The 5 Pentatonic Shapes

The pentatonic scale has already been discussed in your first scale where you have already learned what the pentatonic scale is and how to play that scale in one position on the neck. This lesson will focus on the other pentatonic shapes or boxes. For this lesson, the shapes, patterns and fingerings will be demonstrated in the key of G minor. Remember that these shapes are moveable, meaning you can move them on the neck to play them in any key. Each of these shapes feature dots with red outlines. These outlines identify the root note. Just apply these root notes to whatever key you want to play in. As these examples are in the key of G minor, each dot with a red outline is on the note G. To play in the key of C Minor, move the shapes so the dots are on the note C.

How To Finger These Scales

These shapes are commonly used in blues music and to make other music sound bluesy. Although we have 4 fretting fingers, MOST blues patterns and licks are PRIMARILY played with just the first three fretting fingers. There is alot of bending of strings and vibrato used in the tradition of blues, but these techniques can be difficult when played with the 4th finger, so it is commonly substituted for the 3rd finger. Try different fingerings, such with all 4 fingers or with only the first 3. There will be certain situation where you will prefer one fingering over the other. Also notice that all the shapes feature only 2 notes per string.

Part II - How To Practice These Shapes