The major pentatonic scale consists of the same notes as the major scale, except the 4th and 7th notes are omitted.
* To simplify, the same symbol is used for both the Root note and its octave as it has the same note name.
Notice the similarity between the major pentatonic scale and the major sixth chord arpeggio. All the notes of the major sixth chord are found in the major pentatonic scale.
The previous diagram shows only one of the many possible ways of playing the major pentatonic scale over two octaves.
There are several options and fingerings for this scale that use exactly the same notes, but on different locations on the fretboard.
Memorize these patterns as they are the basis of many bass lines, runs, fills, licks and solos. Experiment with them and create your own ideas.
Example 51 is a bass run that uses all the notes of the G major pentatonic scale.