How to Play the Egyptian Scale on Guitar

If you would like to add some exotic flavor to your guitar playing, try the Egyptian scale. The Egyptian scale is basically a pentatonic minor scale. It has no third or sixth degree. In this article you will learn to construct and play an Egyptian scale on the guitar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• guitar

1. Play the fifth fret of the sixth string (low E string) with your forefinger. This is the root note of the A Egyptian scale.

2. Using your ring finger, play the seventh fret of the sixth string. This is the note B, the second degree of the A Egyptian scale.

3. Use your forefinger to play the fifth fret of the fifth string (A string.) This is the note D, the third degree of the A Egyptian scale.

4. Play the seventh fret of the fifth string with your ring finger. This is the root note of the E, the fourth degree of the Egyptian scale.

5. Play the fifth fret of the fourth string (D string) with your forefinger. This is the note G, the fifth degree of the A Egyptian scale.

6. Using your ring finger, play the seventh fret of the fourth string. This is the note A, the final note of the A Egyptian scale.

7. Play the scale in reverse. Play steps 6 through 1 in reverse order to complete the scale. That's it. You now know how to play an Egyptian scale on the guitar!

Tips & Warnings

• Try using this scale when you solo in minor keys to add a unique flavor to your playing!