Hi guys,

Today we continue Superimposing with minor pentatonics over major type chords!
It is essential that you 1st read the thread where I covered everything regarding Superimposing technique as well as pentatonic and major scale harmony. You can find this post HERE

Now that you are finished reading everything, it is time to introduce you to Superimposing with minor pentatonics over major chords!

Major chords in major scale harmony

In any major scale when we consider 3 part harmony, we have major chords on scale degrees I, IV and V. When it comes to 4 part harmony we have Major 7th chords on scale degrees I and IV and Dominant 7th chord on V scale degree.

Lets take a quick look at C major harmony to confirm this :

C major scale harmony

I = C maj 4 part C maj7
II = D min 4 part D min7
III = E min 4 part E min7
IV = F maj 4 part F maj7
V = G maj 4 part G7
VI = A min 4 part A min7
VII = B dim 4 part B min7b5


Now, since we already learned how to use minor pentatonics over minor type chords, all we have to do is apply the same knowledge for majors!
In other words, always find original key of the major scale and from then on find minor pentatonics that are on scale degrees II, III and VI!
Ok, lets take C major chord as example and find its original key.

If C major is I chord, we are then obviously in key of C major. In key of C major, II, III and VI scale degree are D, E and A notes from which we can also play minor pentatonics.
Here is a layout of that.

C major or C major7th as I = C major
II = D minor pentatonic
III = E minor pentatonic
VI = A minor pentatonic

Conclusion : For C major to sound as I chord (Ionian mode) we need to use D, E and A minor pentatonic. A minor pentatonic is actually related to C major chord so that one is not really superimposing anything! We would instead use D and/or E minor pentatonic!


If C major or C major7th is IV chord, we are then we go down a perfect 4th to find original major scale. Original major scale in this case is G major. In key of G major, II, III and VI scale degree are A, B and E notes from which we can also play minor pentatonics.
Here is a layout of that.

C major or C major7th as IV = G major scale
II = A minor pentatonic
III = B minor pentatonic
VI = E minor pentatonic

Conclusion : For C major or C major7th to sound as IV chord (Lydian mode) we need to use A, B and E minor pentatonic. A minor pentatonic is actually related to C major chord so that one is not really superimposing anything! We would instead use B and/or E minor pentatonic!



If C major is V chord, we need to go down a perfect 5th (power chord shape) or up a perfect 4th. Our original key is F major. In key of F major, II, III and VI scale degree are G, A and D notes from which we can also play minor pentatonics.
Here is a layout of that.

C major or C7 as V = F major scale
II = G minor pentatonic
III = A minor pentatonic
VI = D minor pentatonic

Conclusion : For C major or C7 (dominant 7th) to sound as V chord (Mixolydian mode) we need to use G, A and D minor pentatonic. A minor pentatonic is actually related to C major chord so that one is not really superimposing anything! We would instead use G and/or D minor pentatonic!



This is all the information you need to work on your current assignment. If you do have questions, feel free to ask them here or in your MTP threads.

Pedja

Awesome stuff, Pedja! Very practical in it's application! Thanks, man!

Thank you Tom, glad you found it useful ! I hope members will enjoy working with this material

You make it so easy to understand ..Great explanation .. Thanks pedjazz

You welcome Zen!

This will be your first 2 assignments for February. I will announce your new threads by Monday latest with all the info.

Excellent, Pedja Now do melodic minor (and backing tracks for all these things! )

Very good info Pedja

It easy to comprehend

Thx for posting this.

This is definitely on the menu in the future just be patient a bit



Thank you very much Robert. I am glad it works for you!