B Six Tone Symmetric Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Six Tone Symmetric Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Bass, its notes are B, C, D#, E, G, G#. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Notes: B, C, D#, E, G, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH
Number of notes: 6
Musical Character
Divides the octave into 6 mathematically equal parts — a scale without a home. Perfect for composers who want to intentionally avoid any tonal center.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen
How to Use the B Six Tone Symmetric Scale
Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Origin & Background
A mathematical abstraction used by 20th-century experimental composers like Bartok and Messiaen.
How to Play B Six Tone Symmetric on Bass
On bass, locate B on the A string at fret 2. 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 B Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 2 sharps (D#, G#). 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
Begin by playing the B Six Tone Symmetric scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D#, C-E) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Six Tone Symmetric scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in contemporary classical contexts.
Bass Tips
Practice the B Six Tone Symmetric 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 abstract quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 6 notes (B, C, D#, E, G, G#). 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 B Six Tone Symmetric
The B Six Tone Symmetric 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.