Explore scales · Bass
B minor pentatonic scale on bass guitar
B minor pentatonic uses B, D, E, F♯, and A. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 2 for a low, movable shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the B minor pentatonic scale on bass?
B minor pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 5 | F♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
B minor 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 E string at fret 7 and the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
B minor pentatonic drops the 2nd and 6th from B natural minor, leaving 1, ♭3, 4, 5, and ♭7. Add the ♭5 to create B blues minor. The scale spans 1½, whole, whole, 1½, and whole steps.
When to use it
B minor pentatonic fits B minor and B 5th chords. Use it for rock and metal bass lines in B minor keys. It also works over D major progressions.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 2, covering frets 2–5. This position sets up Box 2 on the same root.
Common questions
What notes are in B minor pentatonic?
B minor pentatonic contains B, D, E, F♯, and A. 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 B minor pentatonic fit?
B minor pentatonic fits B minor and B 5th chords. It also works over D major and D 5th chords. The scale's notes are all chord tones or common extensions.
How do I practice B minor pentatonic on bass?
Start with Box 1 on string 3, fret 2. Play the notes ascending and descending with a metronome. Then connect to Box 2 by sliding from A to B.