F Sunaren Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
F Sunaren Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Sunaren scale is the third mode of the Indonesian pelog pentatonic system, opening with a wide interval followed by a major third that creates a spacious, floating quality distinct from the tighter Selisir mode. On Mandolin, its notes are F, G, B, C, D. Documented by ethnomusicologist Colin McPhee in the 1930s, it brought the expansive sonic world of Balinese gamelan to the attention of Western composers seeking new tonal horizons. Commonly used in Gamelan, Indonesian, Ambient, World. Notable players include Lou Harrison, Colin McPhee. Use over drones and layered ostinato patterns. The wide intervals create a floating, spacious texture suited to ambient and meditative applications.
Notes: F, G, B, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 4A, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 4 5
Formula: W-4-H-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
The 3rd mode of the pelog pentatonic system. Its wide opening interval (whole tone) followed by a major 3rd creates a spacious, open quality that contrasts with the tighter Selisir mode.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Gamelan, Indonesian, Ambient, World
Notable players: Lou Harrison, Colin McPhee
How to Use the F Sunaren Scale
Use over drones and layered ostinato patterns. The wide intervals create a floating, spacious texture suited to ambient and meditative applications.
Origin & Background
The third pentatonic mode of the pelog system. Used in gamelan compositions that require a more open, expansive character than the standard Selisir mode. Colin McPhee's extensive documentation of Balinese gamelan in the 1930s helped bring these modes to the attention of Western composers.
How to Play F Sunaren on Mandolin
Begin by locating F on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Sunaren scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The F Sunaren scale uses no sharps or flats, consisting entirely of natural notes. 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
Begin by playing the F Sunaren scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (F-B, G-C) 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 F. Try a F5 - C5 - D5 progression. This scale is especially effective in gamelan contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the F Sunaren scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 5 notes before building speed. Aim for a open quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Sunaren is the 3rd principal mode of the Pelog system. View F Pelog scale
The F Sunaren scale contains 5 notes (F, G, B, C, D). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Mandolin 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 Sunaren
The F Sunaren 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 Sunaren Further
- Harmonize the F Sunaren scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- F Sunaren on Guitar
- F Sunaren on Ukulele
- F Sunaren on Bass
- F Sunaren on Piano