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[ 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

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