fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON ALTO

G Pentatonic Major

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

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

Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)

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

The G Pentatonic Major scale uses the notes G, A, B, D, E (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 G to get the G Pentatonic Major scale.

What chords work over G Pentatonic Major?

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

How do I finger G Pentatonic Major on Alto?

Singing scales (solfège) trains pitch accuracy + interval recognition. Use moveable Do (Do = tonic) so any scale starts on Do. The major scale solfège (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do) is the universal pattern.

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.