ScalesC# Minor Pentatonic
Guitar scale · fretboard map
C# Minor Pentatonic Scale
The C# Minor Pentatonic scale is built from the notes C#, E, F#, G#, and B. The diagram below maps every one of those notes across the guitar neck, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root C# highlighted.
The minor pentatonic scale is the most-used scale in blues and rock lead guitar: five notes that are very hard to play wrong.
Notes in the C# Minor Pentatonic scale
C#1
Eb3
F#4
G#5
Bb7
C# Minor Pentatonic scale on the fretboard
root (C#) other scale notes
Explore this on the interactive fretboard →
The free Fretboard Explorer lets you switch keys and see the CAGED shapes and scale overlays tile the whole neck.
Other scales in C#
Db MajorC# Natural MinorDb Major PentatonicC# BluesC# DorianC# PhrygianDb LydianDb MixolydianC# Harmonic Minor
The minor pentatonic scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the C# Minor Pentatonic scale?
- The C# Minor Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes: C#, E, F#, G#, and B. As scale degrees those are 1, b3, 4, 5, b7.
- How do you play the C# Minor Pentatonic scale on guitar?
- Every note above is shown on the fretboard diagram, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root (C#) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the C# notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the C# Minor Pentatonic scale used for?
- The minor pentatonic scale is the most-used scale in blues and rock lead guitar: five notes that are very hard to play wrong. Once the shape is under your fingers, try improvising over a backing track in C# and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.