A major pentatonic scale diatonic chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
A major pentatonic scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized A major pentatonic scale produces a sparse but deeply consonant chord set. With only five notes, the available triads are limited but remarkably useful, avoiding all dissonant intervals and creating an instantly pleasant harmonic foundation. The chords from A major pentatonic are A minor, B sus4, C# sus4, E major, F# sus4. Simple two-chord vamps between the I and V or I and IV capture the open, folk-like character of pentatonic harmony. These chords pair beautifully with pentatonic melodies in country, gospel, and world music. Commonly used in Country, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk. Notable players include Keith Richards, B.B. King, John Mayer, Eric Clapton.
The A major pentatonic scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 5 6.
Intervals: W-W-3H-W-3H.
Diatonic chords: A minor, B sus4, C# sus4, E major, F# sus4.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | A minor |
| ii | B sus4 |
| iii | C# sus4 |
| IV | E major |
| V | F# sus4 |
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the A major pentatonic scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the A major pentatonic scale on guitar.
major pentatonic is the Major scale without 4th and 7th degrees. View A Major scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over any major chord, major key progression, or dominant 7th chord. The safest and most universal soloing tool.