Five-note scales: pentatonic

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Scale families and changes

Pentatonic describes a family of five-note scales, not one universal collection. A common major pentatonic uses major-scale degrees 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. A common minor form uses 1, flat 3, 4, 5 and flat 7.

A smaller pitch collection does not guarantee a strong melody. Rhythm, target notes and harmony still matter. Try one short original motive over two chords and observe how the same pitch changes its effect. Traditions around the world use other five-note organisations as well.

Example

C major pentatonic: C–D–E–G–A.

Try it

Name the five notes of the common A minor pentatonic.

Related topics

References

Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom

Subject-expert review pending.