Minor Scale Recap

The minor pentatonic scale derives from the full natural minor scale, which follows a unique sequence of whole and half steps across an octave. Starting on the tonic, the sequence progresses like so:

Am scale

Minor pentatonic Scale

The minor pentatonic scale emerges by omitting the second and the minor sixth from the natural minor scale, leaving us with the root, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th

Understanding the major and minor pentatonic scales reveals their distinct characteristics. They're not interchangeable by simply rearranging notes; they're fundamentally different scales with unique sounds, intervals, and applications. While they share connections, such as relative scales (i.e C major and A minor), relying solely on this relationship can be limiting. To fully grasp the shapes of both major and minor pentatonic scales, learning the CAGED system is advisable.

Minor pentatonic Shapes

Notice that these are the same scale shapes as the major pentatonic, only now they are in different positions.

Cm shape

Am shape

Gm shape

Em shape

Dm shape