Explore scales · Bass
G neutral pentatonic scale on bass guitar
G neutral pentatonic contains G, A, C, D, and F. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 3 for a low, open feel.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the G neutral pentatonic scale on bass?
G neutral pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 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, 8 | A, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 8 | D, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
G neutral 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, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
G neutral pentatonic is G 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 G minor pentatonic to hear the difference.
When to use it
G neutral pentatonic fits G 5th and G suspended 2nd chords. Use it over C 5th and C 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 4, fret 3, giving easy access to the low G and a clear starting point.
Common questions
What notes are in G neutral pentatonic?
G neutral pentatonic contains G, A, C, D, and F. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 4, 5, and ♭7. It has no tritone or leading tone.
Which chords does G neutral pentatonic fit?
G neutral pentatonic fits G 5th and G suspended 2nd chords. It also works over C 5th and C suspended 2nd. The major 2nd creates a suspended, open sound.
How is G neutral pentatonic different from G minor pentatonic?
G neutral pentatonic raises the ♭3 of G minor pentatonic to a major 2nd. The other notes stay the same. This removes the minor quality and adds brightness.