Here’s part 1 of a new series on pentatonics for banjo.
Hey Ben you ever seen Pat Clouds key to 5 string banjo book? A beautifully done study of pentatonic theory with plenty of drills
Edited by - stanleytone on 10/30/2026 14:09:36
Best description of the pentatonic I've heard: "it's a scale with the less rockin' notes left out."
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Originally posted by stanleytoneHey Ben you ever seen Pat Clouds key to 5 string banjo book? A beautifully done study of pentatonic theory with plenty of drills
I have not seen that book but would love to check it out!
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Originally posted by airport-securityBest description of the pentatonic I've heard: "it's a scale with the less rockin' notes left out."
That's great! And because there's only five notes, it sounds so cohesive even if you include unusual notes
Many years ago my teacher taught me about pentatonic scales and how those 5 notes comprised most of the melody notes in a tune, not all inclusive, but a good way to start making my own arrangement for breaks. Worked great and taught me a lot.
Great topic!
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Originally posted by TexasbanjoMany years ago my teacher taught me about pentatonic scales and how those 5 notes comprised most of the melody notes in a tune, not all inclusive, but a good way to start making my own arrangement for breaks. Worked great and taught me a lot.
That's great; pentatonics can definitely be a good shortcut for playing melodies.
I am so immersed in other routes into making music --but have seen great pentatonic advocates--anyway as far as the scale I just see all 11 semitones--or the current major minor etc.
My short cut is to leave the major 7 note out---for example
when working out a variation (continuous eighth notes) in the key of G and the current chord is G if I omit the Fsharp and start the measure with either a--G or B or D ----then,every other note --in either direction is on the beat and correct chord==
pentatonic leaves my C note out --
I seldom improvise --
carry on your banjo travels
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