Major Pentatonic C Shape

Learn how to play the C shaped Major Pentatonic!

There are a lot of chord notes in this scale shape, find them!

The C shaped major pentatonic is difficult to phrase with in its bare form, the layout is a bit awkward.

However, readers of the Guitar Conspiracy understand the true meaning of adding intervals to a pentatonic scale.

When this is done in the correct way, the C shape becomes very player friendly!

Lets take a closer look what happens when intervals are added to the major pentatonic C shape.

Adding Intervals to the C Shape

The 7th interval is integral to scale building, as a maj7 it indicates the I or IV chord, so add this interval for a jazzier, sweeter sound.

The maj7 is found on the second string, allowing us to hammer on and pull off, check Fast Car for a song example.

The b7th interval would indicate the V chord, or any minor chord turned into an “X” chord, so add the b7 when this is the chord you play over.

The b7 is found on the 3rd string and becomes a great bluesy interval to add in double stop licks.

Before you start exploring all this, practice the exercise above in all 12 keys.

BPM? Up!