Coltrane Pentatonic

We introduced the Coltrane Pentatonic scale in System Nine. The Coltrane Pentatonic is a 5-note scale that was widely used by the saxophone genius John Coltrane, and many others. It is a wonderful scale that can be used over m7b5 (it is probably best called the m7b5 pentatonic) and dominant 7th chords but is often heard over a minor chord, replacing the traditional minor pentatonic. The Coltrane Pentatonic can be seen as a minor pentatonic with a b5. So the Coltrane pentatonic would consist of the intervals, R, m3, P4, b5, and b7. When used over a minor chord, you’d use the Coltrane pentatonic down a minor 3rd.  So, for instance, over an Am chord you can use the F#m7b5 pentatonic (Coltrane Pentatonic). The tones of the Coltrane Pentatonic would then be R, 2nd, m3, P5, and M6 over the minor chord, giving it a dorian sound. The M6 is what really gives the Coltrane Pentatonic scale a unique tonal quality, and it is often heard in the blues and over funk grooves, giving a ii V type of harmonic backbone.

Each week we will play through all forms of the Coltrane Pentatonic scale.