Interactive piano keyboard showing E Major Pentatonic scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The E major pentatonic (E, F♯, G♯, B, C♯) is a staple of rock and country lead guitar, particularly in open position where the low E string rings as a drone. Its bright, powerful notes create anthemic melodies that cut through a band mix. It omits A and D♯, the two notes that create the most tension in E major.
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 E Major Pentatonic are: E, F#m, G#m, Bm, C#m. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Major Pentatonic?
The E major pentatonic (E, F♯, G♯, B, C♯) is a staple of rock and country lead guitar, particularly in open position where the low E string rings as a drone. Its bright, powerful notes create anthemic melodies that cut through a band mix. It omits A and D♯, the two notes that create the most tension in E major.
What notes are in the E Major Pentatonic?
The E Major Pentatonic contains the notes: E, F#, G#, B, C#. This is a 5-note scale starting from E.
How many chords does the E Major Pentatonic have?
The E Major Pentatonic produces 5 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: E, F#m, G#m, Bm, C#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
E is at the 4 o'clock position. Related keys: B (dominant), A (subdominant), C# (relative minor), F# (supertonic), D (subtonic).