Explore scales · Bass
E scottish pentatonic scale on bass guitar
E scottish pentatonic uses E, F♯, A, B, and C♯. Box 1 starts on string 2, fret 2, keeping the root under your middle finger.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
How do you play the E scottish pentatonic scale on bass?
E scottish 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, 4 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
E scottish pentatonic in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 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, 12 | C♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 12 | F♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Derived from E major pentatonic by raising the third G♯ to A. The intervals are 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 with steps W, 1½, W, W, 1½. Compare with E major pentatonic to hear the suspended fourth. This scale lacks the third and seventh, giving a neutral, airy quality.
When to use it
Use it over E 5th and E suspended 2nd chords for a bright, open sound. It fits folk and rock grooves in E major or E mixolydian contexts. Try it over E 5th or E suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. It keeps the root under your first finger on string 2, fret 2 and covers frets 2–5 for easy access to the low register.
Common questions
What notes are in E scottish pentatonic?
The notes are E, F♯, A, B, and C♯. The scale omits the third and seventh, creating an open sound. It is built from the major pentatonic with a raised third.
Which chords work with E scottish pentatonic?
E 5th and E suspended 2nd chords fit well. The scale's fourth and second degrees match sus2 voicings. Avoid chords with a major third unless you want tension.
How does E scottish pentatonic differ from E major pentatonic?
E scottish pentatonic raises the third G♯ to A. This replaces the major third with a perfect fourth. The resulting scale has a suspended, open quality.