E Minor Pentatonic Scale on 1 String

I take you through the E minor pentatonic scale using just the 6th string!

If the word scale makes you want to run, don’t worry—this is an easy, fun way to start unlocking the fretboard and finally understand what those dots on your guitar neck are actually for.

You’ll learn the five notes you need to play countless iconic riffs and get comfortable moving up and down the neck using only your index finger.

Why this matters:

• Learning a scale can be fun and practical, not boring or overwhelming

• This scale is used in rock, pop, blues, country, and more

• Helps demystify the guitar neck using inlays (dots) as guides

What you’ll learn:

• The 5 notes of the E minor pentatonic scale on string 6:

• How to use the dots on the neck to navigate frets without memorising note names

• Playing the scale up and down, and how that sets the foundation for riffs and improvising

Picking advice:

• Hold your pick between thumb and index finger (or however is comfy)

• Pick with a slight twist of the wrist

• Dropping the pick is okay— it means you’re not too tense!

Dot/inlay insight:

• Ignore fret 9 (even though it has a dot) and go to 10

• The dots are your roadmap—especially the double dot at fret 12

Practice tips:

• Only let string 6 ring out—no other strings

• Try clean tones, overdrive, or full distortion—it’s up to you

• Practice both ascending and descending the scale

• Sliding with your index finger is encouraged—lots of bands do it!

Next steps:

• This scale prepares you for your first jam track, coming in the next video!