The difference between diatonic and pentatonic scales.

1. What is the difference between the diatonic and pentatonic scales?

This is a great guitar theory question. The term diatonic basically means two tones. This refers to the two different kinds of steps that occur in major scales, whole-step and half-step. The word is also used to indicate when something stems from one key. For example, "this riff is all diatonic" means that all of its notes are straight out of the parent major scale. Or, "this guitar solo is not diatonic" means that it features notes that are not part of the parent major scale (like chromatic passing tones).

Pentatonic scale patterns are not considered diatonic because they are not based on a two step formula. And they don't have seven notes like major scales do.

2. How can I play a major pentatonic scale over a song that uses chords from the major scale?

The pentatonic scale follows the root chord in a progression. The root is the tonal center of a song and usually where everything starts and ends. If the root chord is major, then you can play the same major pentatonic scale over the whole progression. If the root chord is minor, then you can play the same minor pentatonic scale over the whole progression.

For example, the song "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton is based on a 1 5 4 5 (G D C D) chord progression in the key of G. The G chord is the root since everything pulls to and resolves on it. So you can play G major pentatonic scale patterns over the whole song. Just position pentatonic pattern one so that the second note is G (the relative minor is E).

The guitar solo to "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin is based on a 6 5 4 chord progression in C, with the 6 chord Am functioning as the root. So you can play Am pentatonic patterns over the whole progression. Just position pentatonic pattern one so that the first note is A.

In order to use the correct major scale, you must take the whole progression into account, not just the root. So in the first example play G major scale patterns. In the second play C major scale patterns (Am is the relative minor).

Pentatonic and major scales are taught in Fretboard Theory Chapters 2 and 5. Roots, keys and applying scales is taught in Chapter 7.

Difference Between Pentatonic & Major Scales For Guitar

If the pentatonic scale pattern is built inside the
major scale pattern, what's the point of learning the
pentatonic? If you learn the major scale, you
automatically learn also the pentatonic, right?

This is a great question about learning guitar scales. I could add to it, "If all scales are derived from the chromatic scale, what's the point of learning anything else? If you learn every chromatic note on the guitar fretboard, you're touching on any and all types of scales."

Of course, is doesn't work this way. Guitar scales make unique patterns on the fretboard. If you want to create pentatonic sounds, you must know which major scale notes to skip over, hence pentatonic scale patterns.

Since the pentatonic scale notes alone are so widely used for melodies, riffs, solos and bass lines, it's critical for guitar players to map out and learn just these notes on the neck. It's also critical for players to learn how to execute techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides and bends with the special two-notes-per-string pentatonic patterns.

Play Until Yer Fingers Bleed!
Desi Serna (Google me!)
http://www.Guitar-Music-Theory.com
Scales, Chords, Progressions, and More

Connecting Pentatonic Scale Patterns For Guitar

I want to move through all the notes in succession all the way through the neck for a particular key. When you move from pattern 1 all the way through to pattern 5 using the major or minor pentatonic scales, how do I ensure I move to the next note for the next pattern?

This is a common music theory question about learning pentatonic scales for guitar that basically asks whether or not there is a "correct" way to finish one pattern and then start the next. In addition, some guitarists wonder if they should connect the patterns in a continuous manner so that they don't skip or repeat any notes.

The answer to both questions is no. Players should just play up and down a pattern in one position and then move up the guitar neck to the next, restart, and play up and down the new pattern in the new position. At this stage you're just trying to train yourself to access the scale notes in any position, or "map out" the guitar fretboard.

After you have memorized and can play all five pentatonic scale patterns ascending and descending you need to transpose to new keys and practice connecting the patterns again.

The final step is to put the patterns to use by learning lots of pentatonic scale songs. Pentatonic melodies, riffs, lead guitar solos, and bass lines will be in various keys and move through the patterns in various ways including starting and stopping, reversing direction, skipping and repeating notes, and shifting positions. Through this song learning process you'll develop a practical understanding of the guitar theory behind applying the pentatonic scale, both major and minor, to different music styles.

Play Until Yer Fingers Bleed!
Mr. Desi Serna (Google me!)
http://www.Guitar-Music-Theory.com
Pentatonic/CAGED/Progressions/Modes