B Minor Pentatonic Scale
Blues, rock, versatile 5-note scale
What is the B Minor Pentatonic Scale?
The minor pentatonic is the natural minor scale with the 2nd and 6th degrees removed — five notes (root, b3, 4, 5, b7) that omit every interval that could clash with most chords. That's why it works over almost any minor or dominant progression in any rock, blues or pop key. It's the first scale most guitarists learn for soloing because it's almost impossible to play a 'wrong note' over a compatible progression.
Notes in the scale: B – D – E – F# – A
Intervals: Root, b3, 4, 5, b7 (measured from the root)
Parent key: B minor — shares the same seven notes
Progressions where the B Minor Pentatonic Scale fits
i-VI-III-VII — in B minor
Bm → G → D → A
i-iv-v — in B minor
Bm → Em → F#m
When to use the B Minor Pentatonic Scale
B Minor Pentatonic Scale is the first-call scale for soloing in B minor and over a 12-bar blues in B. Use the minor pentatonic for any solo over a minor-key progression, a 12-bar blues, or a dominant 7th vamp. The same root works in three contexts: as the home minor pentatonic of a minor key, as the relative minor pentatonic of a major key (e.g. A minor pent over C major), and as the bluesy choice over the I7 of a blues. Add the b5 ('blue note') and you have the blues scale.
B Minor Chord
Root chord for this scale
B Blues Scale
Add the blue note
Blues Improvisation
Master blues soloing
Practice with Improvisio
See how the B Minor Pentatonic Scale works over chord progressions.
Try it in the trainer