Explore scales · Bass
E minor pentatonic scale on bass guitar
E minor pentatonic uses E, G, A, B, and D. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 7 for a high, open sound.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the E minor pentatonic scale on bass?
E minor 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 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, 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
E 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 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) | 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
E minor pentatonic derives from E natural minor by removing the 2nd and 6th degrees. The result is 1, ♭3, 4, 5, and ♭7. Add the ♭5 to form E blues minor.
When to use it
E minor pentatonic fits E minor and E 5th chords. Use it for rock and blues bass lines in E minor keys. It also works over G major progressions.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 7, covering frets 0–3. This position sets up Box 2 on the same root.
Common questions
What notes are in E minor pentatonic?
E minor pentatonic contains E, G, A, B, and D. 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 E minor pentatonic fit?
E minor pentatonic fits E minor and E 5th chords. It also works over G major and G 5th chords. The scale's notes are all chord tones or common extensions.
How do I practice E minor pentatonic on bass?
Start with Box 1 on string 3, fret 7. Play the notes ascending and descending with a metronome. Then connect to Box 2 by sliding from D to E.