E Minor Hexatonic Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
E Minor Hexatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E 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 E, F#, G, A, B, D#. 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: E, F#, G, A, B, D#
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 E 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 E Minor Hexatonic on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating E on your instrument and play through the 6 notes of the Minor Hexatonic scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The E Minor Hexatonic scale contains 2 sharps (F#, D#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the E Minor Hexatonic scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Minor Hexatonic scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in jazz-rock contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the E 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 E Minor Hexatonic scale contains 6 notes (E, F#, G, A, B, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Minor Hexatonic
The E 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 E Minor Hexatonic Further
- Browse chord progressions
- E Minor Hexatonic on Guitar
- E Minor Hexatonic on Ukulele
- E Minor Hexatonic on Bass
- E Minor Hexatonic on Piano