Learn the Pentatonic Scale Up and Down the Neck Using Repeating Patterns
Few things are as liberating on the guitar as being able to play the pentatonic scale up and down the neck. In addition to learning the pentatonic scale box shapes, there are ways we can go about connecting these patterns across the fretboard. Perhaps my favorite way to learn the pentatonic scale up the fretboard is through the use of repeating patterns. In this lesson we’ll take a look at the repeating patterns concept and how we can apply to the pentatonic scale to create a fun and effective exercise for learning the pentatonic scale.
Repeating Guitar Patterns
Repeating patterns is simply the concept of taking a set pattern of notes and applying it across multiple positions on the fretboard. In the case of the pentatonic scale, we’re going to take the pattern and move it between positions of the scale as we ascend and descend the fretboard. The pattern can vary from anywhere from a single string pattern to 3 or more strings. There’s no limit and you can be as creative as you want.
This exercise is great for expanding your knowledge of the pentatonic scale outside the box patterns. It builds musicality, technique, and helps you move seamlessly between pentatonic positions.
Applying Repeating Patterns to the Pentatonic Scale
This concept is much easier to grasp once you see it on the fretboard, so let’s take a look at some examples.
2-string Pattern on Strings 1 & 2
This first pattern is just a simple 2-string pattern using strings 1 and 2. We’re working out of the G minor pentatonic scale, starting with position 1 and working up as far as we can on the fretboard, which puts us all the way through position 2 in the second octave.
We can also take this pattern and descend the neck back to our starting position. Notice we’re not changing the pattern itself, we’re just descending through each of the positions with the same pattern we played when ascending the fretboard.
3-string Pattern on Strings 1, 2 & 3
Now let’s take this concept and apply it to a pattern using three strings. Note that you don’t have to use all available notes across all three strings in your pattern. The point is just to create a pattern that utilizes three strings.
Again, we descend back through each pentatonic position until we reach our starting point of position 1.
Applying the 3-string Pattern to Strings 2, 3, and 4
We can take the same 3-string pattern from above and apply it across other string groupings as well. Here we’re using it on strings 2, 3 and 4.
Ideally, you should take these patterns and utilize them across all strings. You can use a mix of patterns that utilize 1 string, 2 strings, 3 strings etc.
Wrap Up
Using repeating patterns is an easy way to learn the pentatonic scale up and down the neck with a bit of musicality. The possibility for patterns is essentially limitless and the repetitive nature of the exercise helps ingrain into your muscles memory not only the pattern you’re playing, but the adjacent pentatonic scale patterns as well. I’ve found it to be an extremely effective way to get those scale shapes under your fingers and move between them up and down the fretboard.
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The Pentatonic Fretboard
Master the pentatonic scale all over the fretboard!
While most players learn the main pentatonic box, we’re selling ourselves short if we stop there. The Pentatonic Fretboard will help you go beyond the box and create a full visualization of the pentatonic scale all over the fretboard.
