Pentatonic Scale and Chord Qualities?

Question

I am trying to play the pentatonic in the Key of G-Major. But like in Major scales we have the sequence Maj-min-min-Maj-Maj-min-dim, is there something for Pentatonic as well.?

Answer 1

To my knowledge, no. All you need to do to understand pentatonic scales is to know major scale or minor scale of the tonic, depending on which scale you want. For example, if you’re looking for a major pentatonic scale in G major. G is the tonic. Then think of the G major scale. In solfege, the pentatonic scale is do, re, mi, so, la, so, mi, re, do. Or 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 5, 3, 2, 1 in numbers.

The exact notes are g, a, b, d, e, d, b, a, g.

For a minor pentatonic scale on G, you would think of the g minor scale. In solfege, that would be do, me, fa, so, te, so, fa, me, do. In numbers, it’s 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 5, 4, 3, 1.

The exact notes are g, bflat, c, d, f, d, c, bflat, g.

Try to listen and sing the pattern of the major and minor pentatonic scale as well, as they sound the same no matter what note you make the tonic.

Hope this is helpful. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, or for any music theory help!