Formation

Major Pentatonic Scale Lesson

We're now going to have a look at the major pentatonic scale. This is a really useful scale for improvisation on major chords.

Overview of the Major Pentatonic Scale

• It's similar to the five-finger position.
• We will omit the slightly problematic note, the fourth, and replace it with the sixth.

The notes are:

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 5
• 6

We have left out the fourth and the seventh from the major scale. So, try to memorize that formation.

Playing the Scale

You can play it in one hand. Try to find it in other keys as well.

Next, we'll play it in D:

• Think of the major scale.
• Play: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6.

Practice Pattern

In fact, there's a little practice pattern that you might want to try, which goes from root to root.

1. Put your thumb on the root.
2. Put your thumb on the 5th.

Just get used to doing that.

Try it in G as well:

• Same fingering.
• Thumb on the root.
• Thumb on the fifth.

Chords in Key of G

The chords of "No Problem" in the key of G are:

• 1 chord
• 4 chord
• 5 chord
• Back to the 1 chord

Some of those are inversions:

• The C to the G to the C is right next door because I've used second inversion C.
• Then we go down in the bridge or middle section, to D.

This time, it's the G chord, which is in second inversion.

Alternating Chords

These chords are going to be alternating:

• 1 4, 1 4, 1 4 1
• 5, 1 5, 1 5 1

In the right hand, we're going to be playing those two pentatonic scales in D.

Before you try the whole tune, get used to those hand positions.

Version Options

You'll find two versions of "No Problem":

• The full version (where I play the melody, take a solo, and finish with the melody again).
• A backing track version that you can silence.

I'd suggest using the backing track to practice your own solo or melody. If you wish, you could just use the backing track to practice three times through with the solo.

You are not obliged to learn the melody.