A Minor #7m Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
A Minor #7m Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Minor #7m Pentatonic scale is a minor pentatonic variation that includes a major seventh, echoing the tension of the melodic minor scale. On Bass, the notes are A, C, D, E, G#. It is used to create a Minor-Major mystery, providing a simple but effective way to add a dark, classical tension to modern solos. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over mMaj7, mMaj9 chords. Adds classical tension to modern minor-key solos.
Notes: A, C, D, E, G#
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: WH-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 5
How to Play A Minor #7m Pentatonic on Bass
On bass, locate A on the E string at fret 5. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The A Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 1 sharp (G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the A Minor #7m Pentatonic scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in A. Try a A5 - E5 - G#5 progression.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the A Minor #7m Pentatonic scale to build walking bass lines by targeting chord tones on strong beats and using scale tones as approach notes. This is the foundation of functional bass playing.
The A Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (A, C, D, E, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Minor #7m Pentatonic
The A Minor #7m Pentatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.