In which musical genres is the pentatonic scale commonly used?

The pentatonic scale is widely used in folk, rock, and blues music primarily due to its simplicity and versatility. This five-note scale is a fundamental element in various cultures' traditional music styles, making it a natural fit for folk genres. In rock music, the pentatonic scale provides a solid foundation for lead guitar solos and catchy melodies, giving songs a distinct, memorable quality. The blues genre heavily relies on the pentatonic scale, especially the blues scale, which adds expressive pitches with characteristic bends and slides, enhancing the emotional depth of the music.

This scale's broad appeal and ease of use across different styles contribute to its prevalence in these genres, making it a staple for composers and performers. Other genres, like classical and opera, often utilize more complex scales and harmonies, while jazz and metal tend to incorporate a wider array of scales and modal variations, and electronic and pop music may also draw on a variety of influences, but the pentatonic scale finds its strongest representation in folk, rock, and blues.