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[ A minor pentatonic root note 5th ] [ Am pentatonic C note ] [ Am at D ] [ Am at E ] [ Am at G ] [ Am root 17 ] [ Am open ] [ Am at the G ]

Guitar Lesson 6

Am pentatonic Root note fret

In this lesson we need to dig a little deeper into the Am pentatonic scale. We will continue to work on the root note fret, which is the most popular position to play this scale. Look at the image below and notice that you can play every note on the 5th fret using just your 1 finger. This means you can really move around this scale and burn up the notes. Playing the same notes of the Am pentatonic scale at other positions requires a little different fingering. We will eventually learn this scale in other positions down the road. But for now, let's master this position before moving on.

Make sure you’ve studied the A minor pentatonic scale at the 5th fret position, before moving onto this lesson.

Remember, music is repetitious and this scale must become second nature. As we move through the lessons, we will continue to add to this scale. I like to use the pentatonic scale as our building block. We will begin to build modes, harmonic minor, melodic minor and other scales so once you learn the pentatonic scale the others will be a breeze.

Notice how the A minor pentatonic root note fret starts with the 1 finger,A note  on the Low E string, 5th fret. Then the next note is played with the 4 finger at the 8th fret. Look below and see those two fingerings 1-4. (A and C) notes are on the Low E string or thickest string.

The answer to the homework assignment is shown below. Notice how the A notes have been circled.

Listen to this scale and become accustomed to hearing it. The scale is played from the 5th fret A note Low E string  down through the scale to the 8th fret high E string. 

Watch a video covering the Am pentatonic scale at the 5th fret

Notice how it starts with the 1 finger on the Low E string 5th fret. Then the next note s played with the 4 finger at the 8th fret. Look above and see those two fingerings on the Low E String. 1-4. Also look below and notice those two notes are the A and C notes.

This is what your illustration should look like after filling in the notes from our last homework assignment.

This is what your homework should look like after filling in the fingering for the Am root note fret.

You now need to play everyone of these notes of the Am pentatonic scale at the root note fret. You need to play it over and over until you have it memorized. You need to play it smoothly, picking down and up. You need to play it from the Low E string to the High E string and back up from the High E string to the Low E string. From the Low E string the fingering is 1-4, 1,3, 1,3, 1-3, 1-4, 1-4

Assignment

You now need to play everyone of these notes of the Am pentatonic scale at the root note fret. You need to play it over and over, until you have it memorized. You need to play it smoothly,  alternation the pick down and up. You need to play it from the Low E string, to the high E string and back up from the high E string, to the Low E string. From the Low E string, the fingering is 1-4, 1,3, 1,3, 1-3, 1-4, 1-4.

Assignment

1. Print out these cool fret-board forms and always have them handy when you study.
2. Use the blank form and fill in all of the A-C-D-E and G notes. These are the notes of the A minor pentatonic scales. Remember all notes repeat after 12 frets. See if you can separate each of the A minor pentatonic scale positions by memory. If you need help, you may need tor review the A minor pentatonic scale lesson a little more. When you signup to become a Gold Level Member, you will find all of the major and minor pentatonic scales laid out for you. There’s some really good information in the Gold level section.
   
3. Use one of the blank forms and fill in the fingers you would use to play the A minor pentatonic scale at the 5th fret position.
4. Use on of the forms and fill in one position starting on the C note or 8th fret,

• Tune your guitar
• Practice the Am pentatonic scale root note fret.
• Review tablature chapter.
• Practice the Am F and G chords.
• Listen to your favorite song and count to it. 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4. Hopefully in will be a 4/4 song.
• Listen to your favorite song and notice how the guitar follows the drums. If your favorite song doesn't have drums, listen to the vocals or bass.
• Listen to the original song we will be learning and building on. The chords are Am, F and G.
• Listen to our slow song beefed up a little for the electric guitar. This is played in Am pentatonic, root note fret. The root note fret is the 5th fret for Am pentatonic.
• Review the hammer ons and pull offs.
• Review the C position of Am pentatonic also known as C major pentatonic.

If you have a hard time understanding this, please review the Am pentatonic chapter. 

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Good Luck

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