Explore scales · Bass
E acoustic scale on bass guitar
E acoustic contains E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D. Box 2 keeps the root on string 3, fret 7 for a mid-neck run.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the E acoustic scale on bass?
E acoustic 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 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 0 and the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2 | A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 3 | G♯, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E acoustic in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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 D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4 | A♯, B |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E acoustic in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
E acoustic in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the E string at fret 6 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 8, 9 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
E acoustic in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 E string at fret 12 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E acoustic is the fourth mode of B melodic minor, built 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7. The ♯4 creates a tritone against the root, and the ♭7 removes the leading tone. Compare it to E mixolydian, which lowers the ♯4 to a perfect 4th.
When to use it
E acoustic fits E major and E 5th chords, and works over E7 in jazz-blues. The ♯4 adds a Lydian colour over dominant chords; resolve it to the 5th for a smooth line. Use it for fusion or modal rock in E.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 2 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 7, covering frets 2–5. It places the ♯4 on string 2 for easy hammer-ons.
Common questions
What notes are in E acoustic?
E acoustic contains E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D. The formula is 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7.
Which chords does E acoustic fit?
E acoustic fits E major and E 5th chords. It also works over E7 in dominant contexts.
Is E acoustic the same as E mixolydian?
No. E acoustic has a ♯4 (A♯), while E mixolydian has a perfect 4th (A). The other six notes are identical.