C# Minor #7m Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
C# Minor #7m Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale is a minor pentatonic variation that includes a major seventh, echoing the tension of the melodic minor scale. On Guitar, the notes are C#, E, F#, G#, C. It is used to create a Minor-Major mystery, providing a simple but effective way to add a dark, classical tension to modern solos. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over mMaj7, mMaj9 chords. Adds classical tension to modern minor-key solos.
Notes: C#, E, F#, G#, C
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: WH-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 5
How to Play C# Minor #7m Pentatonic on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 9 on the 6th (low E) to find your C# root note. With only 5 notes, this scale fits comfortably in a two-notes-per-string pattern across all six strings. Focus on learning a single box shape first before connecting positions.
The C# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the C# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in C#. Try a C#5 - G#5 - C5 progression.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the C# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for pentatonic scale runs.
The C# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (C#, E, F#, G#, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Minor #7m Pentatonic
The C# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C# Minor #7m Pentatonic Further
- Harmonize the C# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic on Ukulele
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic on Bass
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic on Piano
Explore C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Other Tunings
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)