5-note scale · also called pentatonic major, diatonic pentatonic

The major pentatonic scale on guitar

The sweet, singable five-note scale behind country licks, Southern rock and pop hooks.

Formula

1 2 3 5 6

Step pattern

W – W – W+H – W – W+H

Sounds

sweet, open and happy

The major pentatonic scale removes the 4th and 7th from the major scale, leaving 1 2 3 5 6. Without those two half-step notes it is almost impossible to hit a clashing note over a major chord.

Every major pentatonic scale has the same five notes as a minor pentatonic scale a minor third lower (G major pentatonic = E minor pentatonic). The shapes are identical; what changes is where you start and resolve your phrases.

It is the sound of country lead guitar, of the Allman Brothers and of countless pop vocal hooks. Mixing it with the minor pentatonic over a major blues is one of the most useful lead-guitar tricks there is.

C major pentatonic by scale degree

Here is C major pentatonic across the neck, labelled by scale degree instead of note name. Because guitar shapes are movable, this same pattern works in every key: slide it so the red root lands on the note you want.

Major Pentatonic scale in all 12 keys

Pick a key for its notes, chords and fretboard diagrams.

When to use it

Use the major pentatonic scale over major-key songs, country, Southern rock and pop, and over major chords and major blues.

Practice tip: The major pentatonic uses the same shapes as the minor pentatonic three frets lower. G major pentatonic is E minor pentatonic with G as home.