fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON VIOLA (TREBLE CLEF)

C Pentatonic Major

Five notes of the major scale that work universally — 1 2 3 5 6. The default scale of folk traditions worldwide.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 4 title C Pentatonic Major
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 4 5 title C Pentatonic Major
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

Keyboard
CDEGACDEGACDEGAC
Related scales
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Compare with
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the C Pentatonic Major scale?

The C Pentatonic Major scale uses the notes C, D, E, G, A (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Pentatonic Major scale formula?

The Pentatonic Major scale follows the interval pattern W W W+H W W+H, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on C to get the C Pentatonic Major scale.

What chords work over C Pentatonic Major?

Major pentatonic works over major triads, maj7, and the I / IV / V of any major-key blues. Universal.

How do I finger C Pentatonic Major on Viola (treble clef)?

On bowed strings, scales train both fingering and bow technique. First-position fingerings cover most scales up to one octave; second-, third-, and fourth-position shifts unlock the higher register. The 1-2-3-4 finger pattern adapts to the half-step + whole-step positions per scale.

When would I use the Pentatonic Major scale?

Five notes of the major scale that work universally — 1 2 3 5 6. The default scale of folk traditions worldwide.