Explore scales · Bass
E neutral pentatonic scale on bass guitar
E neutral pentatonic contains E, F♯, A, B, and D. Box 1 places the root on string 2, fret 2 for a compact shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the E neutral pentatonic scale on bass?
E 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 D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 5 | F♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E neutral 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, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
E neutral pentatonic is E 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 E minor pentatonic to hear the difference.
When to use it
E neutral pentatonic fits E 5th and E suspended 2nd chords. Use it over A 5th and A 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 2, fret 2, giving a compact shape that avoids open strings.
Common questions
What notes are in E neutral pentatonic?
E neutral pentatonic contains E, F♯, A, B, and D. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 4, 5, and ♭7. It has no tritone or leading tone.
Which chords does E neutral pentatonic fit?
E neutral pentatonic fits E 5th and E suspended 2nd chords. It also works over A 5th and A suspended 2nd. The major 2nd creates a suspended, open sound.
How is E neutral pentatonic different from E minor pentatonic?
E neutral pentatonic raises the ♭3 of E minor pentatonic to a major 2nd. The other notes stay the same. This removes the minor quality and adds brightness.