Explore scales · Bass
E natural minor scale on bass guitar
E natural minor uses E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D. Box 1 places the root on string 2, fret 2 for an open-friendly position.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the E natural minor scale on bass?
E natural minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 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, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E natural minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 12 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
E natural minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 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) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E natural minor in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 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, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
E natural minor in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 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 E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
E natural minor derives from E minor pentatonic by adding F♯ and C. The scale follows W, H, W, W, H, W, W. Those two added notes create the 9 and ♭6 intervals. Compare with E minor pentatonic to hear the difference.
When to use it
E natural minor fits E minor and E 5th chords. Use it over progressions like Em–C–G–D. The scale suits rock, blues, and classical bass lines. Try it with E minor or E 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 2, fret 2, giving easy access to open strings.
Common questions
What notes are in E natural minor?
E natural minor contains E, F♯, G, A, B, C, and D. The scale follows the pattern W, H, W, W, H, W, W. Play these notes from E to E to hear the natural minor sound.
Which chords fit E natural minor?
E natural minor works over E minor and E 5th chords. It also fits progressions in the key of E minor. Use it with chords built from the scale, like C major and D major.
How does E natural minor differ from E minor pentatonic?
E natural minor adds two notes to E minor pentatonic: F♯ and C. These notes create the 9th and ♭6 intervals. The pentatonic scale has five notes, while natural minor has seven.