F# Major Ninth Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
F# Major Ninth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: F#, A#, C#, F, G#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7M, 9M
Formula: 2W-WH-2W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: maj9, Δ9, ^9
The F# Major Ninth arpeggio contains 5 notes (F#, A#, C#, F, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the F# Major Ninth Arpeggio
Play the F# Major Ninth arpeggio whenever a F# Major Ninth 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 F# Major Ninth arpeggio uses 5 notes (F#, A#, C#, F, 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 F# Major Ninth Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate F# on the E string at fret 2. Span the 5 notes (F#, A#, C#, F, G#) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The F# Major Ninth arpeggio outlines a F# major chord and works perfectly over F#, F#maj7, F#6 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 F# Major Ninth arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the A# an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5P, 7M, 9M) in any register.
Bass Tips
Practice the F# Major Ninth 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.