The Minor / Major Pentatonic scale is usually the first scale guitarists learn. The patterns are easy to remember and because they contain no semi-tones (leading to dissonant intervals) any notes played will sound great.

The major pentatonic and the minor pentatonic scales each contain the same five notes so they are considered related.

In fact each note of the scale can be viewed as the beginning of a new scale called a mode. Each mode has it’s own characteristics and usefulness. Refer to the blue text for suggestions on each scale’s usefulness.

The Five Modes of the Pentatonic Scale