F Tembung Guitar Scale

Guitar scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate

F tembung scale — 6-string guitar fretboard diagramInteractive fretboard diagram showing the F tembung scale on 6-string guitar with 22 frets. Notes: .1357911121315171921

What chords fit over F Tembung?

Open F Tembung Harmonizer

F Tembung Scale — Notes and Intervals

The F Tembung scale is the second mode of the Indonesian pelog pentatonic system, sharing a striking intervallic similarity with the Japanese Kumoi Joshi tuning that hints at ancient maritime cultural exchanges. On Guitar, it contains the notes F, Gb, Bb, C, Db. It functions within the interlocking melodic textures of gamelan performance, where multiple layers of melody at different speeds create the shimmering sonic tapestry unique to Indonesian music. Commonly used in Gamelan, Indonesian, World, Experimental. Notable players include Lou Harrison. Use over drones and sustained bass notes. Like other gamelan modes, it functions within interlocking melodic textures rather than chord-based harmony.

Notes: F, Gb, Bb, C, Db

Intervals: 1P, 2m, 4P, 5P, 6m

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5

Formula: H-4-W-H-4

Number of notes: 5

Musical Character

ContemplativeEasternSubtleIntricate

The 2nd mode of the pelog pentatonic system, sharing a similar interval profile to the Japanese Kumoi Joshi. This cross-cultural parallel between Indonesian and Japanese pentatonics suggests deep historical connections across maritime Southeast and East Asia.

Genres & Notable Artists

Genres: Gamelan, Indonesian, World, Experimental

Notable players: Lou Harrison

How to Use the F Tembung Scale

Use over drones and sustained bass notes. Like other gamelan modes, it functions within interlocking melodic textures rather than chord-based harmony.

Origin & Background

The second pentatonic mode of the pelog scale system. Its intervallic similarity to the Japanese Kumoi Joshi tuning points to ancient cultural exchanges along the maritime trade routes connecting the Indonesian archipelago with Japan.

How to Play F Tembung on Guitar

Place your index finger at fret 1 on the 6th (low E) to find your F root note. With only 5 notes, this scale fits comfortably in a two-notes-per-string pattern across all six strings. Focus on learning a single box shape first before connecting positions.

The F Tembung scale contains 3 flats (Gb, Bb, Db). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.

Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing

Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the F Tembung 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 F. Try a F5 - C5 - Db5 progression. This scale is especially effective in gamelan contexts.

Guitar Tips

On guitar, practice the F Tembung scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications. Aim for a contemplative quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.

Related Scales

Tembung is the 2nd principal mode of the Pelog system. View F Pelog scale

The F Tembung scale contains 5 notes (F, Gb, Bb, C, Db). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.

CAGED Positions & Patterns for F Tembung

The F Tembung 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.

Explore F Tembung Further

Explore F Tembung in Other Tunings

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