Formation and fingering

Montuno for Monty

In this lesson, I'll guide you through using the minor pentatonic scale in D minor for your solo.

Minor Pentatonic Scale in D

You'll notice that I suggested using a minor pentatonic in D minor for your solo.

• Notes in the D Minor Pentatonic:
  D, F, G, A, C

It's important to understand that this is the same set of notes as the F major pentatonic. They are modes of each other.

Relative Minor Relationship

• Key Signature:
  Both F major and D minor share the same key signature.
• Pentatonic Scale:
  • F Major: Root, 2, 3, 5, 6
  • When starting on D, these same notes sound minor.

Chord Context

Because we're playing a minor chord in the left hand as well, this creates a cohesive sound.

Scale Construction

Let's examine the construction of the D minor pentatonic scale:

• Intervals:
  • Minor third between D and F
  • Tone (D to E)
  • Tone (E to F#)
  • Minor third (A to C)

There's a kind of symmetry here that can help you remember the scale.

Memorization Tips

Make sure to memorize the actual notes that you're playing as well, not just the names:

• D Minor Pentatonic Breakdown:
  • Root: D
  • Flat Third: F
  • Fourth: G
  • Fifth: A
  • Flattened Seventh: C

Note: The F and C are flatted because we're relating this scale to D major, which would normally have F# and C#.

Improvisation Tools

The minor pentatonic can be used to improvise over minor triads as an alternative to the regular scales we discussed earlier.

Expanding Your Toolkit

Now you have another tool in your musical toolbox, in addition to:

• Arpeggios
• Five-finger positions
• Broken chords
• Regular scales

You've now got the minor pentatonic scale as well!