One of the most common questions I get is: how do you move scales around the fretboard? What’s the secret to playing the same scale pattern in different keys?
The good news is it’s actually pretty straightforward once you understand the underlying principle. Let me show you using the pentatonic minor scale in three different positions.
The Key Concept: Find the Root Note
Every scale pattern has a root note — this is the anchor point that determines what key you’re playing in. When you move that root note, the entire scale pattern moves with it.
Let’s start with the E minor pentatonic scale in the open position:
- Open 6th string (E)
- 3rd fret, 6th string (G)
- Open 5th string (A)
- 2nd fret, 5th string (B)
- And so on up the pattern…
In this scale pattern, the root note is on the 6th string — that open E. That’s what makes this E minor pentatonic.
Moving to F# Minor
Want to play in F# minor instead? Simple: move your root note to F# (2nd fret, 6th string) and the entire pattern shifts up two frets.
Because the guitar’s tuning is consistent, the pattern shape stays exactly the same — you’re just playing it in a different position.
Moving to A Minor
For A minor, move your root note to the 5th fret of the 6th string (that’s A). The pattern looks a bit different because you’re no longer using open strings, but it’s the same intervallic relationship between all the notes.
The pattern goes:
- 5th fret, 6th string (A) — your root
- 8th fret, 6th string
- 5th fret, 5th string
- 7th fret, 5th string
- Continue the same pattern…
The Universal Principle
This concept applies to all scale patterns, not just pentatonic minor:
- Identify the root note in your scale pattern
- Move that root note to wherever you want to play
- Keep the same pattern shape — the intervals stay consistent
So if you know the pentatonic minor pattern starting from E, you can instantly play it in G (move root to 3rd fret), A (5th fret), B (7th fret), or any other key.
A Note About Relative Major/Minor
E minor pentatonic is the relative minor of G major. This means when you’re playing over G, C, and D chords, this E minor scale works perfectly. Understanding these relationships helps you know when and where to apply your scales.
Practice Tips
Start by memorizing one scale pattern really well. Once you can play it without thinking, practice moving it to different positions:
- Play it in E (open position)
- Move it to G (3rd fret)
- Move it to A (5th fret)
- Keep going up the neck
This is how you develop real fretboard freedom — not by memorizing dozens of separate patterns, but by understanding how to move one pattern anywhere you need it.
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