G# Dominant Thirteenth Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
G# Dominant Thirteenth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: G#, C, D#, F#, A#, F
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7m, 9M, 13M
Formula: 2W-WH-WH-2W-7
Number of notes: 6
Also known as: 13
The G# Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio contains 6 notes (G#, C, D#, F#, A#, F). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the G# Dominant Thirteenth Arpeggio
Play the G# Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio whenever a G# 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 G# Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio uses 6 notes (G#, C, D#, F#, A#, F) 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# Dominant Thirteenth Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate G# on the E string at fret 4. Span the 6 notes (G#, C, D#, F#, A#, F) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The G# Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio outlines a dominant seventh chord, creating the tension that wants to resolve. Use it over G#7, G#9, G#13 chords, especially in blues, funk, and jazz where dominant harmony drives the groove.
Practice Routine
Practice the G# Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the C 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 G# 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.