B Major Seventh Flat Sixth Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
B Major Seventh Flat Sixth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: B, D#, G, A#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 6m, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: M7b6, ^7b6
The B Major Seventh Flat Sixth arpeggio contains 4 notes (B, D#, G, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the B Major Seventh Flat Sixth Arpeggio
Play the B Major Seventh Flat Sixth arpeggio whenever a B Major Seventh Flat Sixth 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 Major Seventh Flat Sixth arpeggio uses 4 notes (B, D#, G, A#) 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 Major Seventh Flat Sixth Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate B on the A string at fret 2. Span the 4 notes (B, D#, G, A#) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The B Major Seventh Flat Sixth arpeggio outlines a B major chord and works perfectly over B, Bmaj7, B6 harmonies. It is a foundational arpeggio for soloing over major-key progressions and emphasizes the bright, resolved character of the major triad.
Practice Routine
Practice the B Major Seventh Flat Sixth 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, 6m, 7M) in any register.
Bass Tips
Practice the B Major Seventh Flat Sixth 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.