A Minor Hexatonic Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
A Minor Hexatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Minor Hexatonic scale is a six-note scale that bridges the gap between the minor pentatonic and full modal scales. On Banjo (5-String), it contains the notes A, B, C, D, E, G#. It has a soulful, minor character but offers more melodic flexibility, making it a common choice for blues and jazz-rock soloing. Commonly used in Blues, Jazz-Rock, R&B, Soul. Notable players include B.B. King, Albert King, John Mayer. Use over m7 chords and blues changes. More flexible than minor pentatonic but less complex than full Dorian.
Notes: A, B, C, D, E, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6
Formula: W-H-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 6
Musical Character
Bridges the gap between the 5-note minor pentatonic and full 7-note modes — adds one note that provides extra melodic flexibility while maintaining the blues feel.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Blues, Jazz-Rock, R&B, Soul
Notable players: B.B. King, Albert King, John Mayer
How to Use the A Minor Hexatonic Scale
Use over m7 chords and blues changes. More flexible than minor pentatonic but less complex than full Dorian.
Origin & Background
A practical blues scale that adds melodic depth to the minor pentatonic without the full complexity of 7-note scales.
How to Play A Minor Hexatonic on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 6 notes of the Minor Hexatonic scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A Minor Hexatonic scale contains 1 sharp (G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the A Minor Hexatonic scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 6 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Minor Hexatonic scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in soul contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the A Minor Hexatonic scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 6 notes before building speed. Aim for a soulful quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A Minor Hexatonic scale contains 6 notes (A, B, C, D, E, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Minor Hexatonic
The A Minor Hexatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A Minor Hexatonic Further
- Browse chord progressions
- A Minor Hexatonic on Guitar
- A Minor Hexatonic on Ukulele
- A Minor Hexatonic on Bass
- A Minor Hexatonic on Piano