A major pentatonic scale: notes, formula and fretboard

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A major pentatonic

The A major pentatonic scale has 5 notes: A, B, C#, E and F#. Its formula is 1 2 3 5 6 and its steps, in tones, are 1 – 1 – 1½ – 1 – 1½.

The major pentatonic scale has only five notes and no semitone: easy to improvise with, it sounds good over almost anything. A must in country, rock and pop.

A major pentatonic

A B C# E F# · 1 2 3 5 6

Colored dots: notes of the scale, the root is the darkest.

Notes and intervals

Note

Degree

Same notes (modes and relatives)

F# minor pentatonic

Other A scales

A major A natural minor A harmonic minor A melodic minor A minor pentatonic A blues A dorian A phrygian A lydian A mixolydian

Neighbouring scales (fifth and fourth)

E major pentatonic D major pentatonic

Try it in the app

Hear the chords, play them as a progression, switch instrument, note names (Do Ré Mi or C D E) and theme:

Open the chords Open the scales All chords and scales

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the A major pentatonic scale?

The notes of the A major pentatonic scale are A, B, C#, E and F#.

What is the formula of the major pentatonic scale?

The formula of the major pentatonic scale is 1 2 3 5 6: it is built with the steps 1 – 1 – 1½ – 1 – 1½ (in tones).

How many accidentals are in the A major pentatonic scale?

The A major pentatonic scale has 2 sharps.

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