B Selisir Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
B Selisir Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Selisir scale is the principal pentatonic mode of the Indonesian pelog system, serving as the default sonic world of Javanese and Balinese ceremonial gamelan music. On Piano, the notes are B, C, D, F#, G. Its asymmetric intervals have no Western equivalent, and many gamelan orchestras are permanently tuned to this mode for shadow puppet theater, court dances, and temple ceremonies. Commonly used in Gamelan, Indonesian, World, Ambient. Notable players include Lou Harrison, Steve Reich. Use over drones and interlocking ostinato patterns. Traditional gamelan music does not use chords — the scale supports layered melodic patterns at different speeds (irama).
Notes: B, C, D, F#, G
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 b5
Formula: H-W-4-H-4
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
The principal pentatonic mode of the Indonesian pelog system. Many gamelan orchestras are permanently tuned to this mode, making it the default sonic world of Javanese and Balinese ceremonial music. Its asymmetric intervals have no Western equivalent.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Gamelan, Indonesian, World, Ambient
Notable players: Lou Harrison, Steve Reich
How to Use the B Selisir Scale
Use over drones and interlocking ostinato patterns. Traditional gamelan music does not use chords — the scale supports layered melodic patterns at different speeds (irama).
Origin & Background
The first and most important pentatonic mode extracted from the 7-note pelog scale of Javanese and Balinese gamelan. Many gamelan ensembles are permanently tuned to Selisir, which serves as the default mode for ceremonial performances, shadow puppet theater (wayang), and court dances.
How to Play B Selisir on Piano
On piano, the B Selisir scale uses 1 black key. Start with your thumb on B and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The B Selisir scale contains 1 sharp (F#). 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 B Selisir scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D, C-F#) 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 B. Try a B5 - F#5 - G5 progression. This scale is especially effective in gamelan contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the B Selisir scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously. Aim for a meditative quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Selisir is the 1st principal mode of the Pelog system. View B Pelog scale
The B Selisir scale contains 5 notes (B, C, D, F#, G). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Piano. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.