Interactive piano keyboard showing F Major Pentatonic scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The F major pentatonic (F, G, A, C, D) has a warm, pastoral quality that suits folk, classical, and singer-songwriter styles. It removes B♭ and E, the two notes that create the strongest pull toward resolution. Many traditional folk melodies are built from these five 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 F Major Pentatonic are: F, Gm, Am, Cm, Dm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Major Pentatonic?
The F major pentatonic (F, G, A, C, D) has a warm, pastoral quality that suits folk, classical, and singer-songwriter styles. It removes B♭ and E, the two notes that create the strongest pull toward resolution. Many traditional folk melodies are built from these five notes.
What notes are in the F Major Pentatonic?
The F Major Pentatonic contains the notes: F, G, A, C, D. This is a 5-note scale starting from F.
How many chords does the F Major Pentatonic have?
The F Major Pentatonic produces 5 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: F, Gm, Am, Cm, Dm.
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
F is at the 11 o'clock position. Related keys: C (dominant), Bb (subdominant), D (relative minor), G (supertonic), Eb (subtonic).