C Major Pentatonic Scale on Guitar
The C Major Pentatonic Scale has the notes C – D – E – G – A. Major Pentatonic is a bright five-note scale used in country, rock and pop. Open, sweet and country-flavoured with no tense half steps.
C Major Pentatonic Scale notes
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C | D | E | G | A |
Its relative minor pentatonic is A minor pentatonic: the same five notes, starting from A.
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 2–6)
Position 3 (frets 4–8)
Position 4 (frets 7–11)
Position 5 (frets 9–13)
How to use the C 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 C Major Pentatonic Scale?
The C Major Pentatonic Scale contains C, D, E, G, A.
What is the C 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: C, D, E, G, A, then the root C again an octave higher.
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