Pentatonic Scales

Most rock music is based around Pentatonic scales. Pentatonic scales are those with only 5 notes. These scales are available in Major and Minor positions.

The Major Pentatonic Scale uses the Root, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th degrees of the Major Scale

C-Major Pentatonic - C D E G A

You'll here this sort of scale in Southern rock, rhythm and blues, country and light rock.

As is the same for Major Scales the relative minor exists by starting on the A

A-minor Pentatonic - A C D E G (also known as the blues scale)

This minor pentatonic pattern is used widely in blues and in a lot of rock.

As a bass player and a guitar soloist you'll find that C-sharp and E-flat will complement as passing notes in Am Pentatonic. These are sometimes referred to as 'passing notes' or 'blue notes' and are a sharp third and a flatted fifth in the Minor scale.

After you have finished understanding this tutorial have a look at Pentatonic Patterns for bass