Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Major Pentatonic Scale in C Standard Tuning

A Major Pentatonic Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same a major pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: A, B, C#, E, F#
Formula: 1 2 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 4 7 9
Tuning: C F Bb Eb G C
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to C4
24-fret range: C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

None of the 6 open strings belongs to A Major Pentatonic Scale. Every scale tone must therefore be fretted, beginning with the first available tone on the low C string.

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 4, 6, 9, and 11, with the A root at fret 9. On the highest C string, the first A is at fret 9.

Fret 1C#3

Fret 4E5

Fret 6F#6

Fret 9A1

Fret 11B2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Major Pentatonic Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 4, 6, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest A root each time the line changes strings.
Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.