A minor pentatonic scale at the 10th fret D note position

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

Learn how to play the A minor pentatonic scale at the 10th fret position

Recall that the notes of the A minor pentatonic scale are: A C D E and G.

The first image below shows the guitar notes that make of the A minor pentatonic scale starting at the 10th fret, D note position. The notes are as follows D-E, G-A, C-D, E-G, A-C, and D-E.

The second image below shows the fingering pattern for the A minor pentatonic scale starting on the D note, 10th fret position. The fingering pattern used is 1-3, 1-3, 1-3, 1-4, 1-4, 1-3.

This is really starting to get intense, but all you have to remember is each position of the A minor pentatonic scale has the same notes. The only thing different is the position of the notes. By now you should have the guitar fingering number system memorized. The numbering system is illustrated once again below.

1 = index
2 = Middle
3 = Ring
4 = Pinkie
T = Thumb

The illustration below shows the A minor pentatonic scale starting on the 10th fret, D note on the Low E string. The second illustration below shows the suggested fingering pattern. Once you become comfortable playing this fingering pattern, try the examples below. The lead guitar example starts at the 5th fret and moves all the way up to the 12th fret.

The illustration below shows the fingering pattern. Notice that you start with your 1 finger at the 10th fret on the Low E string.

Look at the image above. Notice the fingering pattern starting on the 10th fret.
1-3, 1-3, 1-3, 1-4, 1-4, 1-3.

The tablature to play the 10th fret position is shown below.

The image below shows the same A minor pentatonic scale pattern as above, but with the notes and their positioning. Remember play from left to right, Low E to high E and alternate the pick down and then up. Then work your way back up in reverse from the high E string to the low E string.

Listen to this D to D

Here's an example using this position. Starts on root note 5th fret and works to the 8th fret position and then to the 10th fret position.

This guitar riff is basically the same as the one above to the right, but stays in the position. There has been one note added to end the riff from the Blues scale. This note has been circled.

Even though we are starting on the D note, you should notice now that we don't have to start on that note. We can start on the A note, the C note or over any chord we are playing. The notes of the Am chord are A C and E. You can play lead over the Am chord here as illustrated above. You can also play over the C chord here. The notes of the C chord are C E and G. You can also play over the Dm chord or the D9, D5 and others.

This is why it's important to learn every position of the Am pentatonic scale. You can play over every chord of this scale in every position on the guitar. This will become clearer as we move on.

Assignment:

Use these blank fret-board illustrations to fill in the notes of the D position of the A minor pentatonic scale at the 10th fret position.
Fill in one illustration of the fingers used for the D position of the A minor pentatonic.
Fill in one illustration of the notes used for the D position of the A minor pentatonic.

Practice this fingering position a few hundred times. The next position we need to learn will be starting at the 12th position of A minor pentatonic scale. This position will be starting at the E note 12th fret.

Good Luck,

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