Explore scales · Bass
G acoustic scale on bass guitar
G acoustic contains G, A, B, C♯, D, E, F. Box 5 keeps the root on string 4, fret 15 for a high-position shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the G acoustic scale on bass?
G acoustic 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 3 and the G string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
G acoustic in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 3 and the D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G acoustic 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 D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G acoustic 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 F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
G acoustic in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 10 and the G string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
Why it sounds like that
G acoustic is the fourth mode of D 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 G mixolydian, which lowers the ♯4 to a perfect 4th.
When to use it
G acoustic fits G major and G 5th chords, and works over G7 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 G.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 5 first: the root sits on string 4, fret 15, covering frets 9–12. It places the ♯4 on string 2 for easy slides.
Common questions
What notes are in G acoustic?
G acoustic contains G, A, B, C♯, D, E, F. The formula is 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7.
Which chords does G acoustic fit?
G acoustic fits G major and G 5th chords. It also works over G7 in dominant contexts.
Is G acoustic the same as G mixolydian?
No. G acoustic has a ♯4 (C♯), while G mixolydian has a perfect 4th (C). The other six notes are identical.