F Sunaren Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
F Sunaren Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Sunaren scale is the third mode of the Indonesian pelog pentatonic system, opening with a wide interval followed by a major third that creates a spacious, floating quality distinct from the tighter Selisir mode. On Bass, its notes are F, G, B, C, D. Documented by ethnomusicologist Colin McPhee in the 1930s, it brought the expansive sonic world of Balinese gamelan to the attention of Western composers seeking new tonal horizons. Commonly used in Gamelan, Indonesian, Ambient, World. Notable players include Lou Harrison, Colin McPhee. Use over drones and layered ostinato patterns. The wide intervals create a floating, spacious texture suited to ambient and meditative applications.
Notes: F, G, B, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 4A, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 4 5
Formula: W-4-H-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
The 3rd mode of the pelog pentatonic system. Its wide opening interval (whole tone) followed by a major 3rd creates a spacious, open quality that contrasts with the tighter Selisir mode.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Gamelan, Indonesian, Ambient, World
Notable players: Lou Harrison, Colin McPhee
How to Use the F Sunaren Scale
Use over drones and layered ostinato patterns. The wide intervals create a floating, spacious texture suited to ambient and meditative applications.
Origin & Background
The third pentatonic mode of the pelog system. Used in gamelan compositions that require a more open, expansive character than the standard Selisir mode. Colin McPhee's extensive documentation of Balinese gamelan in the 1930s helped bring these modes to the attention of Western composers.
How to Play F Sunaren on Bass
On bass, locate F on the E string at fret 1. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The F Sunaren scale uses no sharps or flats, consisting entirely of natural notes. 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 F Sunaren 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 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in F. Try a F5 - C5 - D5 progression. This scale is especially effective in indonesian contexts.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the F Sunaren 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. Aim for a open quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Sunaren is the 3rd principal mode of the Pelog system. View F Pelog scale
The F Sunaren scale contains 5 notes (F, G, 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 F Sunaren
The F Sunaren 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.