Explore scales · Bass
G major pentatonic scale on bass guitar
G major pentatonic contains G, A, B, D, and E. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 3 and string 2, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the G major pentatonic scale on bass?
G major 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 3 and the G string at fret 0.
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
G major 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 10.
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
G major pentatonic drops the fourth and seventh degrees from G major, leaving 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. The intervals are 0, 2, 4, 7, and 9 semitones, producing steps of W, W, 1½, W, 1½. This five-note structure avoids half-step dissonance.
When to use it
G major pentatonic fits G major and G 5th chords. It works over G major progressions and is common in rock and country bass lines.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root under your first finger on string 4, fret 3 and covers frets 0–3.
Common questions
What notes are in G major pentatonic?
G major pentatonic contains G, A, B, D, and E. These are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th degrees of G major. The scale omits the 4th and 7th degrees.
Which chords does G major pentatonic fit?
G major pentatonic fits G major and G 5th chords. It also works over G major progressions. Use it for bass lines in major keys.
How do I practise G major pentatonic?
Start with Box 1 and play the notes ascending and descending. Use a metronome at 60 bpm and gradually increase speed. Connect to Box 2 by shifting to the next root position.