E Segiah Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
E Segiah Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Segiah scale is a Greek dromos that places an augmented second directly from the tonic, producing an immediate exotic tension at the very start of any melodic phrase. On Bass, the notes are E, G, G#, A, B, C, D. This bold opening interval makes it one of the most expressive dromoi in the Greek modal tradition, suited to both instrumental improvisations and deeply emotive vocal performances.
Notes: E, G, G#, A, B, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: WH-H-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
How to Play E Segiah on Bass
On bass, locate E on the E string at fret 0. 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 E Segiah scale contains 1 sharp (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
Practice the E Segiah scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Exotic scales like the Segiah often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on E. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the E Segiah 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 Segiah scale contains 7 notes (E, G, G#, A, B, C, D). 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 E Segiah
The E Segiah 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 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.