G Six Tone Symmetric Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
G Six Tone Symmetric Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Bass, its notes are G, Ab, B, C, D#, E. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Notes: G, Ab, B, C, D#, E
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH
Number of notes: 6
How to Play G Six Tone Symmetric on Bass
On bass, locate G on the E string at fret 3. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The G Six Tone Symmetric 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
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G Six Tone Symmetric 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.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G to let the characteristic intervals of the Six Tone Symmetric scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the G Six Tone Symmetric 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 Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 6 notes (G, Ab, B, C, D#, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G Six Tone Symmetric
The G Six Tone Symmetric 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 6-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.