Make A yours.
Listen, find the notes, then play them back. Your keyboard is the instrument.
Start with Listen, then play the highlighted notes.
⌨ Lower octave: A W S E D F T G Y H U J · Upper: K O L P ; ' ] Z X C V B N. Click inside this studio before using computer keys. On phones, slide the keyboard to reach higher notes. Black keys show both common note names.
Download your current note pattern and tempo, or print a practice sheet.
What notes make up A minor pentatonic?
A minor pentatonic contains A, C, D, E, G. Its interval formula is 1 b3 4 5 b7. The numbers describe degrees relative to A; a flat lowers a degree by one semitone and a sharp raises it by one semitone.
| Degree | Note | Semitones from root |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 0 |
| ♭3 | C | 3 |
| 4 | D | 5 |
| 5 | E | 7 |
| ♭7 | G | 10 |
Spelling follows the interval formula. Double accidentals can be correct; a different-looking key name may sound at the same pitch.
A useful way to practice it
Alternate three-note phrases and use the root as a clear point of rest.
- Find A first. Say the remaining notes aloud: C, D, E, G.
- Play the pattern slowly from the root to the octave. Keep the pulse steady before increasing your speed.
- Return downward using the same reference collection. Pause at each semitone pair to hear the smaller interval.
- Download the MIDI to loop the example, or print the PDF and mark your own comfortable fingering.
The diagrams show notes and intervals rather than a prescribed fingering. Choose a fingering suited to your hand and discuss technical questions with your teacher.
Two registers, one pattern
Compare the same scale in two registers. The pitch names and interval relationships remain unchanged.
Middle register
Upper register
Using the files
The PDF includes every displayed position. SVG diagrams stay sharp when resized, and MIDI files contain the reference notes rather than a recording. Playback uses a simple synthesized tone; your MIDI app can use a different piano sound.
These diagrams are generated from the interval formula shown above. Read how our references are made →
Published · Original Artistry Piano reference · Report a correction