A Major Pentatonic Scale on Guitar
The A Major Pentatonic Scale has the notes A – B – C# – E – F#. Major Pentatonic is a bright five-note scale used in country, rock and pop. Open, sweet and country-flavoured with no tense half steps.
A Major Pentatonic Scale notes
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | A | B | C# | E | F# |
Its relative minor pentatonic is F# minor pentatonic: the same five notes, starting from F#.
Fretboard diagram (frets 0 to 12)
5 positions across the neck
Learn the scale one box at a time and then link neighbouring boxes. Each diagram covers a five-fret window.
Position 1 (frets 0–4)
Position 2 (frets 1–5)
Position 3 (frets 4–8)
Position 4 (frets 6–10)
Position 5 (frets 8–12)
How to use the A Major Pentatonic Scale
Country, southern rock, pop and blues-rock solos; works over major chords.
Practice tip. Emphasise the 3rd to bring out the major sound, and bend into the notes for a vocal quality.
More Major Pentatonic scales and related scales
FAQ
What are the notes of the A Major Pentatonic Scale?
The A Major Pentatonic Scale contains A, B, C#, E, F#.
What is the A Major Pentatonic Scale used for?
Major Pentatonic is a bright five-note scale used in country, rock and pop. Use it over major chords in country, pop and rock.
How many notes are in the Major Pentatonic scale?
5 notes: A, B, C#, E, F#, then the root A again an octave higher.
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.