[ Up ]
[ Am pentatonic C note ]
[ Am at D ]
[ Am at E ]
[ Am at G ]
[ Am root 17 ]
[ Am open ] [ Am at the G ]
The A minor pentatonic scale
played in the open position
In the next illustration, I would like to cover the A minor pentatonic scale in
the open position. The open position is where the strings are picked without having to fret them. Take a
look at the tablature below.
--------------------------------0-3--
-------------------------1-3---------
-------------------0-2---------------
-------------0-2---------------------
-------0-3---------------------------
0-3----------------------------------
Notice the (0's) on the E A D G and E strings. Those strings are picked
open. Another thing of
interest, the open position has the same fingering pattern as the 12th fret. Remember I stated that the
notes repeat every 12 frets. Check it out below. They both have the same pattern and notes,
however the pattern at the 12th fret is at a different octave.
When playing the Am pentatonic scale in the open position, you start at the open Low
E string. The fingering is 0-3 0-3 0-2 0-2 1-3 0-3. The Low E string is picked without touching the
fretboard. Pick the Low E string now and let it ring out.
Then you would pick the Low E string again, but this time with your 3
finger down at the third fret.
Then you would move to the (A) string. Pick the A string open and let
it ring out. Now pick the (A) string again with the 3 finger down at the
3rd fret.
The next string would be the (D) string. Pick the
D string open and
let it ring out. Now pick the (D) string again with the 2 finger down on
the 2nd fret.
You would continue through the scale in same fashion down to the High
E string.
The tablature has been included below.
--------------------------------0-3--
-------------------------1-3---------
-------------------0-2---------------
-------------0-2---------------------
-------0-3---------------------------
0-3----------------------------------
All we have left is one more position of the pentatonic scale and then we
can move on to combining them. The next A minor pentatonic position will be
starting on the G note or 3rd fret.
A minor pentatonic scale at the
G
note III position.
Good Luck,
From the Jam Room
