What is the pattern of the C major pentatonic scale?

The sequence of steps is W – W – W+H – W – W+H (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 2 3 5 6.

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C major pentatonic scale

The C major pentatonic scale is made of the notes C, D, E, G, A. It has 5 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 2 3 5 6.

Pentatonic · 5 notes

Note names

PatternW – W – W+H – W – W+H(W = whole step, H = half step)

Five notes with no half steps: easy to use and found in every genre. Degrees are shown relative to the major scale: ♭3 is the third lowered by a half step, ♯4 the fourth raised.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the C major pentatonic scale?: The notes are C, D, E, G, A.
What is the pattern of the C major pentatonic scale?: The sequence of steps is W – W – W+H – W – W+H (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 2 3 5 6.

Texts and tools by Stefano Corradi, professional musician and developer. Last updated: October 8, 2026.

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