C Major Pentatonic Scale – Notes, Positions, Application
The C major pentatonic scale is a 5-note scale derived from its parent scale, the C major scale. It consists of the notes C, D, E, G and A. In this lesson we’ll take a look at how the scale is built, the 5 CAGED positions of the scale, and some real world applications of the scale. Let’s dive in.
C Major Pentatonic Scale Formula
The C major pentatonic scale is built on the formula 1 – 2 – 3 – 5 – 6 with the following interval qualities:
- Root
- Major 2nd
- Major 3rd
- Perfect 5th
- Major 6th
The C major pentatonic scale derived from the C major scale.
Taking the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th scale degrees from the C major scale, we get the notes of the C major pentatonic.
With the scale formula in hand, let’s apply it to the guitar to build the C major pentatonic scale patterns on the fretboard.
5 Positions of the C Major Pentatonic Scale
As with all major pentatonic scales, the intervals of the C major pentatonic scale create five unique scale shapes that connect up and down the fretboard.
These scale shapes make it a lot easier to learn the scale all over the fretboard.
Let’s work through each position and go over the note patterns, intervals, and fingerings that I recommend. I recommend these fingerings based on how these scales shapes are typically used in musical applications. Try to play through the scale positions as shown, but feel free to adjust them if a different fingering pattern works better for you.
Root note patterns
When going through each scale position, it’s important to note the location of the root notes. Root notes help provide a reference point to quickly identify and navigate between scale positions.
It’s also vital in order to know and understand where the other intervals in the scale are located relative to the root. This helps with targeting chord tones and being able to play over chord progressions, particularly when using a single scale.
Scale Position 1
Position 1 of the C major pentatonic starts on the 8th fret of string 6. Start with this root note and play through the full pattern (ascending and descending), ending back on the starting root note.
Make note of the root notes on strings 6, 4, and 1.
Scale Position 2
Position 2 of the C major pentatonic starts on the 10th fret of string 4. Start with this root note and play through the full pattern (ascending and descending), ending back on the starting root note.
Make note of the root notes on strings 4 and 2.
Scale Position 3
Position 3 of the C major pentatonic scale starts on the 15th fret of string 5. Start with this root note and play through the full pattern (ascending and descending), ending back on the starting root note.
Make note of the root notes on strings 5 and 2.
Note that this position can also be played an octave lower using open strings. This position is shown in the connected scale diagram in the next section.
Scale Position 4
Position 4 of the C major pentatonic scale starts on the 3rd fret of string 5. Start with this root note and play through the full pattern (ascending and descending), ending back on the starting root note.
Make note of the root notes on strings 5 and 3.
Scale Position 5
Position 5 of the C major pentatonic scale starts on the 8th fret of string 6. Start with this root note and play through the full pattern (ascending and descending), ending back on the starting root note.
Make note of the root notes on strings 6, 3 and 1.
C Major Pentatonic Connected Across the Fretboard
With an understanding of the 5 positions of the C major pentatonic scale, let’s take a look at how each position is connected across the fretboard.
The diagram below highlights the connected notes between each of the C major pentatonic scale positions. The diagram runs from position 3 to position 2. Position 2 would then connect back to position 3 via the notes on frets 12 and 13.
Extended C Major Pentatonic Scale
By connecting adjacent scale patterns, we can create an extended C major pentatonic scale that spans multiple positions on the fretboard. This horizontal movement is a common way to shift positions on the guitar when soloing or adding guitar fills and embellishments.
In the diagram below we see the 5 positions of the C major pentatonic scale. The bottom of the diagram shows how we can extend the first position of the C major pentatonic up the fretboard through all five positions, covering three octaves of the scale.
While this diagram shows the extended pentatonic scale moving through all five positions, it can be varied to move through any combination of two, three, or four positions as well.
Musical Application of the C Major Pentatonic Scale
A perfect use case for applying the C major pentatonic scale musically is the solo to “Let It Be” by The Beatles. Below is the tab for the guitar solo with the chords being played over and scale positions utilized notated. View the “Let It Be” guitar solo lesson for a full breakdown of the solo.
Wrap up
In this lesson we took an in-depth look at the C major pentatonic scale. We learned at how the scale was derived, explored each position of the scale and how they’re connected on the fretboard, took a look at the extended C major pentatonic scale.
With this lesson you should feel pretty comfortable with the C major pentatonic scale and have the knowledge to apply it effectively to your guitar playing. To further help get the major pentatonic scale patterns under your fingers, check out the pentatonic exercises lesson.
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The Pentatonic Fretboard
Master the pentatonic scale all over the fretboard!
While most players learn the main pentatonic box, we’re selling ourselves short if we stop there. The Pentatonic Fretboard will help you go beyond the box and create a full visualization of the pentatonic scale all over the fretboard.
