How to Play and Master the A Minor Scale on Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 6 min read

Learning the A minor scale on guitar can be a rewarding experience, as it opens up a world of new musical possibilities. In this step-by-step guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of the A minor scale, including its theory, fingering patterns, techniques, and practical applications. So grab your guitar and let's dive into the captivating world of the A minor scale.

Understanding the A Minor Scale

Before diving into the fingerings and techniques, it's important to have a solid understanding of the A minor scale's underlying theory. In this section, we'll discuss the theory behind the scale and its relationship to its relative major counterpart.

Theory Behind the Scale

The A minor scale is a 7-note scale consisting of the following notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. It's considered a natural minor scale, which means it doesn't contain any altered or raised notes. The formula for the natural minor scale is:

whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step

By applying this formula, starting from the root note A, we arrive at the A minor scale. Knowing this formula can help you understand and build minor scales on any root note.

Relative Major and Minor

Every minor scale has a relative major scale that shares the same key signature. The relative major scale for A minor is C major, which contains the same notes but starts on C. To find the relative major scale of any minor scale, count up three half steps (or semitones) from the root note of the minor scale. In this case, A to C is three half steps. This concept is useful for understanding the connections between scales and expanding your guitar playing repertoire.

Fingering Patterns for A Minor

Now that we have a foundational understanding of the A minor scale's theory, let's explore various fingering patterns on the guitar. We'll cover three popular patterns: open position, fifth position, and the pinky stretch.

Open Position

The open position A minor scale utilizes open strings and is a great starting point for beginners. Here's the fingering pattern:

Open 5th string (A)
2nd fret on 5th string (B)
3rd fret on 5th string (C)
Open 4th string (D)
2nd fret on 4th string (E)
3rd fret on 4th string (F)
Open 3rd string (G)
2nd fret on 3rd string (A)

Practice this pattern slowly and focus on clean, even notes. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your speed.

Fifth Position

The fifth position A minor scale starts on the 5th fret of the 6th string (low E string). This pattern is particularly useful for playing higher up the neck. Here's the fingering pattern:

5th fret on 6th string (A)
7th fret on 6th string (B)
8th fret on 6th string (C)
5th fret on 5th string (D)
7th fret on 5th string (E)
8th fret on 5th string (F)
5th fret on 4th string (G)
7th fret on 4th string (A)

As with the open position, practice this pattern slowly and accurately before increasing speed.

Pinky Stretch

The pinky stretch A minor scale pattern spans five frets and is excellent for developing finger strength and dexterity. Here's the fingering pattern:

5th fret on 6th string (A)
7th fret on 6th string (B)
8th fret on 6th string (C)
5th fret on 5th string (D)
7th fret on 5th string (E)
9th fret on 5th string (F)
5th fret on 4th string (G)
7th fret on 4th string (A)

Take your time with this pattern, focusing on accurate finger placement and even note durations. As always, start slow and gradually build up speed as you become more comfortable.

Incorporating Techniques

Once you're comfortable with the A minor scale fingering patterns, it's time to add some expressive techniques to your playing. In this section, we'll focus on two popular techniques: hammer-ons and pull-offs, and slides and bends.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are great techniques for adding smoothness and fluidity to your A minor scale. Let's break down each technique:

Hammer-on: Play a note, then "hammer" your finger down on a higher fret of the same string without picking the string again. This creates a smooth transition between the two notes.
Pull-off: Play a note, then "pull" your finger off the fret, allowing the lower fret (or open string) to ring out without picking the string again. This also creates a smooth transition between the two notes.

Try incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs into your A minor scale practice to add some flavor and expression to your playing.

Slides and Bends

Slides and bends are two more techniques that can enhance your A minor scale playing, adding emotion and interest to your sound. Let's explore each technique:

Slide: Play a note, then slide your finger up or down the string to a different fret, maintaining pressure on the string as you move. This creates a seamless transition between the two notes.
Bend: Play a note, then push or pull the string with your fretting hand to raise the pitch of the note. This adds expressiveness and emotion to your playing, mimicking the subtle pitch variations of the human voice.

Experiment with adding slides and bends to your A minor scale practice, and discover how these techniques can bring your playing to life.

Practicing the A Minor Scale

Now that you've learned the fingering patterns and incorporated some expressive techniques, it's time to focus on practicing the A minor scale. In this section, we'll discuss three effective practice methods: using a metronome, jamming with backing tracks, and employing the Guitar Mastery Method.

Metronome Practice

Practicing with a metronome is crucial for developing accurate timing and a solid sense of rhythm. Start by setting your metronome to a slow tempo, such as 60 beats per minute (BPM). Play the A minor scale up and down, focusing on playing each note evenly and in time with the metronome clicks. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo to challenge your speed and accuracy.

Jamming with Backing Tracks

Playing along with backing tracks is a fun way to apply the A minor scale in a musical context. Search for backing tracks in the key of A minor on platforms like YouTube, and practice improvising melodies and solos using the A minor scale. This will help you develop your creativity, phrasing, and overall musicianship.

Guitar Mastery Method

The Guitar Mastery Method is a structured approach to mastering the A minor scale. Follow these three steps to make the most of your practice time:

Fingering Patterns: Review and practice the open position, fifth position, and pinky stretch patterns.
Techniques: Incorporate hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and bends into your A minor scale playing.
Application: Practice playing the A minor scale over backing tracks and experiment with creating your own melodies and solos.

By following this method, you'll be well on your way to mastering the A minor scale on guitar.

A Minor Scale in Music

The A minor scale is not just a tool for practicing and improving your guitar skills; it's also an essential component in a wide range of music. In this section, we'll explore some famous songs in A minor and discuss how you can use the A minor scale in your own songwriting.

Famous Songs in A Minor

Many popular songs feature the A minor scale, showcasing its versatility and emotional depth. Here are a few examples:

Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin - This rock classic features an iconic guitar solo that heavily relies on the A minor scale.
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals - This timeless folk-rock song uses the A minor scale for its haunting melody.
Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson - The A minor scale is used in the main riff of this catchy pop hit.

These examples demonstrate how the A minor scale can be used in various genres and musical styles, making it a valuable tool in any guitarist's repertoire.

Songwriting with A Minor

When it comes to songwriting, the A minor scale offers endless possibilities. Here are some tips to get you started:

Chord Progressions: Experiment with different chord progressions in A minor, such as Am-G-F-E or Am-C-G-Dm.
Melodies: Use the A minor scale to create catchy and memorable melodies for your songs.
Solos: Apply the A minor scale to craft captivating guitar solos that complement your chord progressions and melodies.

By incorporating the A minor scale into your songwriting process, you'll be able to create unique and expressive music that resonates with listeners.

In conclusion, learning and mastering the A minor scale on guitar is a rewarding journey that will help you improve your overall musicianship and expand your creative potential. By understanding the theory, practicing the fingering patterns, incorporating expressive techniques, and exploring its use in music, you'll unlock the full potential of the A minor scale and become a more versatile and skillful guitarist.

If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of indie film composing, don't miss out on the workshop 'Indie Film Composing: Storytelling In Music' by Daisy Coole. This workshop will provide you with invaluable insights and techniques to enhance your storytelling skills through music, taking your compositions to new emotional heights.