Country Piano Lesson: Major Pentatonic Modes

Lesson Goal: To add Major Pentatonic Modes to your country piano repertoire… by ear, intellect, eye, and muscle…

Major Pentatonic Modes in the Key of C

Applied to the “big three” chords (I, IV, V) in the key of C, we get three sets of matched “scale-chords” or “chord-scales” as follows:

Pentatonic Mode for the I Chord

The C Chord (I) is paired with the C Major Pentatonic Scale…

Notice that the chord tones C-E-G (1-3-5) are harmonically stable, while D(2) & A(6) are harmonically active suspensions that crave resolution to a chord tone.

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Pentatonic Mode for the IV Chord

The F Chord (IV) is paired with the F Major Pentatonic Scale…

Notice that the chord tones F-A-C (1-3-5) are harmonically stable, while G(2) & D(6) are harmonically active suspensions that crave resolution to a chord tone.

Note: The key center has not shifted to F. C is still the key center Do.

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Pentatonic Mode for the V Chord

The G Chord (V) is paired with the G Major Pentatonic Scale…

Notice that the chord tones G-B-D (1-3-5) are harmonically stable, while A(2) & E(6) are harmonically active suspensions that crave resolution to a chord tone.

Note: The key center has not shifted to G. C is still the key center Do.

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Major Pentatonic Modes in All Keys

Play this pattern for all major triads. By the way, you already know 3 of the 12 (Only 9 more to go!).

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