E Minor #7m Pentatonic Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
E Minor #7m Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Minor #7m Pentatonic scale is a minor pentatonic variation that includes a major seventh, echoing the tension of the melodic minor scale. On Mandolin, the notes are E, G, A, B, D#. It is used to create a Minor-Major mystery, providing a simple but effective way to add a dark, classical tension to modern solos. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over mMaj7, mMaj9 chords. Adds classical tension to modern minor-key solos.
Notes: E, G, A, B, D#
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: WH-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
The major 7th against a minor 3rd creates the characteristic 'Minor-Major' tension — dark and unsettling yet refined.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Film Scores, Classical
Notable players: Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock
How to Use the E Minor #7m Pentatonic Scale
Use over mMaj7, mMaj9 chords. Adds classical tension to modern minor-key solos.
Origin & Background
Derived from the melodic minor ascending form, emphasizing the leading tone tension.
How to Play E Minor #7m Pentatonic on Mandolin
Begin by locating E on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Minor #7m Pentatonic scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The E Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 1 sharp (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 100 BPM and play the E Minor #7m Pentatonic 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.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in E. Try a E5 - B5 - D#5 progression. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the E Minor #7m Pentatonic scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 5 notes before building speed. Aim for a dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Minor #7m Pentatonic is the Melodic minor pentatonic with Maj7. View E Melodic minor scale
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- vi – viM7 – vi7 – II (Descending Minor Cliché)Classical / Pop — Romance & Intrigue
The E Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (E, G, A, B, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Minor #7m Pentatonic
The E Minor #7m Pentatonic 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 5-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 #7m Pentatonic Further
- Browse chord progressions
- E Minor #7m Pentatonic on Guitar
- E Minor #7m Pentatonic on Ukulele
- E Minor #7m Pentatonic on Bass
- E Minor #7m Pentatonic on Piano