E Minor Pentatonic guitar scales for left-handed players: what is this and how to play in all positions. Convenient tabs and charts next.
E Minor Pentatonic scale is a 5-note sequence in a minor tone with a primary root note E. These notes are played in a specific order, going up and down in a pattern.
Scale Info:
- Notes: E, G, A, B, and D
- Degrees: 1, b3, 4, 5, and b7
- Tone Intervals: 3 (tone and half), 2 (tone), 2 (tone), 3 (tone and half), 2 (tone)
- Relative Scale: G Major Pentatonic
This how looks E Minor Pentatonic on one 6th string:
The scale starts on the open string with a main root note E (1st degree), next on the 3rd fret G (3rd flat degree, b3), next on the 5th fret A (4th degree), next on the 7th fret B (5th degree), and on the 10th fret D (7th flat degree, b7). After the 12th fret the scale is repeated.
How to Play Left-Handed E Minor Pentatonic Scale
E Minor Pentatonic has many positions and patterns on the guitar neck. To better memorize and practice scales divide them into “box” patterns. These patterns are played within 4-5 frets and no more than 3 notes per string.
Box patterns are comfortable to play cause your right hand is in one position and moved just up and down. Also, it’s good for practicing your technique by using all fingers.
All “boxes” start from the 6th string.
Symbols on charts:
Tip: When you practice scales try to use all fingers. To play accurately and quickly your hand and finger movement should be compact.
E Minor Pentatonic Left-Handed
Scale positions are determined with a note at which the pattern begins, not with a number fret.
The scale can begin on different strings. In guitar playing it is common to start on the 6th string, E low. This is where the scale patterns will start.
1st box pattern:
First E Minor Pentatonic box pattern built from 1st degree, it main root note E:
- E, G, A, B, and D
The E note on the 6th string is in an open position and on the 12th fret. Therefore, the 1st box has two positions only in different octaves.
This 1st box pattern starts on an open string:
This 1st box pattern starts on the 12th fret:
2nd box pattern:
Second E Minor Pentatonic box pattern built from the 3rd-flat degree, it note G:
- E, G, A, B, and D
The G note on the 6th string is on the 3rd and 15th fret. Therefore, the 2nd box has two positions only in different octaves.
This 2nd box pattern starts on 3rd fret:
This 2nd box pattern starts on 15th fret:
3rd box pattern:
Third E Minor Pentatonic box pattern built from the 4th degree, it note A:
- E, G, A, B, and D
The A note on the 6th string is on the 5th and 17th fret. Therefore, the 3rd box has two positions only in different octaves.
This 3rd box pattern starts on 5th fret:
This 3rd box pattern starts on 17th fret:
4th box pattern:
Fourth E Minor Pentatonic box pattern built from the 5th degree, it note B:
- E, G, A, B, and D
The B note on the 6th string is on the 7th and 19th fret. Therefore, the 4th box has two positions only in different octaves.
This 4th box pattern starts on 7th fret:
This 4th box pattern starts on 19th fret:
5th box pattern:
Fifth E Minor Pentatonic box pattern built from the 7th-flat degree, it note D:
- E, G, A, B, and D
The D note on the 6th string is on the 10th and 22th fret. Therefore, the 5th box has two positions only in different octaves.
This 5th box pattern starts on 10th fret:
This 5th box pattern starts on 22th fret:
