A British folk or folk rock group who also included blues, jazz and even some soft psychedelia influences.

Formed in late 1966 or early 1967 (accounts vary), Pentangle was built around guitarists Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, who were already established on the folk circuit and had recorded an album together (Bert and John). Jansch was more inclined toward blues and contemporary songwriting than Renbourn, who was stronger in traditional British folk music. They were joined by vocalist Jacqui McShee, an established figure on the traditional circuit, who had been working with Renbourn for a year and had appeared on his album Another Monday. The quintet was completed by Danny Thompson (bass) and Terry Cox (drums), both of Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated.

Pentangle's first 3 albums - The Pentangle (1968), Sweet Child (1968) and Basket of Light (1969) - are their best and arguably their only really good ones. They included both original and traditional folk material as well as jazz influences such as Mingus' Goodbye Pork Pie Hat. The song Light Flight had considerable commercial success as the theme song to the UK television series Take Three Girls. However, despite an undoubted dexterity and the introduction of muted electric instruments, subsequent releases were marred by a sense of sterility, and lacked the passion of concurrent releases undertaken by the two guitarists.

Pentangle was disbanded in 1973, following which Thompson began a partnership with John Martyn and has remained active as a session musician, in addition to recording some work of his own for the Hannibal label. Cox had a lucrative session career before backing French singer Charles Aznavour. Jansch continued his solo career, while McShee fronted the John Renbourn Band between 1974-81.

The original Pentangle reconvened the following year for a European and Australian tour. Defections owing to outside commitments led to considerable changes. Renbourn was replaced by Mike Piggott (violin and guitar) and Open The Door was recorded in 1983.

McShee , Jansch , Cox and Piggott were joined by Nigel Porttnan-Smith (bass) for In The Round (1985), but by 1986 Piggott and Cox had departed and were replaced by Rod Clements (guitar, mandolin) and Gerry Conway (drums) to record So Early in the Spring (1988). Peter Kirtly (guitar) now featured in the group to replace Rod Clements. This particular line-up continued, recording Think Of Tomorrow (1991), One More Road (1993) and a live album in Germany, Pentangle Live `94.