Explore scales · Bass
A minor pentatonic scale on bass guitar
A minor pentatonic uses A, C, D, E, and G. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 for a low, compact line.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the A minor pentatonic scale on bass?
A minor pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A minor pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Why it sounds like that
A minor pentatonic drops the 2nd and 6th from A natural minor, leaving 1, ♭3, 4, 5, and ♭7. Add the ♭5 to create A blues minor. The scale spans 1½, whole, whole, 1½, and whole steps.
When to use it
A minor pentatonic fits A minor and A 5th chords. Use it for rock, blues, and funk bass lines in A minor keys. It also works over C major progressions.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root sits on string 4, fret 5, covering frets 0–3. This position sets up Box 2 on the same root.
Common questions
What notes are in A minor pentatonic?
A minor pentatonic contains A, C, D, E, and G. These are the 1, ♭3, 4, 5, and ♭7 degrees. The scale omits the 2nd and 6th from the natural minor scale.
Which chords does A minor pentatonic fit?
A minor pentatonic fits A minor and A 5th chords. It also works over C major and C 5th chords. The scale's notes are all chord tones or common extensions.
How do I practice A minor pentatonic on bass?
Start with Box 1 on string 4, fret 5. Play the notes ascending and descending with a metronome. Then connect to Box 2 by sliding from G to A.