Major and Minor Pentatonic Fingerings
Here is the E form of the C major pentatonic scale. Notice that the fretboard pattern is the same as that of the D form of the C minor pentatonic scale. The difference is the positions of the root notes: the fingering pattern for the major pentatonic scale is three frets lower than that of the minor pentatonic.
E Form (C Major Pentatonic)
D Form (C Minor Pentatonic)
This lick is derived from the E form of the C major pentatonic scale. The fingering used here is different from the scale itself. Once you have learned a scale pattern it is often necessary to change the fingering, depending on the type of lick you are playing. Experiment with fingerings for any lick you know until you find the one that suits you best.
Notice the swing symbol after the example number, indicating that the eighth notes are swung. If you are unfamiliar with swing rhythms, see Progressive Blues Guitar , or Progressive Guitar Method: Lead .
Now try the other four forms of the C major pentatonic scale and some licks created from them. Because these patterns closely resemble those of the minor pentatonic scale, it is important to memorize the scale degrees and particularly the positions of the root notes (key notes).
D Form (Pattern Two)
C Form (Pattern Three)
A Form (Pattern Four)
When you learn a new scale pattern, remember to experiment with different techniques using the notes of the scale. This one features hammer-ons.
G Form (Pattern Five)
The G form is great for playing pedal steel inspired bending licks as shown here.
