If you learn where a pentatonic scale comes from it will be much easier,
as there are tons of different pentatonic scales.
For example, a normal C Major Scale would be :
C - D - E - F -G - B - A
I - ii - iii - IV - V - vi - vii
Now, a major pentatonic scale is where you only play the first,
second, third, fifth, and sixth notes on the scale, so a major pentatonic
scale would be :
C - D - E - G - B
I - ii - iii - V - vi
The same idea would be applied with a minor pentatonic,
except you would normally use the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth
and the Seventh in a minor pentatonic scale.
Although pentatonic is really a dry term, because any scale where
you play only 5 different tones would be considered pentatonic,
its really your choice on what sort of tonality you want to grasp
with a pentatonic scale.
EDIT :
Quote
THIRDLY, use the same "1-4, 1-3, 1-3, 1-3, 1-4, 1-4" fret difference and move it up
to frets and you'll have a B pentatonic scale.
Yea, thats a minor pentatonic, and wherever you place the root is what key the scale will be in.
This post was edited by sandorkatz on Jul 28 2009 02:45pm