We're going to play the A minor pentatonic scale in the second position. Start by playing the "A" on the fifth fret of the sixth string. Now, slide up three frets on the sixth string, to the second note of the scale (the eighth fret, in this case). The pentatonic scale pattern appearing on this page begins here.
Play the first note of this pattern with your second finger. Continue playing the pentatonic scale pattern as outlined in the diagram. When you've reached the top of the scale, play it backwards. Be sure to follow the fingering outlined above, and to memorize the scale as you play it.
You've just played an A minor pentatonic scale, in second position. Getting comfortable with playing this scale can be tricky - although it's an A minor pentatonic scale, the pattern starts on the note "C", which can be disorienting at first. If you're having trouble, try playing the root note, sliding up on the sixth string to the second note, and playing the second position pattern.
To use this pattern as a minor pentatonic scale, the root of the scale is played by your first finger on the fourth string. To use this pattern as a major pentatonic scale, the root of the scale is played by your second finger on the sixth string.
