The term “hexatonic” defines the scale as containing six notes. It doesn't specifically tell you what the extra note is. Another variation on the hexatonic scale involves adding the sixth (instead of the second). Sixths, while they might sound far away, are actually not hard to find. The interval of a sixth is always three frets below the root. For example, if your root is A (fifth fret, sixth string) drop down three frets to second fret F and you have the sixth. This technique is great for finding the name of the sixth tone. Now that you know the name of the note, you have to place it inside the pentatonic scales. In a form-I A-minor pentatonic scale, you won't add the second fret F —that would be a real stretch. Instead, consult your fingerboard chart to find the F that fell more comfortably under your fingers. FIGURE 5-12 shows a form-I A-minor pentatonic scale with an added sixth.

The sixth is a wonderful-sounding note; it blends right into the scale and provides nice color to the scale. Applying this hexatonic scale to the blues gives you a very tasty result. Check out FIGURE 5-13, an A-minor hexatonic scale with a sixth added. The example contains bends and slides discussed in the last chapter. Notice how all the small elements fit together to make a great result. The more you study the small parts of playing guitar, the greater impact it will have on your overall playing.