Major Pentatonic Scales
Major Pentatonic Scale in key of C
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Use your little finger for the first note at the eighth fret (C) to start. Fret with the tips of your fingers.
For the 5 -7 frets use your first and third finger on the fret hand.
Pluck with your first two fingers on the pluck hand. One two one two....
Program in these notes (intervals) and always use the same fingers. SLOW! Go for accuracy not speed. The brain does not remember speed! It remembers the accuracy (or not) of the placement of the finger tips. Muscle memory!!
This is why you need to know the names of the notes on the E string. The fifth fret on the E string is the 'A' note. For songs in the key of C you would play here. For songs in the key of D you would move everything up two frets and start on the 'D' note with your little finger.
This is a moveable scale. Learn it in A first. Program your fingers and do the reps. Then you can move this pattern up or down the neck to play in other keys!
Notice that this is the same notes as the Minor Pentatonic in A. These are called related scales because they use the same notes. The difference is the MINOR pentatonic scale in the key of A started on A with the first finger. The MAJOR pentatonic scale in C started on C with the little finger. The minor pentatonic scale had a serious edge to the sound, while the major pentatonic scale had a lighter happier sound.
When you practice the scales make sure you know the difference between MAJOR and MINOR. Also know what key you are in at all times.
Questions? Joe@JoeTheBassman.com