F# Selisir Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
F# Selisir Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Selisir scale is the principal pentatonic mode of the Indonesian pelog system, serving as the default sonic world of Javanese and Balinese ceremonial gamelan music. On Banjo (5-String), the notes are F#, G, A, C#, D. Its asymmetric intervals have no Western equivalent, and many gamelan orchestras are permanently tuned to this mode for shadow puppet theater, court dances, and temple ceremonies. Commonly used in Gamelan, Indonesian, World, Ambient. Notable players include Lou Harrison, Steve Reich. Use over drones and interlocking ostinato patterns. Traditional gamelan music does not use chords — the scale supports layered melodic patterns at different speeds (irama).
Notes: F#, G, A, C#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 b5
Formula: H-W-4-H-4
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
The principal pentatonic mode of the Indonesian pelog system. Many gamelan orchestras are permanently tuned to this mode, making it the default sonic world of Javanese and Balinese ceremonial music. Its asymmetric intervals have no Western equivalent.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Gamelan, Indonesian, World, Ambient
Notable players: Lou Harrison, Steve Reich
How to Use the F# Selisir Scale
Use over drones and interlocking ostinato patterns. Traditional gamelan music does not use chords — the scale supports layered melodic patterns at different speeds (irama).
Origin & Background
The first and most important pentatonic mode extracted from the 7-note pelog scale of Javanese and Balinese gamelan. Many gamelan ensembles are permanently tuned to Selisir, which serves as the default mode for ceremonial performances, shadow puppet theater (wayang), and court dances.
How to Play F# Selisir on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating F# on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Selisir scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The F# Selisir scale contains 2 sharps (F#, C#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the F# Selisir scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in F#. Try a F#5 - C#5 - D5 progression. This scale is especially effective in gamelan contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the F# Selisir scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 5 notes before building speed. Aim for a meditative quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Selisir is the 1st principal mode of the Pelog system. View F# Pelog scale
The F# Selisir scale contains 5 notes (F#, G, A, C#, D). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F# Selisir
The F# Selisir scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore F# Selisir Further
- Browse chord progressions
- F# Selisir on Guitar
- F# Selisir on Ukulele
- F# Selisir on Bass
- F# Selisir on Piano