I've always been taught that the Major and Minor Pentatonic position numbers were the same, and the only difference is the key you start in. For example, I have always been taught that the following was position 1, regardless of whether you are playing minor or major pentatonic. The difference was in where you started, whether you were playing minor or major. For example, if you wanted to play Am, play the low E on the 5th fret first; if you wished to play C Major, play the low E on the 8th fret first.
In the Resources, it lists this as position 5 for playing Major Pentatonic, but position 1 for playing Minor Pentatonic.
For clarification, I have always been taught the five positions as they are listed in the Minor Pentatonic diagrams.
While there may be only five shapes, I now have to memorize 10 different position numbers.
Why is this different, or does it make a difference?
e|--5--8--
B|--5--8--
G|--5--7--
D|--5--7--
A|--5--7--
E|--5--8--
Thanks in advance for the help.
I think there are some different ways of thinking about it as far as the terminology goes, but at the end of the day, there are only five shapes you need to memorize. The difference is the starting point like you said. I’ve always called the shapes “positions” just because that’s how I was taught back in the day. Hope that helps! I believe I show how I think about connecting the major and minor pentatonic scales in this video https://countryguitaronline.com/mixing-the-major-and-minor-pentatonic-scales-guitar-lesson/
Just let me know if you have any other questions about it.
Lead Instructor at CountryGuitarOnline.com
Thank you. That helps.
