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G scottish pentatonic scale on bass guitar
G scottish pentatonic uses G, A, C, D, and E. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 3 for a low open-string position.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
How do you play the G scottish pentatonic scale on bass?
G scottish 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, 3 | A, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G scottish 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, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Why it sounds like that
Build it from G major pentatonic by raising the third B to C. The intervals become 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 with steps W, 1½, W, W, 1½. Compare with G major pentatonic to hear the suspended fourth. This scale omits the third and seventh, giving an open, modal color.
When to use it
Use it over G 5th and G suspended 2nd chords for a bright, open sound. It fits folk and rock grooves in G major or G mixolydian contexts. Try it over G 5th or G suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. It keeps the root under your first finger on string 4, fret 3 and covers frets 0–3 for easy access to the low register.
Common questions
What notes are in G scottish pentatonic?
The notes are G, A, C, D, and E. 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 G scottish pentatonic?
G 5th and G 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 G scottish pentatonic differ from G major pentatonic?
G scottish pentatonic raises the third B to C. This replaces the major third with a perfect fourth. The resulting scale has a suspended, open quality.