Why Only 5 Pentatonic Patterns? Unlock The Mystery & Discover The Secret
In this lesson, we are going to learn why there are only 5 pentatonic patterns. Unlock the mystery and discover the secret. What is the pentatonic scale?
The pentatonic scale
The pentatonic scale is made up of 5 notes that come out of the scale it is derived from. Why only 5 pentatonic scales? That is what pentatonic means. A scale of 5 notes. Penta means 5 and tonic means tones or notes.
In the regular major scale, the DO Re Mi, there are 8 notes. With the 1 and 8 being the same. Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do.
Out of these 8 notes, we use only 5 to play the pentatonic scale. Let’s look at this in further detail.
A major scale: A B C# D E F# G# A
A minor pentatonic A C D E G
As you can see, we have flattened the 3rd and 7th notes of the A major scale. This allowed us to create the A minor pentatonic scale. I chose this one to use as an example because it is the most common one, to begin with, that all guitar players use.
5 notes = 5 patterns
Since there are 5 notes in the scale, this creates 5 different patterns. A pattern is created off of each note of the scale. So, a pattern will start at the A note, the C note, the D note, the E note, and the G note. Five notes equal five patterns.
When these notes line up across the fretboard, they create what is commonly known as a “box pattern”. This gives the guitar player a nice visual to look at and play.
Here we have the pentatonic box pattern. The notes that are darkened are the A notes. As you can see, there are four notes in between each one. This is the other notes in the scale. Five in all.
Unlocking the mystery & discovering the secret
Now that we know why only 5 pentatonic patterns and not 6 or 7 (because of the 5 notes in the scale) the secret to it is that these 5 notes repeat themselves over and over again. They also work with many different applications across many different styles of music.
They are also very easy to play once you get to know the pentatonic scale box pattern shapes. The one presented above is the most common and usually, the one you learn first. So I would take a look at this pattern and try playing it on your guitar.
Once you get it down, work with it. Play it up and down the fretboard. Play it back and forth. Do this over and over again until you know it like the back of your hand.
Once you know that, you can start using it for guitar riffs in rhythm as well as in solos. Then you can learn all 5 pentatonic patterns.
DIY but not by yourself
When it comes to playing the guitar and learning the 5 pentatonic patterns, you can Do it yourself. Which a lot of guitar players do and this option can be a lot of fun.
You get to go at your own pace, you get to study and practice when it fits your schedule, and you get to learn in the comfort of your own home.
But this can be a bit distracting if you’re not traveling down a specific path. If you’re just learning a few things here and there, you eventually get stuck in a rut.
What you need is a path to travel on. A path that will get you there ASAP. Possibly a mentor, guiding hand, or a tour guide.
5 pentatonic pattern tour guide
With the help of a guiding hand or a tour guide, you can get there much faster. Why, because you can travel down a path that has already been blazed and proven to get you where you want to go.
Especially if you have a mentor who can teach you tricks of the trade and keep you motivated to keep going when the going gets rough. That tour guide can be me. I can virtually help you through my method books.
The book I authored and self-published. How To Play Guitar Solos
A step-by-step system that can teach you everything you need to know about the 5 pentatonic patterns in half the time it would take you to do it on your own.
You’ll learn such things as:
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What scales to play
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Where to play them along the fretboard
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How to stay in key no matter where you play
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How to improvise with confidence
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How to understand music theory
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How to read notation and diagrams
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And much, much, more.
Packed full of pictures and diagrams for easier learning. Even if you have no previous musical training. Even if you already know some things about playing guitar solos, you can still learn secret techniques that can take your guitar solos to the next level.
Lesson conclusion
Now you know the reason why only 5 pentatonic patterns. You also know that they are very popular and if you learn how to play them, they can benefit your guitar playing in all areas. Especially guitar solos.
And if you get the book and need assistance with any of the lessons, feel free to reach out and I will be happy to help.
Connect with me on Social media and be sure to check out my YouTube channel for great video lessons.
YouTube
Thanks for reading and supporting my blog.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
