Definition

Relating to a musical scale that consists of five specific notes, often omitting the fourth and seventh notes of a standard scale.

Example

The song was composed using a pentatonic scale, giving it a unique sound.

Conversation

Have you ever tried playing a pentatonic scale on the guitar?

Yeah, I love how simple and melodic it sounds!

I think it really makes improvisation easier too, right?

Definitely! It opens up so many creative possibilities.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pentatonic → It is formed from "penta-" (from Greek "pente", meaning five) and "tonic" (from Greek "tonos", meaning tone). The word "pentatonic" refers to a musical scale that consists of five tones.

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'penta-' meaning five, and remember that a pentatonic scale has five distinct tones.

Visually Confused Words