The 5 Pentatonic Scale Guitar Positions: Unlock the Fretboard Like a Pro

Master Pentatonic Scale Guitar Positions and Unlock the Fretboard

You’ve probably learned the pentatonic scale guitar positions before. Maybe you’ve mastered one or two shapes, but every time you try to solo across the fretboard, you get stuck in the same patterns.

Sound familiar?

Most guitarists hit a wall because they don’t understand how pentatonic scale guitar positions unlock the fretboard. They learn one shape (usually the first position) and never break free.

But here’s the secret: If you can visualize all five pentatonic scale positions, you can solo effortlessly across the entire neck!

Today, I’m going to show you how to master the pentatonic scale guitar positions so you can play guitar solos like Clapton, Hendrix, and Slash.

Story: My Breakthrough With Pentatonic Scale Guitar Positions

Years ago, I struggled with the same problem. I knew the A minor pentatonic shape at the 5th fret, but when I tried to move beyond that, I got lost. My solos sounded repetitive, and I couldn’t connect different areas of the fretboard.

Then, I discovered something that changed everything: Pentatonic scale positions are like puzzle pieces. If you connect them, you unlock the entire fretboard.

Once I learned all five positions, I could seamlessly solo across the neck, just like my guitar heroes. Now, I want to show you how to do the same.

The 5 Pentatonic Scale Guitar Positions (With Tabs)

Position 1: The Classic Box (Root Position)

This is the first pentatonic scale guitar position every guitarist learns. If you’ve ever played the minor pentatonic scale, you probably started here.

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 shape is powerful, but on its own, it’s limiting. You need to connect it to the next position.

Position 2: The Expansion Shape

A Minor Pentatonic – Position 2 (7th Fret):

E|--8--10---------|
B|--8--10---------|
G|--7--9----------|
D|--7--10---------|
A|--7--10---------|
E|--8--10---------|

This shape extends Position 1 and moves you up the neck. You can mix these two shapes for more dynamic solos.

Position 3: The Midway Shape

A Minor Pentatonic – Position 3 (10th Fret):

E|--10--12---------|
B|--10--13---------|
G|--9--12----------|
D|--10--12---------|
A|--10--12---------|
E|--10--12---------|

Position 3 is where many guitarists lose confidence. But if you connect it with Position 2, you’ll start to see the fretboard as one big roadmap instead of disconnected areas.

Position 4: The Bluesy Shape

A Minor Pentatonic – Position 4 (12th Fret):

E|--12--15---------|
B|--13--15---------|
G|--12--14---------|
D|--12--14---------|
A|--12--15---------|
E|--12--15---------|

This is the classic blues rock shape used by players like Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. The higher frets give you that singing, expressive tone.

Position 5: The Final Connection

A Minor Pentatonic – Position 5 (15th Fret):

E|--15--17---------|
B|--15--17---------|
G|--14--17---------|
D|--14--17---------|
A|--15--17---------|
E|--15--17---------|

This position leads you back to Position 1 an octave higher. Once you connect all five shapes, you can seamlessly move up and down the neck.

How To Use These Pentatonic Scale Guitar Positions In Your Solos

1. Connect The Shapes With Slides

Instead of staying trapped in one box, use slides to move between positions. Try this lick:

E|--------------------------|
B|-----------------8s10-----|
G|--------7s9--------------|
D|--7-10--------------------|
A|--------------------------|
E|--------------------------|

This connects Position 1 to Position 2.

2. Use The Same Licks Across Different Positions

Take a simple phrase and play it in each position.

For example:

• Position 1: Bend the 8th fret on the B string.
• Position 2: Bend the 10th fret on the B string.
• Position 3: Bend the 13th fret on the B string.

You’re playing the same idea, but in different positions!

3. Add The Blues Note (Pentatonic Secrets)

The minor pentatonic scale has one missing note: the blues note. Add it for a more expressive sound.

Example:

E|--5--8----------------|
B|--5--8----------------|
G|--5--7--8------------|
D|--5--7----------------|
A|--5--6--7------------|
E|--5--8----------------|

That added 6th fret on the A string creates instant blues flavor.

Final Thoughts: Master Pentatonic Scale Guitar Positions

Most guitarists never master all five pentatonic scale positions. But once you do, you’ll unlock total fretboard freedom.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Memorize all five pentatonic scale guitar positions.
2. Practice moving between them using slides and licks.
3. Experiment with phrasing, bends, and blues notes.

If you do this, your solos will sound more fluid, expressive, and professional.

Want more advanced guitar techniques? Join our Guitar Freaks Hangout Discord and grab your free SoloCraft eBook!