G Super Locrian Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
G Super Locrian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Super Locrian Pentatonic scale is an aggressive and highly dissonant subset of the altered scale. On Bass, it contains the notes G, Bb, B, Db, F. It is a primary tool for advanced jazz guitarists and horn players to create outside tension over altered dominant chords before resolving back to the tonic. Commonly used in Jazz, Avant-Garde, Fusion. Notable players include John Coltrane, Michael Brecker. Use over 7alt, 7#9b13 chords. The pentatonic shortcut for maximum 'outside' tension over altered dominants.
Notes: G, Bb, B, Db, F
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4d, 5d, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5
Formula: WH-H-W-4-W
Number of notes: 5
How to Play G Super Locrian 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 Super Locrian Pentatonic scale contains 2 flats (Bb, Db). 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 Super Locrian 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 - Db5 - F5 progression.
Bass Tips
Practice the G Super Locrian 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 Super Locrian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (G, Bb, B, Db, F). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G Super Locrian Pentatonic
The G Super Locrian 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.