F# Flat Three Pentatonic Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
F# Flat Three Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Flat Three Pentatonic scale is a relatively rare jazz pentatonic scale. On Mandolin, it contains the notes F#, G#, A, C#, D#. 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: F#, G#, A, C#, D#
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 F# 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 F# Flat Three Pentatonic on Mandolin
Begin by locating F# 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 F# Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 4 sharps (F#, G#, C#, D#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the F# Flat Three Pentatonic scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in F#. Try a F#5 - C#5 - D#5 progression. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the F# 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 F# Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (F#, G#, A, C#, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F# Flat Three Pentatonic
The F# 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 F# Flat Three Pentatonic Further
- Browse chord progressions
- F# Flat Three Pentatonic on Guitar
- F# Flat Three Pentatonic on Ukulele
- F# Flat Three Pentatonic on Bass
- F# Flat Three Pentatonic on Piano