Explore scales · Bass
G minor pentatonic scale on bass guitar
G minor pentatonic uses G, B♭, C, D, and F. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 3 for a low, movable shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the G minor pentatonic scale on bass?
G minor pentatonic 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 5. 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, 6 | G, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
G minor pentatonic in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 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 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) | 10, 13 | D, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 13 | G, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
G minor pentatonic drops the 2nd and 6th from G natural minor, leaving 1, ♭3, 4, 5, and ♭7. Add the ♭5 to create G blues minor. The scale spans 1½, whole, whole, 1½, and whole steps.
When to use it
G minor pentatonic fits G minor and G 5th chords. Use it for rock and blues bass lines in G minor keys. It also works over B♭ major progressions.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root sits on string 4, fret 3, covering frets 3–6. This position sets up Box 2 on the same root.
Common questions
What notes are in G minor pentatonic?
G minor pentatonic contains G, B♭, C, D, and F. These are the 1, ♭3, 4, 5, and ♭7 degrees. The scale omits the 2nd and 6th from the natural minor scale.
Which chords does G minor pentatonic fit?
G minor pentatonic fits G minor and G 5th chords. It also works over B♭ major and B♭ 5th chords. The scale's notes are all chord tones or common extensions.
How do I practice G minor pentatonic on bass?
Start with Box 1 on string 4, fret 3. Play the notes ascending and descending with a metronome. Then connect to Box 2 by sliding from F to G.