PRESENCE - Volume 28
Inspiration For Guitarists
Why the Pentatonic Scale Isn't Always Enough—And How the Major Scale Can Take You Further
The pentatonic scale is undoubtedly the go-to for soloing. It's the backbone of countless iconic solos and works over almost any chord progression. Its simplicity—just 5 notes—lets you play over chords, even when they stray from the key or explore other modes.
But sometimes, the pentatonic just doesn’t cut it.
Ever had a melody stuck in your head, but couldn’t find the right notes in the pentatonic scale? Or tried to express a musical idea that just wouldn’t come together? That’s where the full Major scale comes in.
Why the Major Scale?
The Major scale gives you 2 extra notes, opening up:
More melodic options
The ability to target chord changes more effectively
3 notes per string, which makes faster phrases smoother
But to really unlock the Major scale's potential, there are 2 essential things you need to know:
1. Know the Number System
The Major scale is made up of specific chords that create a pattern within each key. Every key has:
3 Major chords (1, 4, 5)
3 Minor chords (2, 3, 6)
For example, in the key of C (or its relative minor, A minor), the chords are:
1: C
2: Dm
3: Em
4: F
5: G
6: Am (Relative Minor)
When you recognize that the chords in a progression are from the same key (and follow the Number System), you can confidently use the Major scale over it.
What if there are chords that don’t fit the key?
That’s a sign we might be dealing with a different mode or non-diatonic chords. In those cases, it’s easiest to "zoom-out" and go back to the pentatonic scale.
2. The Major Scale Adds 2 Notes to the Pentatonic Scale
Most guitarists, myself included, were taught the Major scale in a complicated way. The typical shape you learn first (often in a different position than the pentatonic) can be tough to memorize.
But here’s the trick: The Major scale is just the Pentatonic scale with 2 extra notes.
By adding 2 notes to your existing pentatonic shape (like Shape 1 of C Major/A Minor), you get the most useful Major scale shape. It’s that simple.
Why Focus on This Shape First?
It’s easier to memorize – You’re adding just 2 notes to a shape you already know.
It’s easier to find – It’s in the same location as your pentatonic scale.
It lets you switch between sounds – You can effortlessly transition from the "rootsy" pentatonic sound to the more melodic Major scale sound by adding or subtracting those 2 notes.
Many classic solos bounce back and forth between the pentatonic and the Major scale. Once you get comfortable with this shape, you’ll be able to feel when to lean into the pentatonic and when to break into the full Major scale.
Take Action:
Get this shape under your fingers.
Start analyzing the chord progressions you’re soloing over.
Watch your solos come to life with a whole new dimension of expression.
Let’s make this Major scale your secret weapon!
-Dustin