On this page, I’ll show you how to play the Natural Minor scale through the 5 CAGED (minor) scale positions.
For each scale position, you’ll see two diagrams:
Root Notes – R
The first diagram demonstrates the scale position whilst highlighting the Root notes – these are in red. After learning how to play the scale, memorising the Root notes is your first goal!
The Chord – R b3 5
The second diagram illustrates the chord that lives inside the scale. For the Natural Minor scale, this will be the Minor chord, which give us the R b3 and 5 scale degrees. Memorising each chord shape within each scale position is your third goal.
Natural Minor Scale Degrees – R 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
In both diagrams, you’ll see all of the scale degrees that make up the Natural Minor scale. These are R 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7.
Side Note: I prefer using Scale Degrees in my teaching versus note names, as scale degrees stay the same in every key, where as note names change in every key. That said, in the grand scheme of things, it’s still a good idea to have a handle on the given note names in a specific key.
How To Practice These Scales
Always start with just one scale and try not to move on until you’ve really got it under your fingers.
Start by first playing the chord, then start the scale on the lowest root note. Play up to the highest note in the position, then down to the lowest note, and then back up to the highest note. As you play each root note, stop and make a mental note for where it lies.
Also, practice with a backing track as it’s more musical and more fun.
Below are all 5 CAGED positions of the Minor Pentatonic Scale:
Position 1 Natural Minor Scale – The Em shape
Position 2 Natural Minor Scale – The Dm shape
Position 3 Natural Minor Scale – The Cm shape
Position 4 Natural Minor Scale – The Am shape
Position 5 Natural Minor Scale – The Gm shape
The Full Fretboard – All 5 Positions
Below is a full fretboard diagram of all 5 Natual Minor scale as they appear side by side, as one unit, all across the guitar fretboard. Once you have learnt a position, see if you can spot it. Once you learn two positions, do the same etc.
