The Minor Scale for Guitar

The Minor Scale

Here is the Minor scale in the Key of F broken down for you to see each of the seven unique patterns within the scale. I chose F so that I could show the first scale pattern notes at the first fret and work down the neck. But I could have easily used E or C as our scale.

The main point to notice here is the step pattern for the minor scale. It looks different from the major at first glance.

But the minor scale has the same interval pattern. It just starts the scale at a different point along the intervals. Instead of W-W-H-W-W-W-H (as in the major), the first note (or degree) of this scale starts at what would be the sixth note of the major. So the step pattern for the minor scale is W-H-W-W-H-W-W. Check it out below.

In terms of degrees or numbers of the notes, the third, sixth and seventh are flatted.

How To Read The Scale Diagrams

A simple way to learn guitar notes is to break the scale down into manageable pieces. The dots represent the note locations in the scale. Red signifies the octaves or root note. Grey represents the fifth note and black represents the remaining notes in the scale.

The octave and fifth notes are important because of their stability and their use for resolution and turn around points.

Each scale diagram focusses on the starting note of the scale pattern and moves down the low E string one note at a time showing you each of the sequential positional patterns.

Position 1

This is the first position of the minor scale. A two fret jump to get to the second note of the minor scale. Notice the octave and fifth note positions. The don't change from minor to the major scale. Remember this.

Position 2

This is the second position of the minor scale. It's a half step to the third and a full step to the fourth which is a unique aspect to this scale.
Remember that the third degree or note in the minor scale is flatted - unlike the major.

Position 3

The third note in F minor occurs at the fourth fret. The jump to the fifth is two frets or a whole step. The fifth is a good turn around point in any lead solo playing. It builds tension and hints at resolving back to the ocatve. Notice how the scale shape of this position is identical to the first position in the major scale. Remember this.

Position 4

The fourth note of the scale for F minor is actually at the sixth fret - a Bb.

Position 5

The fifth note of the scale is the C note at the eigth fret. This pattern is fairly tight and easy for your fingers to stretch and move around.

Position 6

The sixth note is the next unique note difference from the major scale. This note in the minor scale is flatted - dropped down one fret. That gives it the familiar mellow sound.
Remember this.

Position 7

And to finish the scale notice that the notes at the thirteenth fret are identical to the notes at the first fret. A complete octave has been covered over twelve frets (1-13). Probably the easiest way to remember the minor scale shape is just think of the major scale shape moved up three frets on the neck.

So there you have it. The Minor Scale. Practice this scale any way you can and it will be extremely useful for you. Or try out the Easylead Guitar Note Map with Jam Tracks and Videos for instant fun!