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A neutral pentatonic scale on guitar
A neutral pentatonic contains A, B, D, E, and G. Box 1 keeps the root on string 6, fret 5 for quick access.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the A neutral pentatonic scale on guitar?
A neutral pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 12 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to G on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 3 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 3 | B, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 3 | E, G |
Box 2 · frets 3–5
A neutral pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 5, 9 notes across 6 strings, from G on the low E string at fret 3 up to A on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 5 (A) | 5 | D |
| 4 (D) | 5 | G |
| 3 (G) | 4 | B |
| 2 (B) | 3, 5 | D, E |
| 1 (e) | 3, 5 | G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A neutral pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5, the D string at fret 7 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 4 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 3 (G) | 7 | D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 8 | E, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7 | A, B |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A neutral pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 5 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 3 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 2 (B) | 8, 10 | G, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 10 | B, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
A neutral pentatonic in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 10 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 5 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 4 (D) | 12 | D |
| 3 (G) | 12 | G |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12 | A, B |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
A neutral pentatonic derives from A minor pentatonic by raising the ♭3 to a major 2nd, creating the interval pattern 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. Compare it with A minor pentatonic to hear the difference. The scale has no tritone or leading tone, so it sits cleanly over open fifth chords. Its step pattern is W, 1½, W, 1½, W.
When to use it
A neutral pentatonic fits A 5th and A suspended 2nd chords, as well as D 5th and E minor. Use it for open, drone-based rock or folk lines in A. The scale also works over G major when you want a suspended sound.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It places the root on string 6, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3, setting up easy movement to Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in A neutral pentatonic?
A neutral pentatonic contains A, B, D, E, and G. The intervals are 1, 2, 4, 5, and ♭7. It has no tritone or leading tone.
Which chords does A neutral pentatonic fit?
A neutral pentatonic fits A 5th and A suspended 2nd chords. It also works over D 5th and E minor. The scale avoids the third, so it suits open fifth chords.
How is A neutral pentatonic different from A minor pentatonic?
A neutral pentatonic raises the minor third of A minor pentatonic to a major second. This removes the minor quality and creates a suspended sound. The note B replaces C.
What is the step pattern of A neutral pentatonic?
The step pattern is whole, one and a half, whole, one and a half, whole. This gives the scale its neutral, open character. It is also known as Egyptian or Shang.