Master the minor scales in 8 steps!
Using the CAGED system as our foundation, we can build five Minor Pentatonic shapes on the guitar fretboard. Instead of calling these positions 1-5, we call them by their CAGED name.
This is the starting point to master the minor modes and all other minor scales on the guitar.
The self eliminating practice routine takes care of this in 8 steps. All you have to do is put the time in.
Make it a daily routine and you will get there, just don’t forget to play songs as well as without actual musical examples, these scales are simply patterns without any real meaning.
The 5 Minor Pentatonic shapes – Step 1
This is where it all starts. You must learn all five positions of the Minor Pentatonic.
Using the video lessons demonstrating this in Am, you can move on once you practiced in all other keys as well.
Go to The 5 Minor Pentatonic shapes – Step 1.
Connect Minor Pentatonic shapes – Step 2
Once each shape is firmly under your fingers, it’s time to connect them all.
The video lessons demonstrate this in Am, all you have to do is continue through all keys.
Go to Connect Minor Pentatonic shapes – Step 2.
Minor Blues – Step 3
The minor blues scale (often referred to as just the blues scale), is simply a Minor Pentatonic with an added b5.
Since you know your Minor Pentatonic so well by now, this is easy!
Go to Minor Blues – Step 3.
Conspirian – Step 4
My own scale! Conspirian is the scale everybody plays but doesn’t have a name for it.
Expanding on the minor blues scale, we just add one more note and a whole world opens up.
Go to Conspirian – Step 4.
Aeolian – Step 5
The saddest of all modes, the scale that comes with chord VI, it’s Aeolian which we master in this step.
Video lessons practice individual shapes, connect them and run Aeolian through the cycle of 4th.
Go to Aeolian – Step 5.
Dorian – Step 6
The jazz minor, the scale that comes with chord II, it’s time to explore Dorian.
Simply follow all video lessons to master these five shapes, then do it in 12 keys before you move on.
Go to Dorian – Step 6.
Phrygian & Phrygian Dominant – Step 7
The missing piece, the Spanish minor, the one that comes with chord III, let’s dissect Phrygian and her evil cousin Phrygian Dominant.
Plenty of video lessons to follow. Once you can do it in Am, don’t forget, you must practice this in all 12 keys to master it.
Go to Phrygian & Phrygian Dominant – Step 7.
Minor modes master exercises – Step 8
The final step is a master exercise that will establish all three minor modes, but that’s not all.
As well as forever cementing the modes under your fingers, you’ll be able to see all intervals now. when you can do it, do it in all 12 keys!
