What is the pattern of the E minor pentatonic scale?

The sequence of steps is W+H – W – W – W+H – W (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7.

Which chords is the E minor pentatonic scale used over?

It is used over Em7, Em, Esus4: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.

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E minor pentatonic scale

The E minor pentatonic scale is made of the notes E, G, A, B, D. It has 5 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7.

Pentatonic · 5 notes

Note names

1E
♭3G
4A
5B
♭7D

PatternW+H – W – W – W+H – W(W = whole step, H = half step)

Five notes with no half steps: easy to use and found in every genre. Degrees are shown relative to the major scale: ♭3 is the third lowered by a half step, ♯4 the fourth raised.

Open in the scale finder

Mode and chords

Five notes: tonic, minor 3rd, 4th, 5th and minor 7th. It is the scale of the first guitar solos in blues and rock, with the same notes as the major pentatonic a minor third above.

Used overEm7 Em Esus4

Put it into practice

The scale played in thirds over one octave: one of the exercises MEG generates from this scale.

Generate more exercises on this scale

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the E minor pentatonic scale?: The notes are E, G, A, B, D.
What is the pattern of the E minor pentatonic scale?: The sequence of steps is W+H – W – W – W+H – W (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7.
Which chords is the E minor pentatonic scale used over?: It is used over Em7, Em, Esus4: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.

Texts and tools by Stefano Corradi, professional musician and developer. Last updated: October 9, 2026.