Where do you use the minor scales? Just as the major scale is a substitute for the major pentatonic, the minor scale is a substitute for the minor pentatonic. The minor scale and the minor pentatonic scale share notes, too. In rock music, a large number of rock songs are in minor keys. The heavier the music gets, the more minor it seems to be, making the minor scale a must-know. Experiment with the minor scales in place of pentatonics in your favorite songs. FIGURE 6-16 shows an E-minor lick you can try.