G Sixth Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
G Sixth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: G, B, D, E
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M
Formula: 2W-WH-W
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: 6, add6, add13, M6
The G Sixth arpeggio contains 4 notes (G, B, D, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the G Sixth Arpeggio
Play the G Sixth arpeggio whenever a G 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 G Sixth arpeggio uses 4 notes (G, B, D, 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 Sixth Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate G on the E string at fret 3. Span the 4 notes (G, B, D, 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 Sixth arpeggio outlines a GSixth chord. Playing these 4 tones (G, B, D, E) over the matching harmony ensures your melodic lines clearly follow the chord changes.
Practice Routine
Start by playing the G Sixth arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Bass Tips
Practice the G 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.