This week I'm getting into major pentatonics. This blog will be a two parter, leading towards playing an arrangement of a great track that is full of feel: Sink 'Em Low - which I'll cover in next week's blog. It's a sample from one of my weekly Slide Success masterclasses.…
Major Pentatonics
I'm going to dive into the major pentatonic scale, a five-note scale that's often underrated and underappreciated. Unlike more complex scales, there's a unique power in its simplicity that can infuse gospel, country blues, and even folk tunes with an authentic, old-school feel. We'll explore its role in shaping early American music history and learn how to incorporate its distinctive character into our playing.
What is the major pentatonic scale?
The major pentatonic scale is a 5 note scale consisting of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th degrees of the major scale. So in the key of D, this would mean the notes D, E, F#, A, B.
The 4th and 7th degrees of the scale are removed - so in the D major pentatonic scale, there is no G or C#.
Why learn the major pentatonic scale?
This is a super useful scale format to know. It is used not just in American blues and gospel, but also in many global music traditions, from Irish and Scottish to Chinese and Indian music. Something about this pattern of notes is universally appealing and very useful for evoking emotion in your listeners - so it's an important thing to have in your repertoire!
Practicing the major pentatonic scale
The major pentatonic scale may only have five notes, but the way they fit together offers a wealth of expressive possibilities. Begin by practicing on the top string, focusing closely on playing the notes in tune, as well as familiarising yourself with the scale's shape and sound.
We're going to learn the scale in the key of D.
Tune your guitar to Open D (ascending - D A D F# A D).
On the top string, play the open string (D), then fret 2 (E), fret 4 (F#), fret 7 (A), fret 9 (B), fret 12 (back to D, an octave higher).
Play the scale slowly, against a drone set to the key note. Travel up and down, honing your tuning and remaining relaxed.
As you move through this exercise, you'll be making jumps in order to skip out the notes which aren't in the scale. This will help to develop fluidity in your arm and shoulder movement - a crucial part of playing with a slide.
You can watch me play the major pentatonic scale here - https://share.descript.com/view/5njODt0m9pR
Sink 'Em Low
I'm going to use what we've learnt about playing a major pentatonic scale and show you how you can apply it as part of an arrangement.
I've arranged "Sink ‘Em Low," collected by Alan Lomax. Bessie Jones recalled hearing the song sung by a chain gang in her childhood. It's a powerful piece, deeply rooted in a painful and emotional history.
The song uses the major pentatonic scale, and is a chain gang work song that predates the blues. Songs like this had a big influence on the blues and gospel genres that came later.
The Major Pentatonic Blues
A key feature of old country blues is the distinctive way in which musicians hint at darker, minor tones within a major framework, enhancing the emotional depth of the music. The major pentatonic scale is the skeleton of the piece, but you're going to use your phrasing to pull it around a little. Sometimes hint at the minor third. Don't play it too straight - aim to get some of that haunting feel into your sound.
Playing the tune
Once you're familiar with the scale, have a go at playing the Sink 'Em Low tune. You'll notice it centres around the scale notes.
Start off with a free time version, and work on putting the emotion into the tune. It's a piece from a very troubled historical time, and I think it's important to remember the context here and treat it with respect.
There's a lot of hammering on to do here - experiment by doing it with the slide as well as the finger, choose which you prefer.
You can see me playing Sink ‘Em Low - slow version here: https://share.descript.com/view/q8FxXPx7n18
Next time, I'll take this melody and create a full arrangement of the piece.
Happy playing! Try and get the major pentatonic scale under your fingers first and then find your way around the Sink 'Em Low tune.
If you'd love to be playing some great slide by Christmas, have a look at my courses here: https://members.slidesuccess.co.uk/p/home
Or grab your free ‘Get Going With Slide Guide’ here and jump right in!