Diagonal Pentatonic Scale Patterns

By Paul Tauterouff

As a teacher I find that many of the intermediate or advanced level students who come to study with me may already know the 5 Pentatonic patterns or “boxes,” but tend to have difficulty shifting between the patterns or positions when soloing.

In this lesson we are going to take a look at some diagonal scale patterns which connect boxes of the A minor pentatonic scale and are great for shifting positions on the fretboard. Focusing on this are will help you to break out of ruts by improving your mobility on the fretboard and will help you to create more fluid solos.

Note: If You would like to receive a Free lesson with the 5 Pentatonic Patterns, send an email to minpentatonics@paultauterouff.com

Example 1 starts with the first four notes of Pentatonic Pattern 5, shifts on the A-string into Pattern 1, shifts on the G-string into Pattern 2, and finally shifts on the high E-string from pattern 2 into pattern 3.

Ex 1:

Pattern 5 ►          Pattern 1 ►             Pattern 2 ►         Pattern 3

Please note that I have included a fretboard diagram and tablature because I think it is extremely important to be able to see the patterns in your mind. If you get too hung up on the fret numbers it may make it more difficult to move this to other keys.

Example 2 starts with notes from Pentatonic Pattern 3, shifts on the D-string into Pattern 4, shifts on the B-string into Pattern 5.

Ex 2:

Pattern 3 ► Pattern 4 ► Pattern 5

If you want to get the most of these patterns try them in various keys. Also experiment with using slides, hammers and other techniques with them.

Here is Example 1 with hammers and slides:

Examples 3 and 4 use repeating patterns across string pairs and have a slightly different sound because they leave out one of the notes of the pentatonic scale.

These two examples are both actually Amin7 arpeggios, but there’s no need to think about the theory behind the patterns – just let it rip!

Ex 3:

Ex 4:

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Experiment with using these patterns to move around the fretboard. Don’t forget to try them in various keys!

©2008 Paul Tauterouff All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

About the author: Paul Tauterouff is a professional guitarist/ teacher in New York and is co-manager of the Tom Hess Music Careers Mentoring Program. Paul is currently working on several instructional projects and a CD for 2009 release. For more info visit Paul’s website at http://paultauterouff.com.