F Minor Six Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
F Minor Six Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F 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 F, Ab, Bb, C, D. 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: F, Ab, Bb, C, D
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 F Minor Six Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the F Minor Six Pentatonic scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on F and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The F Minor Six Pentatonic scale contains 2 flats (Ab, Bb). 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 F 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 F. Try a F5 - C5 - D5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the F 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 F Minor Six Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (F, Ab, Bb, C, D). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.