Scale
C major pentatonic scale on piano
The C major pentatonic scale is C, D, E, G, A, returning to C. It uses only white keys, which is why it is one of the first scales most people learn. The usual right-hand fingering is 1 2 3 1 2 3, tucking the thumb under after the third note.
C · D · E · G · A
What is the fingering for the C major pentatonic scale?
Right hand: 1 2 3 1 2 3. Start with the thumb on C and tuck it under after the third note so the hand can carry on without stopping. The left hand mirrors it, starting with the little finger.
Why learn this scale?
A scale is the set of notes a piece is built from. Learning C major pentatonic means the notes of any piece in that key are already under your fingers, and the chords come from the same set. It is pattern practice, not a test.
Open the scale explorer to see any scale drawn on a keyboard, or practise reading it on the note trainer.