May 14, 2019 by Klaus Crow
Bigstock photo
The major pentatonic scale is mostly used in country, folk country rock, blues and jazz.
It creates a more happy and uplifting sound.
The shapes of the major pentatonic scale are exactly the same as those of the minor pentatonic scale, except the root note is located else where.
Looking at it from the major scale, if you leave out the 4th and the 7th note of the major scale you’ll also end up with the major pentatonic.
The 5 shapes shown below are all the same scale (G major pentatonic scale) just played in different positions, so you can learn the scale all over the neck. That’s the whole purpose, eventually you want to have the freedom to be able to improvise around the entire fretboard.
SHAPE NAMES
Each shape has it’s own shape-name C, A, G, E and D, derived from the C-A-G-E-D system. Note: The name of the shapes have nothing to do with the key of the scale. The names refer to the chord shape (made up of the red and green dots) that is surrounded by the scale shape.
If you want to know more about the CAGED system check out: What is The CAGED System? (The Keys to The Fretboard)
ROOT NOTES
In the scale diagrams below the red dots indicate the root notes and the green dots indicate the remainder chord tones.
The root note of each shape determines the name of the scale. In the examples below all the scale shapes are in the key of G, so all the root notes are G notes.
Each shape is moveable so you can play these shapes in every key. For example, if you move the entire scale shape up a whole step (2 frets) you are playing in the key of A, so now you’re playing A major pentatonic. If you move down the entire scale shape down a half step (1 fret) you are playing in the key of F#, so you’re playing F# major pentatonic. The principle goes for all 5 shapes.
Note: When learning to improvise using these shapes try to rest on root notes or chord tones to be safe and avoid any odd sounding notes or let your ears be the judge.
Tips:
– Practice each scale shape thoroughly before moving on to the next.
– Practice with a pick using alternate picking technique (down, up, down, up, etc.)
– Practice slowly first and make sure each note sounds clean and clear.
– Once you feel comfortable with a slow tempo gradually build up your speed.
– Practice with a metronome.
– Practice the scale shapes in different keys.
Take your time to learn all the shapes. Repetition and regular practice will get you where you wanna be.
Have fun!
G Major Pentatonic – E shape / Position 1
G Major Pentatonic – D shape / Position 2
G Major Pentatonic – C shape / Position 3
G Major Pentatonic – A shape / Position 4
G Major Pentatonic – G shape / Position 5
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Hi Klaus,
I like to play pentatonic scales.The tips you have provided are helpful.It is also in tablature so it is easier to understand and play.
I am going to practice these scales.These scales are really fun.
I have a question
Whether you are a self-taught player or learnt from a teacher?
Thanks for the post.
Hi Prasana,
I have had different guitar teachers, but also learned from lesson DVDs, CDs, books, transcribing and playing by ear.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Hi Klaus,
I am playing guitar for more than 2yrs. I can alternate-pick 2notes/string patterns fast, easy & flawless. But for 3notes/string patterns I tend to economy pick. i.e., moving down from low to high I use consecutive down-pick, moving up from high to low string consecutive up-pick. This is slowing me down. My old instructor ingrained this fatal flaw in me. Please suggest some exercises to correct my alternate-picking flaw.
Great use of the CAGED system to make learning the major pentatonic boxes easier. The major pentatonic really is great for happier sounding tunes. It’s definitely one you’ll hear in country styles.
Hay thanks for this great simple post. I picked up my guitar and played along to your tabs, actually learnt the pattern in no time at all. thanks again :)
Hello guys,
I don’t really get it, this shapes are the same, but played somewhere else?
I’m sorry, I must be missing something….G shape Pentatonic, D Shape Position 2 two has two “green” G# notes on the top/bottom E string?
How can that be?…
are the barre positions missing?
now I remember why I hate theory
I have a couple of questions, please.
Can any shape be played in any position, and still be in key?
What I mean is, could the “d” shape be played in position 1?
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Enjoy your lessons but (as a beginner) would find it helpful if you labeled which fingers are best to use in the pentatonic scales
You need to check the ads on your site. The content I’m trying to learn is useful but you have at least 2 ads that are running sound at the same time and the ads cannot be closed. It kind of makes it really difficult to learn something of musical content when competing against all that auto playing sound.
Hi Pauly,
Thanks for mentioning that.
I will try to fix that.
Best,
Klaus
Hi Pauly,
The sound of the ads should be automatically muted (you have to unmute the video yourself) and there is an ad close button.
If you experience any sound directly while opening the website, can you make a screen record of that? So I can see and hear which ad
is making that sound. I can forward that to my ad technician.
Thanks in advance.
Best
Klaus
Thank you for showing the major pentatonic shapes with these root chord tones instead of just moving the minor shapes down 3 frets.
Hi George,
The shapes will make you a free man on the guitar ;)
The root notes are important to remember. They will help you out along the way.
Best,
Klaus Crow
Why is the first shape of the g pentatonic referred to as the E shape