Pentatonic Scales (part two)

   Hopefully last week's opener and example of the Minor Pentatonic Scale was useful. Chances are however that if you already play Guitar, it's nothing new to you. And it's undoubtedly something you're heard hundreds of times before. But, it's really only the beginning. Like I said in last week's post, a Pentatonic Scale is simply a five note scale. While the Minor Pentatonic Scale is probably the most commonly used of these scales, there are many more. Take for example, the Major Pentatonic Scale.

  The Major Pentatonic Scale is of course another five note scale but with a twist ; it sounds a little happier, sweeter. Typically in music, we associate Major with a "happy" sort of sound and Minor, with a "sadder" kind of sound. Whether it be chords, scales, or arpeggios, this is generally the case. And, it's no different with our Pentatonic Scales.

  What's great about these scales, regardless of which one you use, is that they are versatile. The Major Pentatonic Scale is used by Jazz players like Pat Metheny, Blues players like BB King, and Country players like Brad Paisley. And if you've heard Traditional Chinese melodies like The Bamboo Flute, it's used there as well. The example below is an A Major Pentatonic Scale. The notes in it are: A B C# E and F# (or Root, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th). Practice and memorize the example. Then see if you can play it both ascending and descending. If you really want to get a handle on it, ask your Guitar Teacher about the Five Positions of the Pentatonic Scale.

  Tune in next week for Have Guitar Will Travel's  next installment of Pentatonic Scales. This one will be a little different.