A Flat Three Pentatonic Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A Flat Three Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Flat Three Pentatonic scale is a relatively rare jazz pentatonic scale. On Mandolin, it contains the notes A, B, C, E, F#. It is an effective tool for navigating blues changes, providing a unique way to differentiate between the different chords of a progression with a quirky, minor-key twist. Commonly used in Jazz, Blues, Experimental. Notable players include Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter. Use over m7, m7b5 chords. Effective for differentiating chords within a blues progression.
Notes: A, B, C, E, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5
Formula: W-H-4-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: kumoi
Musical Character
A rare jazz pentatonic that provides an unusual minor-key twist for navigating blues changes with a more angular, modern approach.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Blues, Experimental
Notable players: Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter
How to Use the A Flat Three Pentatonic Scale
Use over m7, m7b5 chords. Effective for differentiating chords within a blues progression.
Origin & Background
A modern jazz construction for players looking beyond standard pentatonic vocabulary.
How to Play A Flat Three Pentatonic on Mandolin
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Flat Three Pentatonic scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 1 sharp (F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the A Flat Three Pentatonic scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in A. Try a A5 - E5 - F#5 progression. This scale is especially effective in blues contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the A Flat Three Pentatonic scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 5 notes before building speed. Aim for a quirky quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (A, B, C, E, F#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Flat Three Pentatonic
The A Flat Three Pentatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A Flat Three Pentatonic Further
- Browse chord progressions
- A Flat Three Pentatonic on Guitar
- A Flat Three Pentatonic on Ukulele
- A Flat Three Pentatonic on Bass
- A Flat Three Pentatonic on Piano