Five Positions of the Pentatonic Scale for Guitar

By Dan Cross, About.com Guide

In order to play the fourth position of the minor pentatonic scale, count up to the fourth note of the scale on the sixth string. To play an A minor pentatonic scale in the fourth position, start at "A" on the fifth fret, then count up three frets to the second note of the scale, then up two frets to the third note of the scale, then up two frets to the 12th fret, where we'll begin to play the above pattern.

Play this scale slowly and evenly, backwards and forwards, until you've memorized the pattern. Strum an A minor chord, then play this fourth position of the A minor pentatonic scale... the two should sound like they "fit".

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

Previous

• Five Positions of the Pentatonic Scale
• Minor Pentatonic Scale on One String
• Major Pentatonic Scale On One String
• Pentatonic Scale Position One
• Pentatonic Scale Position Two
• Pentatonic Scale Position Three
• Pentatonic Scale Position Four
• Pentatonic Scale Position Five
• How to Use Pentatonic Scales

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