Major Pentatonic Scales in Open Position
Lesson #492 • Jun 2, 2023
In this lesson I’ll walk you through first steps with the major pentatonic scale, focusing on the scales built around five major chords you can play in open position: C, G, D, A, and E. It’s quite common to learn pentatonic “patterns” you can play up the guitar neck, using the CAGED system - and while that surely has its place, there is some pentatonic fun we can have in the first few frets of the guitar.
This lesson gives a broad overview of things, showing you the lay of the land and pointing toward additional directions you may like to go with your musical studies. Make sure you see my related lessons module, further below on this page – where I show a handful of other tutorials I’ve made tackling adjacent topics. Enjoy!
Instructional PDF 3 pages
Lesson Discussion
Single Chord Backing Tracks
Use these to practice the scales! Each of these tracks repeats a single chord, over and over. Because there’s no chord changes, it’s quite easy to jump in & follow along with.
When playing the corresponding scale to any audio track below, pay attention to how the chord tones (e.g. the 1-3-5 scale degrees per the the scale you’re playing) sound “good” – because those are the notes being played in the chords! Conversely, notice how the 2nd and 6th scale degrees will sound a bit “off” - as if there is tension that is waiting to be resolved.
C major:
:G major:
:D major:
:A major:
:E major:
:Related Lessons
Here’s all the lessons I mention in my video tutorial. If you’re looking for help with chords in general, check out my Practical Music Theory course – which has a huge amount of helpful content.
Enjoy my lessons? Buy me a beer!
If this and my other lessons have proven helpful to you, please consider making a one-time donation to my tip jar. Contributions of any amount help make this project possible (including the many, many hours I put into it).
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
March 15, 2023
Pink Floyd's "Breathe" - with Simpler Chords Included
-
March 6, 2024
Q&A: 8 Tips to Avoid Muting Strings
-
March 1, 2024
Blues Shuffle Riffs - Using Just 2 Strings!
-
February 16, 2024
Soulful Lead Guitar with "America the Beautiful"
-
February 8, 2024
Country Honk by The Rolling Stones
-
January 31, 2024
Beginner Blues - New Course Sneak Peek!
-
January 23, 2024
Strumming with Accented Notes
-
January 13, 2024
Lead Guitar Finger Placement – ft. La Sitiera (The Mavericks)
-
January 9, 2024
Hybrid Fingerstyle - First Steps!
-
January 6, 2024
Streets of London by Ralph McTell