F# Minor #7m Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
F# Minor #7m Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale is a minor pentatonic variation that includes a major seventh, echoing the tension of the melodic minor scale. On Piano, the notes are F#, A, B, C#, F. It is used to create a Minor-Major mystery, providing a simple but effective way to add a dark, classical tension to modern solos. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over mMaj7, mMaj9 chords. Adds classical tension to modern minor-key solos.
Notes: F#, A, B, C#, F
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: WH-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 5
How to Play F# Minor #7m Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the F# Minor #7m 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 #7m Pentatonic scale contains 2 sharps (F#, C#). 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 F# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (F#-B, A-C#) 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 F#. Try a F#5 - C#5 - F5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the F# Minor #7m 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 #7m Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (F#, A, B, C#, F). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.