G Lydian Dominant Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
G Lydian Dominant Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Lydian Dominant Pentatonic scale is a streamlined five-note scale built directly around the structure of a dominant seventh chord. On Bass, its notes are G, B, C#, D, F. It is a highly efficient tool for jazz and bebop players who need to navigate rapid harmonic changes with rhythmic precision and clarity. Commonly used in Jazz, Bebop, Fusion. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino. Use over 7#11, 9#11 chords. Efficient for fast bebop lines over non-resolving dominant chords.
Notes: G, B, C#, D, F
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 #3 4 b5
Formula: 4-W-H-WH-W
Number of notes: 5
How to Play G Lydian Dominant 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 Lydian Dominant Pentatonic scale contains 1 sharp (C#). 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 G Lydian Dominant Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G-C#, B-D) 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 G. Try a G5 - D5 - F5 progression.
Bass Tips
Practice the G Lydian Dominant 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 Lydian Dominant Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (G, B, C#, D, F). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G Lydian Dominant Pentatonic
The G Lydian Dominant 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.