Explore scales · Bass
B neutral pentatonic scale on bass guitar
B neutral pentatonic contains B, C♯, E, F♯, and A. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 2 for a low, open feel.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the B neutral pentatonic scale on bass?
B neutral 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, 4 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
B neutral pentatonic in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 12 | C♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 12 | F♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B neutral pentatonic is B 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 B minor pentatonic to hear the difference.
When to use it
B neutral pentatonic fits B 5th and B suspended 2nd chords. Use it over E 5th and E 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 3, fret 2, giving easy access to the low B and a clear starting point.
Common questions
What notes are in B neutral pentatonic?
B neutral pentatonic contains B, C♯, E, F♯, and A. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 4, 5, and ♭7. It has no tritone or leading tone.
Which chords does B neutral pentatonic fit?
B neutral pentatonic fits B 5th and B suspended 2nd chords. It also works over E 5th and E suspended 2nd. The major 2nd creates a suspended, open sound.
How is B neutral pentatonic different from B minor pentatonic?
B neutral pentatonic raises the ♭3 of B minor pentatonic to a major 2nd. The other notes stay the same. This removes the minor quality and adds brightness.