How to Play the Minor Hexatonic Scale on the Guitar

The minor hexatonic scale is a variation on the traditional natural minor scale known in western music. The difference between the minor hexatonic and the traditional minor scale is the hexatonic scale's omission of the natural minor's sixth degree. The natural minor scale has seven notes, while the minor hexatonic scale has only six notes, hence the name.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin the minor hexatonic scale by placing your first (forefinger) finger on the fifth fret of the sixth string. This is the scale's root note.

2. Play the seventh fret of the sixth string with your third (ring) finger. This note is B. B is the second degree of the minor hexatonic scale.

3. Use your fourth (pinky) finger to play the eighth fret of the sixth string. This is C, the third degree of the scale.

4. Play the fifth fret of the fifth string with your first finger. The note is a D. D is the fourth degree of the minor hexatonic scale.

5. Using your third finger, play the seventh fret of the fifth string. This is E, the fifth degree of the minor hexatonic scale.

6. Play the fifth fret of the fourth string with your first finger. This is a G. G is the sixth degree of the scale.

7. Play the seventh fret of the fourth string with your third finger. This is the note A, played one octave higher than the original root note you played in step one.

8. Play steps seven through one in reverse order to return to the root note and complete the scale.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your scales slowly and increase your speed gradually as your skill improves.