Pentatonic
Major Pentatonic Scale
A five-note scale removing the 4th and 7th from the major scale. Universal and pleasing — found in folk music across every culture.
Hear the Major Pentatonic Scale
How to Identify It
No tension at all — every note sounds at home. Think of My Girl, Amazing Grace, or virtually any folk melody. It just sounds right.
Famous Examples
- My Girl — Temptations
- Amazing Grace — traditional
- Happy — Pharrell Williams
- Country roads — John Denver
Major Pentatonic in All 12 Keys
Often Confused With
About the Major Pentatonic Scale
The major pentatonic scale is a pentatonic scale built from the interval pattern 2, 2, 3, 2, 3 (in whole and half steps). A five-note scale removing the 4th and 7th from the major scale. Universal and pleasing — found in folk music across every culture.
To recognise the major pentatonic scale reliably by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — universal, open, folk, simple. Use the player above to hear it in all 12 keys, and the recognition trainer to test yourself against a mixed set of scales.