Bass Guitar Scales
Pentatonic Minor

Bass Guitar Scales Pentatonic Minor

The pentatonic scale is perhaps the MOST used scales in rock and blues music.

This one is actually called "pentatonic minor" and is very useful, not only because it is easy, but because it sounds good in almost any combination of notes.

Think of the picture as holding your guitar in front of you, facing you. The dots show you where to put your fingers. Use only your 1st and 3rd fingers. Remember that your index finger is number one.

Play both notes on the 4th(on the left)string, then both notes on the 3rd string, etc. Then turn around and come back starting with the highest note (bottom note in the picture)on each string. Practice this scale until you can play it slowly and smoothly with NO SPACE between the notes.

This scale is a "G" pentatonic minor scale because it begins on "G". If you are not clear about the names of bass guitar notes, you will want to review Bass Guitar Basics.

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OK on to the next step in bass guitar scales--pentatonic minor form 2:

This one is a bit more complicated. Still use only your 1st and 3rd fingers, but this time if there are three notes on one string, you are going to SLIDE to the third note using your 3rd finger. Do NOT pick that note with your pick.

This scale is also a "G" scales because it starts on "G". What would it be called if you started on the 5th fret? If you said "A", then you are absolutely right.

Remember that these scales can start on any note and then that note will be the name of the scale.

Practice these bass guitar scales pentatonic minor, both positions, until you can play them smoothly and make them sound like music.

Then you will be ready to learn how to use scales as you learn to play bass guitar!

You may now proceed to Bass Guitar Major Scales

Leave "Bass Guitar Scales Pentatonic" and go to the Main Bass Lessons Index