Explore scales · Bass
C neutral pentatonic scale on bass guitar
C neutral pentatonic contains C, D, F, G, and B♭. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 3 for a compact shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the C neutral pentatonic scale on bass?
C neutral pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 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 A string at fret 3 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 6 | G, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
C neutral pentatonic in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 8 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 D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 13 | D, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 13 | G, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
C neutral pentatonic is C 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 C minor pentatonic to hear the difference.
When to use it
C neutral pentatonic fits C 5th and C suspended 2nd chords. Use it over F 5th and F 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 3, giving a compact shape that avoids open strings.
Common questions
What notes are in C neutral pentatonic?
C neutral pentatonic contains C, D, F, G, and B♭. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 4, 5, and ♭7. It has no tritone or leading tone.
Which chords does C neutral pentatonic fit?
C neutral pentatonic fits C 5th and C suspended 2nd chords. It also works over F 5th and F suspended 2nd. The major 2nd creates a suspended, open sound.
How is C neutral pentatonic different from C minor pentatonic?
C neutral pentatonic raises the ♭3 of C minor pentatonic to a major 2nd. The other notes stay the same. This removes the minor quality and adds brightness.