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

0:00

/9.6

1×

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

2511 C Major

0:00

/9.6

1×

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

1375 C Major

0:00

/9.6

1×

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

0:00

/9.6

1×

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

2511 C Major

0:00

/9.6

1×

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

1375 C Major

0:00

/9.6

1×

The Major Scale