C# Minor Six Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
C# Minor Six Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Minor Six Pentatonic scale is a variation of the minor pentatonic that introduces a major sixth, giving it a Dorian flavor. On Piano, the notes are C#, E, F#, G#, A#. It is more sophisticated and soulful than the standard minor pentatonic and is frequently used in jazz and fusion to outline minor chords with a brighter edge. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, R&B. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Erykah Badu. Use over m6, m7, mMaj7 chords. Adds a jazz sophistication to minor chord soloing without fully committing to a 7-note scale.
Notes: C#, E, F#, G#, A#
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: WH-W-W-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
How to Play C# Minor Six Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the C# Minor Six Pentatonic scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
The C# Minor Six Pentatonic scale contains 4 sharps (C#, F#, G#, A#). 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 C# Minor Six 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 C#. Try a C#5 - G#5 - A#5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the C# Minor 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 C# Minor Six Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (C#, E, F#, G#, A#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.