Want to learn scales on guitar but not sure where to start? Guitar teacher Joey I. explains what pentatonic guitar scales are and why they’re best for all guitarists, including beginners!
Guitar scales are a sequence of notes that boost your finger technique as it builds strength and dexterity. It also helps you improve your overall musical mindset.
The pentatonic scale guitar tab is made up of 5 essential scales that all guitarists should master. With that said, there are plenty of guitarists who go their whole career learning riffs, songs, and making up licks based on the knowledge that they have while enjoying every minute of it. However, many of these guitar players will probably tell you they’ve should’ve learned their scales long ago.
This guide to pentatonic guitar scales will tell you everything you need to know! And, stay tuned for a play-along video at the end!
How Do You Play Pentatonic Scales on Guitar?
You’ll probably be happy to hear that playing pentatonic scale guitar isn’t as tricky as many people think it is. Many guitarists avoid learning scales because they get overwhelmed with how many there are to learn.
While there is a lot to learn about guitar scales, pentatonic scales are the easiest and most useful to learn! They’re made up of fewer notes than most other scales. You’ll learn 5 notes that can be used over and over. In fact, most of your favorite songs that sound complicated are actually using the pentatonic scale guitar tab.
You can think of it this way: The pentatonic scale gets more miles per gallon than any other scale, and the fuel is recyclable. You can just keep using it and using it, and it never gets old.
Learn more: Explore the Fretboard With These 5 Essential Pentatonic Scale Shapes
G Major Pentatonic Scale
Use the infographic below to help you learn how to play pentatonic scales on the guitar!
Ready to practice? Try these exercises:
Benefits of Pentatonic Guitar Scales
As we’ve mentioned, learning pentatonic scale guitar notes is much easier than other scales. Here are some other benefits:
- Learning the scale shapes allows you to improvise over virtually any song or backing track. Once you unlock this ability, practicing becomes easier and far more enjoyable.
- The pentatonic scale is the foundation for almost every other scale there is. Learning this foundation will set you up to easily play the other scales. It’s especially helpful with the blues scale, natural minor scale, harmonic minor scale, and melodic minor scale.
- Understanding pentatonic scales increases your playing confidence dramatically. No more feelings of being overwhelmed by scales or the guitar. Your skill level will increase twofold because of this.
- It’ll allow you to seamlessly improvise with other musicians in a real-life setting. Your friends will be thoroughly impressed and your confidence will soar.
Enjoy Learning Pentatonic Guitar Scales!
Ready to learn the pentatonic scale guitar notes to make playing more fun and rewarding? Once you’ve become comfortable with the pentatonic scales, try applying them by improvising over a backing track or your favorite song. Change the speed and rhythm, but most importantly, have fun!
For help learning pentatonic guitar scales and other skills, consider working with a professional teacher. TakeLessons offers customized private lessons just for you!
Joey I. teaches guitar, bass guitar, and drum lessons in Aurora, CO. He studied music production and recording arts at Berklee School of Music and he has been teaching music lessons for seven years. Learn more about Joey!
Photo by Dan Cox
Megan L.