E Minor #7m Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
E Minor #7m Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E 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 E, G, A, B, D#. 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: E, G, A, B, D#
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 E Minor #7m Pentatonic on Bass
On bass, locate E on the E string at fret 0. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The E Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 1 sharp (D#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the E Minor #7m Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (E-A, G-B) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in E. Try a E5 - B5 - D#5 progression.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the E 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 E Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (E, G, A, B, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Minor #7m Pentatonic
The E 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.