The C major pentatonic scale has 5 notes: C, D, E, G and A. 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.
C major pentatonic
C D E G A · 1 2 3 5 6
Colored dots: notes of the scale, the root is the darkest.
Notes and intervals
Same notes (modes and relatives)
Neighbouring scales (fifth and fourth)
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:
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the C major pentatonic scale?
The notes of the C major pentatonic scale are C, D, E, G and A.
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).