Description:
The pentatonic scale has just 5 tones. You’ll notice it sounds very similar to the major scale, but with some notes missing. If you play a major scale, eliminating steps 4 and 7, you have the pentatonic scale! This is a popular scale to use when riffing, both in pop and other pop-influenced styles.
Here’s our first pattern, with a directional change for fun [3–2123]. Staccato, then legato. Let’s practice!
Exercise 1: 3–2123 x2 (staccato, legato)
Add one note on the top, and we have [5–321]. We’ll skip the directional change this time. There are 4 pitches, you can count as you sing staccato and then legato. Put it together
Exercise 2: 5–321 x2 (staccato, legato)
One more pattern, and this is a classic. Once you learn it here, check out the short lesson on our YouTube channel titled “the first run you should learn” - it’s this one, and we practice it within a few real song examples.
Exercise 3: 6–5321 x2 (staccato, legato)
Good job! In the last lesson, we’ll learn two of my favorite techniques: pulses and bends.
Audio:
Lessons:
- 1: Welcome
-
2:
Warmup
-
3:
Major Scale Patterns
-
4:
Pentatonic Scale Patterns
-
5:
Pulses & Bends
-
6:
Conclusion
Instructor: Camille van Niekerk
Camille van Niekerk is a singer, writer and vocal instructor in Southern California. Camille began studying voice and performing in musicals at age seven. In 2010, Camille began working towards her BA in Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. She then earned her teaching credential from San Diego State University and taught classroom choral and instrumental music. Shortly after moving to LA county, Camille began her private vocal studio, providing vocal coaching, ear training, and recording for students of all ages. She is constantly refining her skills and methods for greater versatility and effectiveness. When she is not teaching, Camille enjoys singing with the L.A. Choral Lab and Ensoma Creative. She lives in San Diego with her husband and loves going to the beach, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking.