How to Play the Pentatonic Scale for Metal Guitar

The pentatonic scale is the most widely-used scale for musical instruments, including the metal guitar. It is based around the minor scale and uses 5 notes, thus the "penta" prefix. Once you have mastered this pattern and scale, you will be able to expand your metal guitar playing technique.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start by using the A string. This pattern will be the same for use on the other octaves. The 5 notes, in order, are A fifth fret E string, C seventh fret E string, D fifth fret A string, and E seventh fret A string. The octave is A seventh fret D string.

2. Use this pattern to go up an octave. Move to a C on the D string. Add D, E, G and octave A with a C on top. This will make the shape of a minor third on each step. While the fingers move, the general pattern stays the same and the basic sound only differs by octave.

3. Keep your first finger on the fifth fret while changing octaves. Your finger positioning will look like this: first finger and pinky on low E, first finger and third finger on the A string, first finger and third finger on the D string, first and third on G string, first finger and pinky on B and first finger and pinky on high E.

4. Practice this pattern a number of times slowly to get the pattern down. Then increase the speed in moving between the positions to get more comfortable with the pattern. This will help your fingers and brain remember the pattern better and thus use it more effectively.