B Dominant Thirteenth Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
B Dominant Thirteenth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: B, D#, F#, A, C#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7m, 9M, 13M
Formula: 2W-WH-WH-2W-7
Number of notes: 6
Also known as: 13
The B Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio contains 6 notes (B, D#, F#, A, C#, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the B Dominant Thirteenth Arpeggio
Play the B Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio whenever a B Dominant Thirteenth chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The B Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio uses 6 notes (B, D#, F#, A, C#, G#) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play B Dominant Thirteenth Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate B on the A string at fret 2. Span the 6 notes (B, D#, F#, A, C#, G#) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The B Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio outlines a dominant seventh chord, creating the tension that wants to resolve. Use it over B7, B9, B13 chords, especially in blues, funk, and jazz where dominant harmony drives the groove.
Practice Routine
Practice the B Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the D# an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5P, 7m, 9M, 13M) in any register.
Bass Tips
Practice the B Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio on bass using a raking technique across adjacent strings for a smooth, flowing sound. Then try the same shape with a two-finger alternating pluck for a more defined, punchy articulation.