# The minor pentatonic scale

*Module 12 · Lesson 2: Pentatonic and blues · BazzLow*

> Build and play the minor pentatonic and see its link with the major pentatonic.

Before this lesson: [12.1 The major pentatonic scale](https://bazzlow.com/en/pentatonic-and-blues/major-pentatonic/) · [6.2 Relative minor and relative major](https://bazzlow.com/en/minor-scales/relative-minor-and-major/)

The minor pentatonic is the most played scale in rock and blues. It is also the major pentatonic in disguise.

## Five notes again

The **minor pentatonic** is the natural minor scale without its **2nd and 6th**: **1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7**. A minor pentatonic is A C D E G. Its pattern is (W+H) – W – W – (W+H) – W, that is 3-2-2-3-2 frets.

It contains **the same notes as the major pentatonic of its relative major**: A minor pentatonic is C major pentatonic, starting from A. The same is true for every relative pair.

## The one-octave shape

With the root on the E or A string and the 1st finger on the root, from a root at fret *f*: on the root string, 1 and ♭3 (frets *f* and *f*+3); on the next string up, 4 and 5 (frets *f* and *f*+2); on the next string up, ♭7 and 8 (frets *f* and *f*+2).

> **Diagram:** A minor pentatonic from the root at fret 5 on the E string, with degree numbers: A C | D E on the A string (frets 5, 7) | G A on the D string (frets 5, 7).

> **Diagram:** The same dots read as A minor pentatonic: the root A is the green dot.

> **Diagram:** The same dots read as C major pentatonic: the root is now C (fret 8 on the E string).

## How to use it

Over **minor chords** it fits fully. In **blues and rock** it is also played over **dominant 7th** chords. Its ♭3 against the chord’s major 3rd is part of the bluesy sound. For a bass line, use the ♭3 as a passing note moving to the 3rd or the root, not as a held note on a strong beat.

## Try it

Play A minor pentatonic from fret 5 on the E string. Then play the same notes starting and ending on C. Hear the change from minor to major.

## New terms

- minor pentatonic

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/pentatonic-and-blues/minor-pentatonic/