Learning guitar scales is fundamental to musical development, enhancing your technique and deepening your understanding of music theory. The A minor scale is an excellent starting point for guitarists of all levels due to its straightforward structure and its crucial role in countless musical styles. Like the C major scale, the A minor scale contains no sharps or flats, making it a clear and accessible scale to learn and internalize on the fretboard.
In this guide, we’ll explore the notes of the A minor scale, demonstrate various positions to play it on your guitar, and provide exercises to help you master it. Let’s dive in and unlock the musical potential of the A Minor Scale In Guitar!
Understanding the Notes of the A Minor Scale
The A minor scale, in its natural form, is composed of seven notes. These notes are:
- A (The Root)
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
As you can see, the A minor scale, like the C major scale, is built using only natural notes, without any sharps (#) or flats (♭). Interestingly, the A minor scale is the relative minor of the C major scale. This means they share the exact same set of notes, but start on different root notes. C major starts on C, while A minor starts on A, giving each scale its distinct character and sound. Understanding this relationship is a key concept in music theory and will help you grasp how major and minor scales interact.
Now that we know the notes, let’s explore how to play the A minor scale across your guitar’s fretboard.
Exploring A Minor Scale Positions on the Guitar Fretboard
Visual aids like guitar scale diagrams are incredibly helpful for learning scales. These diagrams map out the guitar fretboard, showing you exactly where to place your fingers to play each note. Understanding how to read these diagrams is a valuable skill for any guitarist looking to learn scales and expand their fretboard knowledge.
In the diagrams below, each dot represents a note on a specific fret and string. Dots above the top string line indicate open strings. Crucially, the yellow dots highlight the root notes of the scale – in this case, every A note across the fretboard is marked in yellow, showing you where the scale “starts over” in different octaves.
A Minor Scale in Open Position
The open position for the A minor scale is primarily played within the first three frets of the guitar, making it very accessible for beginners. For notes on the 1st fret, use your index finger; for the 2nd fret, your middle finger; and for the 3rd fret, your ring finger. While some notes of the A minor scale can be found on the 6th (low E) string, starting on the open A string (5th string) is often recommended. This allows you to begin with the lowest A note as your root and move upwards through the scale in a logical manner. Starting on the open A (5th string), you then proceed to the 2nd fret (B) and 3rd fret (C) on the same string.
A guitar chord diagram illustrating the A minor scale in the open position, showing finger placement on the lower frets.
A Minor Scale in the 5th Position
Moving up the fretboard opens up new tonal possibilities. The 5th position for the A minor scale allows you to play the scale in a higher register, creating a different sonic character.
In this position, start with your index finger on the 5th fret of the 6th (low E) string – another A note. Then, use your ring finger for the 7th fret and your pinky finger for the 8th fret on the same string.
A slight hand shift is required when moving from the 4th string to the 3rd string. As you transition to the 3rd string, shift your hand slightly so your index finger can reach the 4th fret. When you then move to the 2nd string, your index finger will shift back to the 5th fret. Pay attention to these subtle shifts as they are crucial for smooth scale playing in this position.
Playing the A minor scale in the 5th position offers a brighter and more resonant tone compared to the open position, highlighting the versatility of this scale across the fretboard.
A guitar chord diagram displaying the A minor scale in the 5th position, emphasizing the higher register and hand shifts.
Reading A Minor Scale Tabs
For guitarists who are more accustomed to tablature (tabs), this method offers another way to visualize and learn scales. While diagrams provide a visual map of the fretboard, tabs offer a more linear, step-by-step approach. Understanding both diagrams and tabs is beneficial, as each can cater to different learning styles and preferences.
Let’s translate the open and 5th position A minor scales into tablature form.
A Minor Scale – Open Position Tablature
To play the A minor scale in the open position using tabs, begin with the open A string (5th string) and follow the fret numbers indicated in the tab below, moving across the strings.
Guitar tablature showing the A minor scale in the open position, clearly indicating fret numbers and string progressions.
A Minor Scale – 5th Position Tablature
For the 5th position A minor scale tab, start with your index finger on the 5th fret of the 6th (low E) string. Remember the slight shift on the 3rd string where you move to the 4th fret with your index finger as an anchor, before returning to the 5th fret on the 2nd string.
Guitar tablature for the A minor scale in the 5th position, detailing fret numbers and string changes, including the hand shift.
Exercises to Master the A Minor Scale
Memorizing scales effectively requires consistent practice and repetition. Practice both the open and 5th position A minor scales, playing them both ascending (going up in pitch) and descending (going down in pitch). Initially, focus on accuracy and clear articulation of each note. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable and confident with the scale patterns. Using a metronome is highly recommended to develop your timing and rhythm while practicing scales.
Once you are familiar with the notes of the A minor scale, you can start incorporating it into your guitar practice routines to develop other essential techniques. For example:
- Alternate Picking: Practice playing the A minor scale using alternate picking to improve your picking hand dexterity and speed.
- Fingerpicking: Explore fingerpicking patterns within the A minor scale to add a melodic and intricate dimension to your playing.
- Rhythmic Variations: Experiment with different rhythms and note durations while playing the scale. Try playing in eighth notes, sixteenth notes, triplets, and dotted rhythms to enhance your rhythmic feel.
- Creative Riffs and Melodies: Use the A minor scale as a foundation for creating your own riffs and melodies. Improvise over backing tracks in A minor, focusing on using notes from the scale to build musical phrases.
Scales like the A minor scale are invaluable tools for developing finger dexterity, muscle memory, and fretboard fluency. As you progress, explore other scales such as major scales, pentatonic scales, and blues scales to further expand your musical vocabulary. Consistent practice and dedicated scale work, combined with resources like Fender Play’s free trial, will significantly accelerate your guitar playing journey.
