2. Circle of Fifths ➜ Pentatonic Scale ➜ Major Scale

The Pentatonic Scale

In the previous chapter, we learned that notes next to each other on the Circle of Fifths are naturally melodic.

Circle of Fifths ➜ Pentatonic Scale

• By starting selecting five adjacent notes on the Circle of Fifths, we create the pentatonic scale.
• These five notes form the C pentatonic scale (when starting from C).
• The pentatonic scale is widely used in rock, blues, jazz and pop music due to its melodic quality.

• This is what the C pentatonic scale looks like on a guitar fretboard.

Play the Pentatonic Scale

C Pentatonic Scale Tab

• Play the C pentatonic scale tab over a 1645 chord progression.

1645 C Major

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• Play the C pentatonic scale tab over a 2511 chord progression.

2511 C Major

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• Play the C pentatonic scale tab over a 1375 chord progression.

1375 C Major

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Use the Pentatonic Scale to Create

• Use the C pentatonic scale to create a 4 bar solo over a 1645 chord progression

1645 C Major

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• Use the C pentatonic scale to create a 4 bar solo over a 2511 chord progression

2511 C Major

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• Use the C pentatonic scale to create a 4 bar solo over a 1375 chord progression

1375 C Major

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The Major Scale

The Pentatonic Scale ➜ The Major Scale

• Take the C pentatonic scale and add two additional edge notes: F & B.
• These 7 notes are collectively referred to as the C major scale.

• This is the most common scale in Western music.
• It serves as the foundation for melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions.
• Unlike the C pentatonic scale, which omits F & B to avoid dissonance, the C major scale includes these notes.

Edge Notes in the C Major Scale (F & B)

The two edge notes, F and B, are positioned at the outer boundaries of the C major scale. Their placement affects how they interact melodically.

Why Are F & B Considered Edge Notes?

• They are further from the melodic center (D) within the scale.
• Less inherently melodic than other notes in the scale.
• Can clash with certain chords, creating dissonance if not used carefully.

How to Use Edge Notes Effectively

To ensure F & B always sound good in solos, follow this simple rule:

"The Edge Note Rule"

• Only play an edge note if it is present in the chord you are soloing over.
  • Example: If you're playing an F major chord (which contains F, A, and C), you can safely include F in your solo without it sounding out of place.

Use F & B for tension and resolution.

• These notes can create tension, which can be resolved by moving to a more stable note in the scale.
  • Example: in a melody, playing B and resolving it to C creates a smooth, natural movement.

Tip: If an edge note sounds too harsh, try playing it as a passing tone (briefly before resolving to a more stable note) rather than holding it for too long.

• This is what the C major scale looks like on a guitar fretboard.

Use the Major Scale

• Play the C major scale tab over a 1645 chord progression.

Note: that in these  guitar tabs I am abiding by The Edge Note Rule, and the bold numbers are the edge notes.

1645 C Major

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• Play the C major scale tab over a 2511 chord progression.

2511 C Major

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• Play the C major scale tab over a 1375 chord progression.

1375 C Major

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Use the Major Scale to Create

Create solos while abiding by The Edge Note Rule.

Note:

• The 2 & 4 chord include the note F
• The 3 & 5 chord include the note B
• The 7 chord includes the notes F & B

Use the C major scale to create a 4 bar solo over a 1645 chord progression.

1645 C Major

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1×

Use the C major scale to create a 4 bar solo over a 2511 chord progression.

2511 C Major

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1×

Use the C major scale to create a 4 bar solo over a 1375 chord progression.

1375 C Major

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1×

Test

Context

12 NOTES ➜ CIRCLE OF FIFTHS ➜ PENTATONIC SCALE ➜ MAJOR SCALE

Summary

• Notes that are next to each other on the Circle of Fifths are melodic.
• The pentatonic scale is five notes that are next to each other on the Circle of Fifths, therefore these notes are very melodic.
• The major scale is seven notes that are next to each other on the Circle of Fifths.
• The two edge notes in the C major scale are F & B, and they are less melodic than the five notes in the pentatonic scale, because they are further away from the melodic center of the scale, the note D.
• The Edge Note Rule:
  • Only play an edge note if it is present in the chord you are soloing over.

Goal Achieved: You now know what the pentatonic and major Scales are and how to use them.