pentatonic scale

[ pen-tuh-ton-ik, pen- ]

noun

, Music.

1. a scale having five tones to an octave, as one having intervals that correspond to the five black keys of a piano octave.

pentatonic scale

/ ˌpɛntəˈtɒnɪk /

noun

1. music any of several scales consisting of five notes, the most commonly encountered one being composed of the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth degrees of the major diatonic scale

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentatonic scale¹

First recorded in 1860–65; penta- + tonic

Example Sentences

The pentatonic scale is a simple concept—just five notes (do, re, mi, so, la) we all learned as children.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed traces of the pentatonic scale are not infrequently met with, especially in the tunes attached to the earlier ballads.

From Project Gutenberg

It is cast in the relative minor (C) of the pentatonic scale of E♭ major.

From Project Gutenberg

"The Lark" is written in the pentatonic scale, with accompaniment for two flutes and a harp.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pentatonic Scale was in ancient times apparently more universally in use than it is at present.

From Project Gutenberg

Although not confined to the intervals of the pentatonic scale, the number is distinctly pentatonic in character.

From Project Gutenberg