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Major pentatonic

Scale

Major pentatonic

The bright, happy counterpart to the minor pentatonic. Five notes that work over major chords in country, pop and rock.

RootCBeginner1 2 3 5 6

01Fretboard

Positions on the neck

Position

Position 1 / frets 0 - 4

Intervals

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 5
  • 6

Example in C

C D E G A

Used in

  • Country
  • Pop
  • Rock
  • Blues

02Interactive

Play This Scale

Interactive

Play This Scale

Watch the notes light up in the order you should play them across the fretboard.

Key

Position

Display

Intervals in this scale

  • 1Root
  • 2Major second
  • 3Major third
  • 5Perfect fifth
  • 6Major sixth

Practice tip

Start slowly. Listen to how the root and characteristic intervals define the sound of the scale.

Show full note sequence
  1. 1. E (String 6, Fret 0)
  2. 2. G (String 6, Fret 3)
  3. 3. A (String 6, Fret 5)
  4. 4. A (String 5, Fret 0)
  5. 5. B (String 5, Fret 2)
  6. 6. D (String 5, Fret 5)
  7. 7. D (String 4, Fret 0)
  8. 8. E (String 4, Fret 2)
  9. 9. G (String 4, Fret 5)
  10. 10. G (String 3, Fret 0)
  11. 11. A (String 3, Fret 2)
  12. 12. B (String 3, Fret 4)
  13. 13. B (String 2, Fret 0)
  14. 14. D (String 2, Fret 3)
  15. 15. E (String 2, Fret 5)
  16. 16. E (String 1, Fret 0)
  17. 17. G (String 1, Fret 3)
  18. 18. A (String 1, Fret 5)

Browser extension by POLPROG

LoopIt: Loop, Slow Down and Master Any Video Phrase

A browser extension by POLPROG that lets musicians loop any video segment with precision and slow it down for focused practice.

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03Progressions

Common progressions in this scale

  • Pop

    I V vi IV

    C G Am F

    Optimistic, instantly familiar.

  • Blues

    I IV V

    A D E

    Twelve bar blues, the foundation of rock.

  • Modal

    i bVII bVI

    Am G F

    Cinematic, used in many film themes.

Preview

04Practice

Exercises to internalize this scale

  • Three notes per string

    Run the shape up and down using strict alternate picking.

    10 minutes

  • Target tones

    Land on the root or third of the underlying chord on beat one.

    10 minutes

  • Phrasing motifs

    Pick a three note motif and develop it across two octaves.

    10 minutes

05Related

Related scales

Practice this scale every day

Take this scale into your daily practice

Use POLPROG companion apps to repeat the phrase, slow it down and structure your sessions until the scale is in your fingers.

Practice app by POLPROG

RiffMentor

Your Personal Practice Coach

A virtual music practice coach built by POLPROG. Get structured sessions, personal recommendations and consistency tools that keep your hands on the instrument.

Open app page

Browser extension by POLPROG

LoopIt

Loop, Slow Down and Master Any Video Phrase

A browser extension by POLPROG that lets musicians loop any video segment with precision and slow it down for focused practice.

Open app page