Fingering a minor pentatonic scale

[Lobster11]

OK, this has been bugging me for a long time, and I just came across yet another example that reminded me how much it has been bugging me for a long time, so I'm gonna put it out there and hope y'all can help me out:

The question is: When you play a simple minor pentatonic scale, where do you play the b3? Say you're playing down the scale in Am, starting with frets 7 and 5 on the D string, then frets 7 and 5 on the A string.... then a b3.... and ending on the fretted A on the E string. When I see such lines tabbed out, the b3 is almost invariably specified as the 3rd fret of the A string. I have always found it much easier, for both my left and right hands, to grab the b3 (C in this example) instead on the 8th fret of the E string. No stretch, no shift, two notes per string. Simple.

I'm sure the answer is, in part, that one ought to be able to play it either way, but why is it so often tabbed the way it is? What's the advantage of that fingering over "mine"? What am I missing?

[Anesthesia]

dont ever finger a minor.

[jwbassman]

I say use what ever fingering makes the most sense. That being said, I personally use both fingerings. I use the one that seems to work in what situation I'm playing in.

The position with the b3 (min 3rd) on the A string gives you easy access to the b7 (G) on the E string. One possible advantage.

[Phil Smith]

Originally Posted by Anesthesia

dont ever finger a minor.

Classic...or a Major unless of course he or she is into that kind of stuff.

[electracoyote]

Originally Posted by Lobster11

OK, this has been bugging me for a long time, and I just came across yet another example that reminded me how much it has been bugging me for a long time, so I'm gonna put it out there and hope y'all can help me out:

The question is: When you play a simple minor pentatonic scale, where do you play the b3? Say you're playing down the scale in Am, starting with frets 7 and 5 on the D string, then frets 7 and 5 on the A string.... then a b3.... and ending on the fretted A on the E string. When I see such lines tabbed out, the b3 is almost invariably specified as the 3rd fret of the A string. I have always found it much easier, for both my left and right hands, to grab the b3 (C in this example) instead on the 8th fret of the E string. No stretch, no shift, two notes per string. Simple.

I'm sure the answer is, in part, that one ought to be able to play it either way, but why is it so often tabbed the way it is? What's the advantage of that fingering over "mine"? What am I missing?

They are both correct, by virtue of the fact you are playing the same notes. Why one seems to appear more in TAB is anyone's guess. I use both, and it depends upon what I'm trying to accomplish in terms of feel, dynamics, syncopation, and especially the use of slurs or bends.

"dont ever finger a minor."

Priceless.

[Rudreax]

It doesn't matter how you play it, so long as you're playing the b3. You could play it on any string anywhere on the fretboard, so long as it's the b3 of the scale.

[JTE]

Context! It all depends on what you're playing before the b3 and after the b3. That's why I despise "teaching" that only shows you shapes. Those charts and books that show you how to finger a scale don't really help you play.

If I'm just running a pentatonic minor, I'd tend to start with my first finger on the root (using the OP's peculiar starting location of the A on the D string at the 7th fret), and play the b3 with my pinky in the same string, then the 4 and 5 on the G string... but that's got no context. I can't say what I'd do in a song. Perhaps a more practical example is playing "Day Tripper". If you're playing it right (i.e. in the same octave as the guitar, not just doubling it an octave lower), there's a choice to be made with a minor 3rd in it. I go back and forth on that one. One way is easier to get TO the b3, but the other way sets up the rest of the riff better.

John

[ethompson2]

Just use what fits the song you are playing. What makes the scale is the notes being used not the fingerings. Just play these notes A, C, D, E, E, A if you are playing that scale.... just use what ever postion is most convient and sounds the best for the song or groove you are playing.

[CYDbass]

Originally Posted by Anesthesia

dont ever finger a minor.

very good haha

and on the actual note of the thread, i'd personally play it your way.
spose it all depends on personal preference and also the dexterity of your hands. if you can stretch far enough comfortabley then i dont see why it couldnt be done any way possible.

[ReMmy]

Originally Posted by Anesthesia

dont ever finger a minor.

you couldn't possibly be that quick witted... hilarious. OP, i go both ways, depending on where i'm headed next.