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#, F, A. 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#, F, A
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 A string at fret 1. 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 3 sharps (A#, C#, D#). 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# Minor #7m Pentatonic 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.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in A#. Try a A#5 - F5 - A5 progression.
Bass Tips
Practice the A# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale on bass using only your index and ring fingers for a two-finger-per-string approach, then switch to one-finger-per-fret. Both techniques are essential for different musical situations.
The A# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (A#, C#, D#, F, A). 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.