Interactive piano keyboard showing C# Major Pentatonic scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The C♯ major pentatonic (C♯, D♯, E♯, G♯, A♯) is uncommon but useful for jazz and fusion soloing over major chord progressions in sharp keys. Its five-note structure avoids the potential clash points of the full major scale. It connects directly to the C♯ major scale with two fewer notes.
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 C# Major Pentatonic are: C#, D#m, Fm, G#m, A#m. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Major Pentatonic?
The C♯ major pentatonic (C♯, D♯, E♯, G♯, A♯) is uncommon but useful for jazz and fusion soloing over major chord progressions in sharp keys. Its five-note structure avoids the potential clash points of the full major scale. It connects directly to the C♯ major scale with two fewer notes.
What notes are in the C# Major Pentatonic?
The C# Major Pentatonic contains the notes: C#, D#, E#, G#, A#. This is a 5-note scale starting from C#.
How many chords does the C# Major Pentatonic have?
The C# Major Pentatonic produces 5 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: C#, D#m, Fm, G#m, A#m.
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
C# is at the 7 o'clock position. Related keys: Ab (dominant), F# (subdominant), Bb (relative minor), Eb (supertonic), B (subtonic).