A pentatonic scale is a musical scale that consists of five notes per octave. It is commonly used in various musical genres, including blues, rock, and folk. The simplicity of the pentatonic scale makes it easy to play and understand, which is why it is often one of the first scales taught to beginner musicians. There are two main types of pentatonic scales: the major pentatonic and the minor pentatonic. The major pentatonic scale has a bright and uplifting sound, while the minor pentatonic scale has a more somber and bluesy feel. Both scales are widely used in improvisation and composition across different cultures and styles.