A# Flat Three Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
A# Flat Three Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Flat Three Pentatonic scale is a relatively rare jazz pentatonic scale. On Piano, it contains the notes A#, C, C#, F, G. It is an effective tool for navigating blues changes, providing a unique way to differentiate between the different chords of a progression with a quirky, minor-key twist. Commonly used in Jazz, Blues, Experimental. Notable players include Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter. Use over m7, m7b5 chords. Effective for differentiating chords within a blues progression.
Notes: A#, C, C#, F, G
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5
Formula: W-H-4-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: kumoi
How to Play A# Flat Three Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the A# Flat Three Pentatonic scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on A# and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The A# Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 2 sharps (A#, C#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the A# Flat Three Pentatonic scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in A#. Try a A#5 - F5 - G5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the A# Flat Three Pentatonic scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The A# Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (A#, C, C#, F, G). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.