A# Minor #7m Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
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
Musical Character
The major 7th against a minor 3rd creates the characteristic 'Minor-Major' tension — dark and unsettling yet refined.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Film Scores, Classical
Notable players: Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock
How to Use the A# Minor #7m Pentatonic Scale
Use over mMaj7, mMaj9 chords. Adds classical tension to modern minor-key solos.
Origin & Background
Derived from the melodic minor ascending form, emphasizing the leading tone tension.
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 — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 100 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. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
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. Aim for a dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Minor #7m Pentatonic is the Melodic minor pentatonic with Maj7. View A# Melodic minor scale
The A# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (A#, C#, D#, F, A). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
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.