Pentatonic Scale Variations

Practicing scales using sequence variations ignites the imagination and provides a wealth of new melodic ideas and concepts to choose from. My previous lesson on “Seeing Shapes and Patterns” introduced the basic pentatonic scale along with the five permutations that are derived from the scale. Review this lesson before proceeding.

The first exercise breaks the scale into ascending groups of four. Practice the patterns up and back, respectively.

The second exercise follows a pattern starting with the root, second scale degree, fifth, and third. Practice and follow the pattern up and back through the scale. 

The third exercise starts with the pattern—root, third, fifth, and second scale degree. Follow the pattern up and back, respectively. 

As with many scale exercises, don’t make the mistake of only learning them in root position. Take them through all five permutations, in all 12 keys. Good Luck!