B♭ major pentatonic scale on guitar
The B♭ major pentatonic scale has 5 notes: B♭, C, D, F and G. Five notes from the major scale with the two “tense” notes (the 4th and 7th) left out. Almost nothing can clash, which makes it a favourite for sweet, singable melodies and country and pop solos.
Notes in B♭ major pentatonic
- Formula
- 1 2 3 5 6
- Step pattern
- W – W – W+H – W – W+H
- Notes
- 5
Tap a note to hear it.
B♭ major pentatonic across the neck
Every B♭ major pentatonic note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, B♭. A good place to start: B♭ on the low E string is at fret 6, so play the notes between frets 5 and 9 first, then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from B♭ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B♭ | Root |
| 2 | C | Major 2nd |
| 3 | D | Major 3rd |
| 5 | F | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | G | Major 6th |
Chords to play B♭ major pentatonic over
The B♭ major pentatonic scale fits the main chords of the B♭ major key:
Related scales
- It uses exactly the same five notes as G minor pentatonic, so one shape covers both.
- Add the 4th and 7th back and you have the full B♭ major scale.
Questions
What notes are in the B♭ major pentatonic scale?
B♭, C, D, F, G. Its formula is 1 2 3 5 6.
Where do I start the B♭ major pentatonic scale on guitar?
B♭ on the low E string is at fret 6, so play the notes between frets 5 and 9 first. The fretboard map on this page shows every B♭ major pentatonic note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to B♭ major pentatonic?
It uses exactly the same five notes as G minor pentatonic, so one shape covers both.
More scales
Major pentatonic in every key
Other scales from B♭