C Flat Three Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
C Flat Three Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Flat Three Pentatonic scale is a relatively rare jazz pentatonic scale. On Piano, it contains the notes C, D, Eb, G, A. 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: C, D, Eb, G, A
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 C Flat Three Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the C Flat Three Pentatonic scale uses 1 black key. Start with your thumb on C and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The C Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 1 flat (Eb). 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 Flat Three 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 C5 - G5 - A5 progression.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the C Flat Three Pentatonic scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The C Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (C, D, Eb, G, A). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.