Lesson LEG024 Scales question.

[rolloman]

I understand the technique and mechanics of moving a minor pentatonic scale down 3 frets to get the major scale. Sad to Happy sound difference. I don’t understand how it works because for example: The A Minor Pentatonic scale moved down 3 frets is the A major scale. Isn’t then the notes in this A major scale the same notes as what would be the F# Minor Pentatonic scale which would yield sad sounding note combinations? A brief (if possible) explanation of the theory behind this would be much appreciated. I use this technique all the time and it does work just like Brian shows.

Thanks.

[rolloman]

Ok after writing the above question the CAGED system came to mind. Is that related to this somehow and pentatonic scales can only come from the C, A, G, E, and D root notes?

[charjo]

@rolloman, this is the concept of parallel and relative scales.
Parallel scales are two scales that start on the same note but the notes are different, ie. like A major pentatonic and A minor pentatonic.
Relative scales start on different notes but contain all the same notes. Starting on a different note in the scale, changes the sequence of whole steps and half steps.
The A major scale is A, B, C#,D, E, F#, G#, A. If you started playing the A major scale on the 6th tone, the sequence of whole and half steps yields the F# minor scale. The F# minor scale is said to be “relative” to A major. The F# minor pentatonic is simply a briefer version of the F# minor scale.
Now, the F# minor pentatonic scale will contain all the same notes as A major pentatonic. If you start playing the F# minor pentatonic on the A note and keep resolving to the A note you are playing the A major pentatonic (if you keep resolving to the F# as your root you are playing the F#minor pentatonic).
A down to F# is 3 frets, and that is where the drop down 3 frets to get from the minor to the major comes from.
See, it’s easier to just accept it and move down three frets.
John

[Doug T]

Simply 😉 your tone note (scale note) changes, so sad F# is the same as happy A. Its all in the take off and landing 🙂

[Don D.]

Here’s how I hear it. The same notes sound different on top of different chords–it’s relative to the chords of the song.

Don D.

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