G# Mixolydian Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
G# Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale is a dominant-flavored five-note scale that emphasizes the relaxed, bluesy side of the Mixolydian mode. On Bass, the notes are G#, C, C#, D#, F#. It is an excellent choice for soloing over dominant chords when you want to maintain the simplicity and flow of a pentatonic structure. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Country, Funk. Notable players include Jimi Hendrix, Dickey Betts, Derek Trucks. Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 9, 13). Simpler than full Mixolydian but captures the essential dominant color.
Notes: G#, C, C#, D#, F#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: 4-H-W-WH-W
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: indian
How to Play G# Mixolydian Pentatonic on Bass
On bass, locate G# on the E string at fret 4. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The G# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale contains 4 sharps (G#, C#, D#, F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in G#. Try a G#5 - D#5 - F#5 progression.
Bass Tips
Practice the G# Mixolydian 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# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (G#, C, 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# Mixolydian Pentatonic
The G# Mixolydian 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.