Master the F Minor Pentatonic Scale on Guitar in 5 Patterns

Understanding the F Pentatonic Scale on Guitar

The pentatonic scale is one of the most commonly used scales in music, especially for guitarists. The simplicity of the pentatonic scale makes it an ideal choice for improvisation and soloing. One of the most popular minor pentatonic scales is the F minor pentatonic scale.

What is the F Minor Pentatonic Scale?

The F minor pentatonic scale is a five note scale derived from the F natural minor scale. It contains the following notes:

F, G, Ab, C, Db

These notes correspond to the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th degrees of the F natural minor scale. The pentatonic scale omits the 2nd and 6th degrees, which results in a simplified five note scale.

The F minor pentatonic scale has a haunting, bluesy sound that lends itself well to soloing and improvisation. Many famous guitar riffs and licks are based on the F minor pentatonic scale.

F Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern 1

There are five patterns that allow you to play the F minor pentatonic scale across the entire fretboard. The first pattern starts at the 8th fret of the low E string and is commonly referred to as "pattern 1".

Here are the notes for pattern 1 of the F minor pentatonic scale:

F - 8th fret low E string
G - 10th fret low E string
Ab - 8th fret A string
C - 10th fret A string
Db - 8th fret D string

To play pattern 1, start on the 8th fret of the low E string and play the sequence of five notes listed above. Then shift to the next higher string and play the same sequence of intervals. Continue shifting strings until you reach the top.

F Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern 2

Pattern 2 of the F minor pentatonic scale starts on the 8th fret of the A string. The notes are:

F - 8th fret A string
G - 10th fret A string
Ab - 13th fret A string
C - 13th fret D string
Db - 15th fret D string

To play pattern 2, follow the sequence of five notes listed above. Start on the 8th fret of the A string and shift to the next higher string after playing each note. Use this pattern to expand your scale across the fretboard.

F Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern 3

Pattern 3 starts on the 10th fret of the low E string. The notes for pattern 3 are:

F - 10th fret low E string
G - 13th fret low E string
Ab - 15th fret low E string
C - 13th fret B string
Db - 15th fret B string

Begin on the 10th fret of the low E string. Play the sequence of five notes listed above while shifting to the next highest string after each note.

F Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern 4

Pattern 4 can be played as follows:

F - 13th fret A string
G - 15th fret A string
Ab - 13th fret D string
C - 15th fret D string
Db - 13th fret G string

To utilize pattern 4 across the fretboard, start on the 13th fret of the A string. Play the sequence of intervals notated above while ascending to the next higher string.

F Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern 5

The notes for pattern 5 are:

F - 13th fret low E string
G - 15th fret low E string
Ab - 18th fret low E string
C - 18th fret B string
Db - 20th fret B string

Begin on the 13th fret of the low E string. Follow the sequence of five notes from pattern 5 while shifting strings after each note.

Connecting the Patterns

When you have learned all five patterns individually, it's important to connect them together to play the F minor pentatonic scale seamlessly across the entire fretboard. Look for the common notes between patterns to transition smoothly between them. With some practice, you'll be able to shred through all five patterns effortlessly.

Licks, Riffs, and Soloing with the F Minor Pentatonic Scale

Now that you know the five patterns for the F minor pentatonic scale, you can use it to play licks, riffs, and guitar solos. Here are some tips:

• Apply F minor pentatonic licks to backing tracks and jam tracks in the key of F minor.
• Come up with original riffs by rhythmically combining notes from the F minor pentatonic scale.
• Improvise solos by moving through the different patterns over F minor chord progressions.
• Spice up your playing by targeting chord tones from the key of F minor when they occur in the progression.
• Use bends, slides, vibrato and other techniques to give your F minor pentatonic playing more emotion.

With its signature bluesy sound, the F minor pentatonic scale is versatile enough to use in many genres from rock and metal to blues and country. Unlock your fretboard and make memorable guitar parts with the F minor pentatonic scale!

Conclusion

The F minor pentatonic scale is essential knowledge for any guitarist. With its five patterns that span the fretboard, this versatile five note scale can be used for improvisation, soloing and creating memorable licks and riffs. Practice connecting the patterns together seamlessly. Combine the F minor pentatonic scale withyour knowledge of chord tones, techniques and music theory to take your playing to the next level.

FAQs

What are the notes in the F minor pentatonic scale?

The notes in the F minor pentatonic scale are: F, G, Ab, C, Db.

How many patterns are there for the F minor pentatonic scale?

There are 5 patterns that allow you to play the F minor pentatonic scale across the entire fretboard.

Where do I start pattern 1 on the guitar?

Pattern 1 starts on the 8th fret of the low E string and follows the note sequence: F, G, Ab, C, Db.

Which chords work well with the F minor pentatonic scale?

The F minor pentatonic scale works well over F minor, D minor and C minor chords. It's commonly used in the keys of F minor and D minor.

How can I use the F minor pentatonic scale?

You can use the F minor pentatonic scale to solo, create riffs, write licks, and improvise over backing tracks and jam tracks in F minor.