Play the major pentatonic scale on piano
The major pentatonic scale is one of the oldest and most universal scales. With only 5 notes, it offers a clear and consonant sound, easy to use for improvisation.
Intervals table
| I | II | III | IV | V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Major second | Major third | Perfect fifth | Major sixth |
| 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 9 |
| — | +2 | +2 | +3 | +2 |
Theoretical construction
The major pentatonic scale is built by taking degrees I, II, III, V, and VI from the major scale, thus omitting degrees IV and VII. This selection intentionally avoids the half steps present in the major scale, creating a scale where each interval is at least a whole tone. The minor third intervals (a tone and a half) between degrees III-V and VI-I give this scale its particular character. It's relative to the minor pentatonic (same set of notes, different tonic).
Position examples
Example with A Major pentatonic
