The Minor Pentatonic Scale is widely used in almost every style of music! Being made up of only 5 notes, this scale has the ability to “stay away” and not clash with a variety of chords.
Learn 5 ways to color your Major 7 Chords using the Minor Pentatonic Scale!
This self-working approach to pentatonic scales allows you to be able to focus less on the notes and more on your rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, etc…
5 Ways To Color Your Major 7 Chords Using The Minor Pentatonic Scale!
By shifting the chromatic note in which your Minor Pentatonic Scale is derived from, you can emphasize specific color tones of a Major 7 Chord without much thought or music theory background.
Certain color tones can create effective melodic tension in your music. It is important to become cognizant of the affect of these color tones.
#1: E Minor Pentatonic Scale over C Major 7 Chord
An E Minor Pentatonic Scale played over a C Major 7 Chord will yield these results: E (3rd), G (5th), A (13th), B (major 7th), D (9th).
*This is a Minor Pentatonic Scale played a Major 3rd above from the root of the chord.
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#2: A Minor Pentatonic Scale over C Major 7 Chord
An A Minor Pentatonic Scale played over a C Major 7 Chord will yield these results: A (13th), C (Root), D (9th), E (3rd), G (5th).
*This is a Minor Pentatonic Scale played a Minor 3rd below the root of the chord.
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#3: B Minor Pentatonic Scale over C Major 7 Chord
A B Minor Pentatonic Scale played over a C Major 7 Chord will yield these results: B (major 7th), D (9th), E (3rd), F# (#11th), A (13th).
*This is a Minor Pentatonic Scale played a Half-step below the root of the chord.
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The next 2 examples will explore shifting the Minor Pentatonic up a Whole-step in order to create tension and release.
#4: C# Minor Pentatonic Scale over C Major 7 Chord
A C# Minor Pentatonic Scale played over a C Major 7 Chord will yield these results: C#/Db (b9th), E (3rd), F# (#11th), G#/Ab (b13th), B (major 7th).
First start by exploring the B Minor Pentatonic Scale, then shift up a Whole-step and explore the C# Minor Pentatonic Scale.
* This is a Minor Pentatonic Scale played a Half-step above the root of the chord.
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#5: F# Minor Pentatonic Scale over C Major 7 Chord
A F# Minor Pentatonic Scale played over a C Major 7 Chord will yield these results: F# (#11th), A (13th), B (major 7th, C#/Db (b9th), E (3rd).
First start by exploring the E Minor Pentatonic Scale, then shift up a Whole-step and explore the F# Minor Pentatonic Scale.
*This is a Minor Pentatonic Scale played a Tritone from the root of the chord.
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The Minor Pentatonic Scale is easy to play. This approach to playing pentatonic scales allows you to think musically, sound less “square”, and ultimately be more expressive!
You can focus less on the notes, because the color tones are being played automatically.
Your musical expression can focus more on rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, etc…
Experiment with these color schemes whenever you are faced with any type of Major 7 Chord!
The more you do it, the more the shifting becomes natural. Soon you will be able to select your color scheme based on the mood you are trying to portray in your music.
