Interval Shapes
G root · two-string shapes
diagram & flashcard mode
The minor pentatonic scale has 5 intervals. On each adjacent string pair, exactly two notes appear on each string — forming a recurring two-string shape. There are only 4 standard shapes across the P4-tuned pairs, plus 4 G–B variants where the minor-3rd tuning gap shifts the upper string. Once you know these shapes, you can read any position instantly.
Perfect 4th string pairs
Root–b3 / 4–5
4× on P4 pairs
Appears inBox 1 · E–ABox 2 · D–GBox 3 · B–eBox 4 · A–D
Root and b3 span 3 frets on the lower string. 4th and 5th start at the same fret as the root on the upper string, 2 frets apart.
b7–Root / b3–4
4× on P4 pairs
Appears inBox 1 · D–GBox 2 · B–eBox 3 · A–DBox 5 · E–A
Both strings span 2 frets, starting at the same fret. The most compact shape — two whole-step pairs stacked vertically.
5–b7 / Root–b3
4× on P4 pairs
Appears inBox 1 · B–eBox 2 · A–DBox 4 · E–ABox 5 · D–G
Both strings span 3 frets, starting at the same fret. Root on the upper string — the 5th below leads into it.
b3–4 / 5–b7
4× on P4 pairs
Appears inBox 2 · E–ABox 3 · D–GBox 4 · B–eBox 5 · A–D
The 5th is the lowest note. Lower string starts 1 fret in. No root in this shape — it sits between root positions.
G–B string pair (minor-3rd gap)
b3–4 / 5–b7 (G–B)
Box 1 G–B only
G: b3–4 (2 frets). B: 5–b7 (3 frets), same start fret. B string spans wider due to the G→B tuning gap.
4–5 / b7–Root (G–B)
Box 2 & 4 G–B
Appears inBox 2 · G–BBox 4 · G–B
G: 4–5 (2 frets). B: b7–Root (2 frets), starting 1 fret higher. Root lands at the top of the B string.
5–b7 / Root–b3 (G–B)
Box 3 G–B only
G: 5–b7 (3 frets). B: Root–b3 (3 frets), starting 1 fret higher. Widest G–B shape — 4 frets total.
Root–b3 / 4–5 (G–B)
Box 5 G–B only
G: Root–b3 (3 frets). B: 4–5 (2 frets), starting 1 fret higher than the root.