire fretboard. Chapter 5 focuses on memorizing this shape and understanding its role in forming extended scale shapes, crucial for advanced soloing.

Extended Shapes and Solos

The course culminates in learning extended scale shapes and applying them to guitar solos. You'll explore creative ways to combine sequences and form melodic phrases, enhancing your soloing skills and musical expression.

By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the minor pentatonic scale, equipped with techniques and vocabulary to express yourself musically. Whether you're jamming with friends or performing on stage, this course empowers you to play with confidence and creativity.