The 5 Pentatonic Guitar Scale Shapes

The pentatonic scale is one of the most popular scales used in guitar solos and leads. The pentatonic is a 5 note scale.

Penta = 5
Tonic = tone (aka: note)

This lesson will show the 5 different shapes for the pentatonic scale in the key of F minor. The notes being used are: F, Ab, Bb, C, and Eb

A lot of the time you will see scales shown in a diagram form. You will see a picture of a guitar neck with dots on each string and fret to show what notes are to be played to make the scale happen.

For those of you new to this concept, you can also view the tablature beneath each diagram to see how to play each scale shape.

There are going to be 5 shapes total because you will have a scale shape building on each of the 5 notes that create the scale.

One thing I advise all students to do when learning these scale shapes is to begin each string with the index finger. Use your ring finger for the smaller gaps between notes, and use your pinky for the larger gaps between notes.

Shape #1 (aka: minor pentatonic scale)

Shape #2 (aka: Major pentatonic scale)

Shape #3

Shape #4

Shape #5

Here are all 5 shapes shown together on one fretboard:

Now, let's take a look at all 5 shapes on the same fretboard again, but this time each shape will be highlighted in red so they stand out better.

Shape #1 (aka: minor pentatonic scale)

Shape #2 (aka: Major pentatonic scale)

Shape #3

Shape #4

Shape #5

Shape #1 at a higher octave

If the fretboard being used in these images was any longer, then you could see that Shape #2 would happen again, then #3, #4, and so on. 

Now, let's take a look at how each of these shapes are connected and sharing similar notes.

Shapes #1 and #2

Shapes #2 and #3

Shapes #3 and #4

Shapes #4 and #5

Shapes #5 and #1

There's no right or wrong way to move from shape to shape when playing lead guitar/solos. If you'd like some examples of connecting shapes with some riffs/licks, comment on this blog and let me know!
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Check out the following video for demonstrations on everything shown here, plus a little extra!