Interactive piano keyboard showing Ab Major Pentatonic scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The A♭ major pentatonic (A♭, B♭, C, E♭, F) has a warm, sophisticated sound that is well-suited to jazz ballads, R&B, and musical theater. Its notes sit naturally under the pianist's fingers, producing smooth, lyrical lines. It removes D♭ and G♭, the two notes that create the most harmonic tension.
Omitting the 4th and 7th from the major scale removes all half-step dissonance, leaving only consonant intervals. The major 3rd and major 6th give it a sweet, open sound — nearly any note combination works, making it universally pleasing.
The diatonic chords in Ab Major Pentatonic are: Ab, Bbm, Cm, Ebm, Fm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Major Pentatonic?
The A♭ major pentatonic (A♭, B♭, C, E♭, F) has a warm, sophisticated sound that is well-suited to jazz ballads, R&B, and musical theater. Its notes sit naturally under the pianist's fingers, producing smooth, lyrical lines. It removes D♭ and G♭, the two notes that create the most harmonic tension.
What notes are in the Ab Major Pentatonic?
The Ab Major Pentatonic contains the notes: Ab, Bb, C, Eb, F. This is a 5-note scale starting from Ab.
How many chords does the Ab Major Pentatonic have?
The Ab Major Pentatonic produces 5 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Ab, Bbm, Cm, Ebm, Fm.
What is the formula for the Major Pentatonic?
The Major Pentatonic follows the interval formula: W-W-W+H-W-W+H (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
Ab is at the 8 o'clock position. Related keys: Eb (dominant), C# (subdominant), F (relative minor), Bb (supertonic), F# (subtonic).