Explore scales · Bass
A natural minor scale on bass guitar
A natural minor uses A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 for a low, open sound.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the A natural minor scale on bass?
A natural minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 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, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–5
A natural minor in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A natural minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 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, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A natural minor in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
A natural minor in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
A natural minor derives from A minor pentatonic by adding B and F. The scale follows W, H, W, W, H, W, W. Those two added notes create the ♭6 and 9 intervals. Compare with A minor pentatonic to hear the difference.
When to use it
A natural minor fits A minor and A 5th chords. Use it over progressions like Am–F–C–G. The scale suits rock, folk, and classical bass lines. Try it with A minor or A 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 5, giving easy access to the low register.
Common questions
What notes are in A natural minor?
A natural minor contains A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. The scale follows the pattern W, H, W, W, H, W, W. Play these notes from A to A to hear the natural minor sound.
Which chords fit A natural minor?
A natural minor works over A minor and A 5th chords. It also fits progressions in the key of A minor. Use it with chords built from the scale, like F major and G major.
How does A natural minor differ from A minor pentatonic?
A natural minor adds two notes to A minor pentatonic: B and F. These notes create the 9th and ♭6 intervals. The pentatonic scale has five notes, while natural minor has seven.