B Flat Six Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
B Flat Six Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Flat Six Pentatonic scale is a modern synthetic pentatonic used to imply the sound of the melodic minor system. On Piano, its notes are B, C#, D#, F#, G. It provides a poignant and slightly altered texture to major melodies, making it a favorite for contemporary jazz players looking for fresh melodic paths. Commonly used in Contemporary Jazz, Fusion, Post-Bop. Notable players include Pat Metheny, Kurt Rosenwinkel. Use over Maj7, mMaj7, and altered dominant chords. A modern jazz tool for fresh melodic paths.
Notes: B, C#, D#, F#, G
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: W-W-WH-H-4
Number of notes: 5
How to Play B Flat Six Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the B Flat Six Pentatonic scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on B and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The B Flat Six Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the B Flat Six Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D#, C#-F#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in B. Try a B5 - F#5 - G5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the B Flat Six 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 B Flat Six Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (B, C#, D#, F#, G). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.