Explore scales · Bass
A neutral pentatonic scale on bass guitar
A neutral pentatonic contains A, B, D, E, and G. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 for a low, open feel.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the A neutral pentatonic scale on bass?
A neutral 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, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A neutral pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
A neutral pentatonic is A minor pentatonic with the ♭3 raised to a major 2nd. The scale keeps the perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th, but the major 2nd replaces the minor 3rd. Compare it with A minor pentatonic to hear the difference.
When to use it
A neutral pentatonic fits A 5th and A suspended 2nd chords. Use it over D 5th and D suspended 2nd for a suspended sound. The major 2nd adds openness to rock and folk lines.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 5, giving easy access to the low A and a clear starting point.
Common questions
What notes are in A neutral pentatonic?
A neutral pentatonic contains A, B, D, E, and G. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 4, 5, and ♭7. It has no tritone or leading tone.
Which chords does A neutral pentatonic fit?
A neutral pentatonic fits A 5th and A suspended 2nd chords. It also works over D 5th and D suspended 2nd. The major 2nd creates a suspended, open sound.
How is A neutral pentatonic different from A minor pentatonic?
A neutral pentatonic raises the ♭3 of A minor pentatonic to a major 2nd. The other notes stay the same. This removes the minor quality and adds brightness.