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Guitar players are notorious for getting stuck “in the box” of pentatonic shapes. This is because they’ll learn the shape of a pentatonic scale before they really understand the basics, like:
Therefore, they are playing a pentatonic scale without knowing what a pentatonic scale actually is. Imagine if you were saying words to someone that you were told to say, but you didn’t know what they meant…
(ever had a friend teach you something dirty in another language and tell you it means “Pleased to meet you” ?)
So the best time to learn the pentatonic scale would be after getting comfortable playing in any given key anywhere on the fretboard; therefore having an understanding of note relationships. This means you can at least play and hear a major scale in any key. That way the sound of the pentatonic scale would make sense and have context.
When you understand musical information and where it comes form, you are able to use it intelligently and with deliberate intention. And that makes you sound good!
It’s very simple: The major scale minus 2 notes, the 4th and the 7th.
So the formula for a Major Pentatonic is: R 2 3 5 6
Luckily you have a way to begin this way of seeing things using your 5 forms. Whether you are already familiar with some pentatonic shapes or note at all, try this fun and insightful exploration:
Chose any one of your 5 forms
Play it up and down once
Now play it up and down AVOIDING the 4th scale degree (in both octaves)
Notice the difference in sound/feel
Now play it up and down avoiding the 4th and 7th scale degrees
Behold the sound of a Major Pentatonic Scale!
That’s right, it’s that simple. Once you know how keys work you can make tiny alterations to create totally different sounds.
If you play the Major Pentatonic scale for a while (up and down or improvising) you’ll notice that the 4th and 7th will sound a little weird when you add them back in. That tells you that this scale has its own “Sonic Territory”, meaning it creates a specific and unique feeling. It might already remind you of songs you know, or bring up personal feelings and associations.
PS- if you want to really get the Major Pentatonic scale in your head, just remember the guitar line to this song.
At this point you probably want to hear a minor pentatonic scale. Well the pattern is the exact same, except our root orientation will shift to the relative minor, or the 6th scale degree of your major scale.
So let’s say your Major Pentatonic scale was in the key of G, well 6 notes up from G is E, so E minor Pentatonic will be composed of the exact same notes:
G Major Pentatonic = G A B D E
E Minor Pentatonic = E G A B D
See how that works? Try it:
Find your G pentatonic by removing the 4th and 7th from a G major scale
Play the exact same thing while occasionally hitting a low E to create a drone.
When you hit your low E, you are telling your ear that E is now the root. And if you orient your notes based on E, you’ll get this lovely group of scale tones:
Minor Pentatonic: R b3 4 5 b7
Fun, right?
By practicing and being inquisitive in this way, you are developing the ability to “improvise” your way into embodying new material.
As previously mentioned, the Pentatonic Scale can be quite useful. It’s a great tool to start improvising or creating riffs, and you’ll notice a lot of you favorite music centers around it.
In your next practice session, see how your current exercise could be modified into a major and/or minor pentatonic scale.
Want to embody the famed pentatonic sound in your playing?
Well then, do yourself a favor and go through these questions to attain insane Pentatonic superpowers! (which is what we all are here for anyway, right ;)…)