Lesson 2. Pentatonic Scale Patterns

Welcome to lesson 2. In this lesson on the pentatonic scale you will learn about patterns and their importance as you continue on the path to learn guitar.

Pentatonic scale patterns, sometimes referred to as sequences, are one of the best things you can practice to gain more command of the pentatonic scale. In my experience, they are a must if you are even half way serious about learning the guitar. I will be the first to admit that they can be tedious to practice, but the long term rewards are definitely worth it.

What is a pattern? Look at this example using words. Red, green, blue, red, green, blue. What would be the next word in this pattern? Red is the obvious answer. A pattern is simply a sequence that gets repeated over and over. In the pentatonic scale, or any other scale for that matter, a pattern is a sequence of notes that are repeated on successive notes of the pentatonic scale. Look at the diagram of the pentatonic scale below as an example.

The scale is shown with each note numbered from 1-12. Now the numbers can be sequenced as follows.

(1 2 3) (2 3 4) (3 4 5) (4 5 6) (5 6 7) (6 7 8) (7 8 9) (8 9 10) (9 10 11) (10 11 12)

To play this sequence of the scale, start on number 1 and play 1, 2, 3. Then go back to number 2 and play 2, 3, 4. Next would be 3, 4, 5. etc. Play this until you go through the entire pattern.

To play it in reverse simply read from right to left. In reverse this pentatonic scale pattern would be 12, 11, 10. Then play 11, 10 , 9, and continue in this manner until you get back  to the beginning.

Here is the same pentatonic scale pattern written in tablature.

Click here to listen.

As always, play each example at a speed that is easy for you to manage. Since this example breaks up the pentatonic scale into 3 note chunks or triplets, keep a steady 1 2 3 count going as you practice this pattern. The use of a metronome is highly recommended.

That's it for lesson 2. Be sure to practice the scale daily. It is the only way to reach your musical goals.

See you in the next lesson.

Click here for lesson 3 on the pentatonic scale.