G Major Thirteenth Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
G Major Thirteenth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: G, B, D, F#, A, E
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7M, 9M, 13M
Formula: 2W-WH-2W-WH-7
Number of notes: 6
Also known as: maj13, Maj13, ^13
The G Major Thirteenth arpeggio contains 6 notes (G, B, D, F#, A, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the G Major Thirteenth Arpeggio
Play the G Major Thirteenth arpeggio whenever a G 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 G Major Thirteenth arpeggio uses 6 notes (G, B, D, F#, A, E) 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 G Major Thirteenth Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate G on the E string at fret 3. Span the 6 notes (G, B, D, F#, A, E) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The G Major Thirteenth arpeggio outlines a G major chord and works perfectly over G, Gmaj7, G6 harmonies. It is a foundational arpeggio for soloing over major-key progressions and emphasizes the bright, resolved character of the major triad.
Practice Routine
Play the G Major Thirteenth arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on G. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 6 notes (G, B, D, F#, A, E). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Bass Tips
Practice the G 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.