Pentatonic guitar scales tab opens up a world of musical possibilities, and mastering pentatonic scales is a significant milestone in any guitarist’s journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will help you navigate minor pentatonic scales, major pentatonic scales, and their modes. We’ll provide detailed explanations and tablature (tabs) to ensure you can play these scales confidently.

What Are Pentatonic Scales?

Pentatonic scales are five-note scales that are immensely popular in all types of music. There are 5 main patterns to learn on the guitar. Once you have memorized these patterns you will be able to master the entire fretboard with pentatonic guitar scales tab. Pentatonic scales are used in Blues and Rock. Think about guitar players like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Stevie Ray Vanughan. They’re playing is comprised of pentatonic scales. Download our Pentatonic Secrets Course and master all pentatonic scales on the guitar.

Minor Pentatonic Scales: Pentatonic Guitar Scales Tab

The minor pentatonic scale is one of the most commonly used scales in guitar playing. It’s constructed using the following intervals relative to the root note: 1 (root), b3 (minor third), 4 (perfect fourth), 5 (perfect fifth), and b7 (minor seventh).

A Minor Pentatonic Scale (5th Fret Position)

Here’s the A minor pentatonic scale starting on the 6th string at the 5th fret:

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

E Minor Pentatonic Scale (Open Position)

For those who prefer playing in the open position, here’s the E minor pentatonic scale:

e|------------------------0-3-|
B|--------------------0-3-----|
G|---------------0-2----------|
D|-----------0-2--------------|
A|-------0-2------------------|
E|---0-3----------------------|

Major Pentatonic Guitar Scales Tab

The major pentatonic scale is similar to the minor pentatonic scale but with different intervals: 1 (root), 2 (major second), 3 (major third), 5 (perfect fifth), and 6 (major sixth).

C Major Pentatonic Guitar Scale Tab (8th Fret Position)

Here’s the C major pentatonic scale starting on the 6th string at the 8th fret:

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

G Major Pentatonic Scale (3rd Fret Position)

For those who like to play closer to the nut, here’s the G major pentatonic scale:

e|------------------------3-5-|
B|--------------------3-5-----|
G|---------------2-4----------|
D|-----------2-5--------------|
A|-------2-5------------------|
E|---3-5----------------------|

Exploring Pentatonic Guitar Scales Tab with Modes

Pentatonic guitar scales tab have modes, just like diatonic scales. Here, we’ll explore modes 2, 3, and 5, starting with the minor pentatonic scale.

Mode 2: Dorian Pentatonic

Mode 2 of the pentatonic scale, also known as the Dorian pentatonic, shifts the position of the scale. For example, starting with the A minor pentatonic scale, mode 2 would be the B Dorian pentatonic.

B Dorian Pentatonic Scale (7th Fret Position)

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

Mode 3: Phrygian Pentatonic

Mode 3 of the pentatonic scale, or the Phrygian pentatonic, is another interesting variation. Continuing with the A minor pentatonic scale, mode 3 would be the C Phrygian pentatonic.

C Phrygian Pentatonic Scale (8th Fret Position)

e|------------------------8-11-|
B|--------------------8-11-----|
G|---------------8-10----------|
D|-----------8-10--------------|
A|-------8-10------------------|
E|---8-11----------------------|

Mode 5: Mixolydian Pentatonic

Mode 5 of the pentatonic scale, known as the Mixolydian pentatonic, adds a bluesy twist. Based on the A minor pentatonic scale, mode 5 would be the E Mixolydian pentatonic.

E Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale (12th Fret Position)

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

Practical Tips for Practicing Pentatonic Guitar Scales Tab

To effectively practice these scales and their modes, consider the following tips:

1. Use a Metronome: Start slow and gradually increase the speed to build precision and timing.
2. Alternate Picking: Practice using alternate picking (down-up-down-up) to develop right-hand coordination.
3. Visualize Patterns: Memorize the patterns and visualize them on the fretboard.
4. Improvise: Use backing tracks to improvise solos using the scales and their modes.
5. Incorporate Techniques: Add bends, slides, and hammer-ons/pull-offs to make your solos more expressive.

Conclusion

Pentatonic guitar scales tab are a foundational element of guitar playing, offering simplicity and versatility that cater to all levels of musicians. By mastering minor and major pentatonic scales and exploring their modes, you can unlock new creative possibilities and enhance your improvisational skills.

Remember, practice is key. Use the provided tabs to guide your practice sessions, and don’t be afraid to experiment.