Lesson 20 – Blues Pentatonic Scale Patterns

Here’s a C-Major Blues Pentatonic Scale along with its relative A-Minor Blues Pentatonic Scale

Both scales use the same exact notes, however the scales sound different when they are played beginning on their corresponding “root” notes.  You’ll notice that the C-Major Blues Pentatonic scale sounds more bright and happy, while the A-Minor Blues Pentatonic scale sounds more sad and bluesy.  The scale pattern in red starts on either the F or C strings, while the scale pattern in blue starts on either the A or E strings.

Major Blues Pentatonic Scale Patterns with Root on the F, A, C and E Strings

Major Blues Pentatonic scale patterns can start on either of the two sets of “Major” strings, the “F” string or the “C” string … or … on either of the two sets of “Minor” strings, the “A” string or the “E” string.

Step 1: First, locate the note, that defines the Major Blues Pentatonic scale that you want to play … on one of the top 4 strings.

Step 2: Next, use the red pattern if starting the scale on either the F or C strings and the blue pattern if starting the scale on either the A or E strings. It’s that simple! The Blues note is highlighted in gold.

The scale patterns below are movable and can be used to play Major Blues Pentatonic scales in every key up and down the fretboard.

Minor Blues Pentatonic Scale Patterns with Root on the F, A, C and E Strings

Minor Blues Pentatonic scale patterns can start on either of the two sets of “Major” strings, the “F” string or the “C” string … or … on either of the two sets of “Minor” strings, the “A” string or the “E” string. 

Step 1: First, locate the note, that defines the Minor Blues Pentatonic scale that you want to play … on one of the top 4 strings.

Step 2: Next, use the red pattern if starting the scale on either the F or C strings and the blue pattern if starting the scale on either the A or E strings. It’s that simple! The Blues note is highlighted in gold.

The scale patterns below are movable and can be used to play Minor Blues Pentatonic scales in every key up and down the fretboard.