Pentatonic Scale
Music Theory
A five-note scale widely used for melodies and improvisation.
The pentatonic scale uses just five notes per octave, compared to seven in a major or minor scale. The major pentatonic removes the 4th and 7th scale degrees (the two notes that create the most tension), resulting in a pleasant, consonant sound.
On ukulele, the C major pentatonic scale uses the notes C-D-E-G-A. The A minor pentatonic uses A-C-D-E-G (the same notes, different starting point). This scale is the foundation of blues, rock, country, and folk improvisation.
The beauty of the pentatonic scale is that every note sounds "good" over the underlying chords. This makes it the ideal scale for beginners to start improvising — just play any pentatonic notes in rhythm and you'll sound musical.
Put this into practice with Pocket Uke's free tools