Pentatonic
scales consist of 5 notes, hence the "penta" prefix. The major pentatonic
scale can be considered a derivative of a "regular" major scale. It can
be thought of as a major scale stripped of its fourth and seventh. For
clarification, contemplate the following:
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The D major scale consists of
the notes d, e, f#, g, a, b, c#.
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If the notes g and c# are removed
we end up with d, e, f#, a, and b.
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The remaining notes are considered
to be a pentatonic, or 5 note scale.
The minor pentatonic scale can
be considered a derivative of a minor scale based on the sixth degree
(aeolian or natural minor for you modal guys and gals) of a major key with
the 2nd and 6th omitted. The scale based on the sixth degree in the key
of D major reads as follows: b, c#, d, e, f#, g, a. If we remove the 2nd
and the 6th we are left with these notes: b, d, e, f#, a. These five remaining
notes comprise a B minor pentatonic scale.
Now, let's consider the application
of pentatonic scales to the genres of music in which they are most often
employed. Before we do that, however, allow me to make the following disclaimer:
These
statements are not to be considered "rules", these statements are to be
construed as "rules of thumb" because a country tune can be based on a
minor blues, and a rock tune can be "very major". There are some instances
where both a minor and a major pentatonic scale can be used within the
same tune. In those cases, you can play some very cool stuff. I'll get
into those situations at a later date.
Pentatonic scales are heavily
used in country, rock, and blues. In country music, most songs are harmonically
constructed in a way that demands the use of the major pentatonic. In other
words, a country tune in the key of D requires that we use a D major pentatonic
scale.
Most "heavy" rock tunes are
often minor in nature (due to their bluesy origins), and in that case,
require the application of minor pentatonic scales.
Blues tunes are generally
minor and, therefore, are most often best served by the pentatonic minor
scale.
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| The diagram to
the right illustrates the D major / B minor pentatonic scale from a "guitar"
view. The notes given are at home from both a D major pentatonic point
of view and a B minor pentatonic perspective.
The diagrams presented below
illustrate patterns derived from the note locations found on the guitar
neck (again, reference the diagram on the right) and are only shown because
they offer us a convenient way to memorize the notes. Therefore, my advice
would be for you to memorize these diagrams (below) AND to also
be completely aware of what notes you're playing while you're practicing
the scale patterns. I also recommend that you create your own patterns
as a form of practice.
Also worth noting is the
fact that if you look hard enough, (and have read the material found in
the chord and theory sections of this site), you should be able to pick
out the shapes of the D major and B minor chords within these patterns.
*Remember: D major is D-F#-A
and B minor is B-D-F#.
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