E Major Thirteenth Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
E Major Thirteenth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: E, G#, B, D#, F#, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7M, 9M, 13M
Formula: 2W-WH-2W-WH-7
Number of notes: 6
Also known as: maj13, Maj13, ^13
The E Major Thirteenth arpeggio contains 6 notes (E, G#, B, D#, F#, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the E Major Thirteenth Arpeggio
Play the E Major Thirteenth arpeggio whenever a E Major 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 E Major Thirteenth arpeggio uses 6 notes (E, G#, B, D#, F#, C#) 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 E Major Thirteenth Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate E on the E string at fret 0. Span the 6 notes (E, G#, B, D#, F#, C#) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The E Major Thirteenth arpeggio outlines a E major chord and works perfectly over E, Emaj7, E6 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 E Major Thirteenth arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the G# 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 E Major 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.