G Flat Six Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
G Flat Six Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Flat Six Pentatonic scale is a modern synthetic pentatonic used to imply the sound of the melodic minor system. On Bass, its notes are G, A, B, D, Eb. It provides a poignant and slightly altered texture to major melodies, making it a favorite for contemporary jazz players looking for fresh melodic paths. Commonly used in Contemporary Jazz, Fusion, Post-Bop. Notable players include Pat Metheny, Kurt Rosenwinkel. Use over Maj7, mMaj7, and altered dominant chords. A modern jazz tool for fresh melodic paths.
Notes: G, A, B, D, Eb
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: W-W-WH-H-4
Number of notes: 5
How to Play G Flat Six Pentatonic on Bass
On bass, locate G on the E string at fret 3. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The G Flat Six Pentatonic scale contains 1 flat (Eb). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the G Flat Six Pentatonic 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 G. Try a G5 - D5 - Eb5 progression.
Bass Tips
Practice the G Flat Six 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.
The G Flat Six Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (G, A, B, D, Eb). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G Flat Six Pentatonic
The G Flat Six 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.