September 20, 2024 by Klaus Crow
The major pentatonic scale is a guitarist’s go-to for creating solos that feel fresh, uplifting and bright. It’s the secret sauce behind some of the most memorable guitar solos in music history. You’ll find these solos in country music a lot of the time, but also in classic rock (The Eagles), folk (Hank Williams), blues (Freddy King, John Mayer) and pop music (The Beatles).
Major Pentatonic Scale vs Minor Pentatonic Scale
The major pentatonic scale (Formula: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6) and minor pentatonic scale ((Formula: 1, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭7)) have their differences. The minor pentatonic scale offers a more bluesy, darker feel and is ideal for minor keys or blues progressions. Although they share the same set of notes in their relative forms, the starting note and tonal center determine their distinct emotional impact.
The major pentatonic scale is derived from the major scale (Formula: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), but with two notes removed: the 4th and 7th degrees. This makes the scale sound “open” and free of dissonance.
The formula for the major pentatonic scale can be expressed as:
- 1 (Root)
- 2 (Major 2nd)
- 3 (Major 3rd)
- 5 (Perfect 5th)
- 6 (Major 6th)
For example, in G major:
- G (Root)
- A (Major 2nd)
- E (Major 3rd)
- D (Perfect 5th)
- E (Major 6th)
How to Play the Major Pentatonic Scale
In the diagrams below you find the two most common major pentatonic scale shapes. Both scale shapes are G major pentatonic and contain the same notes but played in different positions on the fretboard.
Once you’ve got these two scale shapes under your belt, you can also practice all five major pentatonic scales to really know your way around the fretboard and understand all the major pentatonic solos to their full extend.
Songs with Major Pentatonic Scale Solos
In this post, we’ll dive into some iconic songs that have harnessed the power of the major pentatonic scale to craft beautiful guitar solos. Let’s explore how this five-note scale has shaped guitar history!
We’re starting with “Let it be” by The Beatles. George Harrison is playing a C major Pentatonic Solo.
- Take it easy – The Eagles ( G major pentatonic )
- Tennessee whiskey – Chris Stapleton ( A major pentatonic )
- Knocking on heavens door – Guns ‘n Roses ( G major pentatonic )
- Something like Olivia – John Mayer ( G major pentatonic )
- Let her cry – Hootie and the blowfish ( G major pentatonic )
- Everything I do – Bryan Adams ( C# major pentatonic )
- Jaleous again – Black Crowes ( D major pentatonic )
- Sweet home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd ( G major pentatonic )
- Blue sky – Almann brothers ( E major pentatonic )
- People get ready – Jeff Beck / Rod Stewart ( D major pentatonic )
- Hard to handle – Black Crows( B major pentatonic )
- No woman, No Cry – Bob Marley ( C major pentatonic )
- Friends in low places – Garth Brooks ( A major pentatonic )
- Queen of California- John Mayer ( B major pentatonic )
If you have any questions or remarks leave them in the comment section below. I appreciate it. ~ Klaus Crow
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