E minor pentatonic scale on guitar
The E minor pentatonic scale has 5 notes: E, G, A, B and D. The most-used soloing scale in rock and blues. Five notes, no half steps between them, and a shape that sits under the fingers: it is usually the first scale guitarists learn.
Notes in E minor pentatonic
- Formula
- 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7
- Step pattern
- W+H – W – W – W+H – W
- Notes
- 5
Tap a note to hear it.
E minor pentatonic across the neck
Every E minor pentatonic note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, E. A good place to start: E is the open low E string, so start in open position (frets 0 to 3), then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from E |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | Root |
| ♭3 | G | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | A | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | B | Perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | D | Minor 7th |
Chords to play E minor pentatonic over
The E minor pentatonic scale fits the main chords of the E minor key:
It is also the classic choice over a twelve-bar blues in E: E7, A7, B7.
Related scales
- It uses exactly the same five notes as G major pentatonic, so one shape covers both.
- Add the ♭5 for E blues, or fill in the 2nd and ♭6th for E minor.
Questions
What notes are in the E minor pentatonic scale?
E, G, A, B, D. Its formula is 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7.
Where do I start the E minor pentatonic scale on guitar?
E is the open low E string, so start in open position (frets 0 to 3). The fretboard map on this page shows every E minor pentatonic note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to E minor pentatonic?
It uses exactly the same five notes as G major pentatonic, so one shape covers both.
More scales
Minor pentatonic in every key
Other scales from E