A Mystery #1 Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
A Mystery #1 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Mystery #1 scale is a rare and experimental synthetic scale found in modern music theory. On Bass, its notes are A, Bb, C#, Eb, F, G. It is typically associated with generative music and computer-aided composition where traditional rules of melody and harmony are intentionally broken. Commonly used in Experimental, Computer Music, Avant-Garde. Used in experimental, non-functional contexts. A compositional curiosity for exploring unconventional melodic paths.
Notes: A, Bb, C#, Eb, F, G
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 5d, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5 b6
Formula: H-WH-W-W-W-W
Number of notes: 6
How to Play A Mystery #1 on Bass
On bass, locate A on the E string at fret 5. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The A Mystery #1 scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the A Mystery #1 scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Mystery #1 scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the A Mystery #1 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 Mystery #1 scale contains 6 notes (A, Bb, C#, Eb, F, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Mystery #1
The A Mystery #1 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 6-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.