I'm wondering how we count or label the scale degrees of the pentatonic scale. I know how the degrees relate back to the major or natural minor scales (1-2-3-5-6 or 1-b3-4-5-b7).

But in the context purely of the pentatonic scale, do we label the degrees as 1-2-3-4-5 as in the 4th degree of the minor pentatonic scale (which in reality would be the 5th degree of the natural minor scale)?

In general, for ease of clarity and communication, I think it's always best to refer to scale degrees in relation to their major/minor seven-note diatonic interval relationship. So I would think of the notes in the two common pentatonic scales like this:

Major: 1, 2, (maj)3, 5, (maj)6

Minor: 1, (min)3, 4, 5, (min)7

Keeping the diatonic scales – and really, when it comes down to it, the major scale – as the main reference against which all other relationships are measured tends to help mitigate a ton of confusion. Music terminology is already confusing and abstract enough without changing entire paradigms of scale and relationship. Keeping it consistent will help avoid train wrecks!

In my experience, most stick with traditional labeling based on the parent scale (i.e., 1-2-3-5-6 for major pentatonics and 1-b3-4-5-b7 for minor pentatonic). Using 1-2-3-4-5 as independent pentatonic degrees is more informal and shape-based. My $0.02; YMMV.

Respectfully,
Jason

Thanks guys for the quick clarification!! I will follow that best practice in my spelling