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Five Positions of the Pentatonic Scale for Guitar

By , About.com Guide

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Pentatonic Scale Position Three
Pentatonic Scale Position Three
In order to play the third position of the minor pentatonic scale, count up to the third note of the scale on the sixth string. To play an A minor pentatonic scale in the third position, start at "A" on the fifth fret, then up three frets to the second note of the scale, then up two frets to the 10th fret, where we'll begin to play the above pattern.

Begin the pattern with your second finger on the sixth string. This is the only pentatonic scale pattern that requires a "position shift" - when you reach the second string, you'll need to shift your hand up one fret. When you play back down the scale, you'll need to change position again, when you reach the third string.

Play the scale forwards and backwards, until you've memorized it.

To use this pattern as a minor pentatonic scale, the root of the scale is played by your fourth finger on the fifth string. To use this pattern as a major pentatonic scale, the root of the scale is played by your second finger on the fourth string.

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