A Minor Pentatonic Shape 1 & Variations
In this video
A minor pentatonic shape 1 might be the most important scale for blues and rock guitar (due to it's popularity!) Let me show you two distinct approaches to playing it.
Shape 1 is essential to learn for sure. However, there is a practical blues/rock approach that alters the shape slightly and uses the thumb hooked over the top, allowing the third finger to be on an angle. This sets us up for string bending and vibrato!
Main Learning Points:
• A minor Pentatonic shape 1 pattern between frets 5-8
• The shape variation: playing the 2nd note at fret 3 instead of fret 5
• Shape 1 uses the pinky which is great for building hand strength and future shred techniques!
• Practical bluesy method with thumb over top and third finger angled for string bending
• Why breaking out of "the box" from day one prevents limited fretboard movement
• How this same shape repeats 12 frets up (a whole octave)