If chords are sentences, scales are the alphabet. The minor pentatonic is the most-used scale in rock, blues, and metal. Five notes per octave (way fewer than the seven of a regular scale), which is why solos with it sound clean and "right" almost no matter what you play.
A minor pentatonic
Shape 1, A minor pentatonic, fifth fret
The classic box shape, highlighted above. Play one note at a time, low E up to high e, then back down.
e|---5--8---
B|---5--8---
G|---5--7---
D|---5--7---
A|---5--7---
E|---5--8---
Each note should ring cleanly. Use one finger per fret: index on 5, ring on 7, pinky on 8.
How to practice
Practice metronome
80BPM
- Five minutes ascending only, slow. Goal: clean notes, no buzz.
- Five minutes ascending and descending.
- Five minutes with the metronome above at 80 BPM, one note per click.
- (Bonus) Try playing along with a 12-bar blues backing track in A minor on YouTube. Just noodle within the shape. You will be amazed how good random patterns sound.
Why this scale matters
Every solo you have ever loved by Jimmy Page, Slash, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, Jack White, Hendrix, most of them are this scale plus stylistic moves on top. Master shape 1 and you have got the keys.Next: bending strings. The single technique that separates a beginner from a player.