G Minor #7m Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
G Minor #7m Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G 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 G, Bb, C, D, F#. 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: G, Bb, C, D, F#
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 G Minor #7m 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 Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. 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 Minor #7m Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G-C, Bb-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 - F#5 progression.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the G 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 G Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (G, Bb, 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 Minor #7m Pentatonic
The G 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.