B Balinese Banjo 5 String Scale
Banjo 5 String scale in Standard (Open G) tuning — fretboard diagram
B Balinese in Standard (Open G) — Notes and Intervals
The B Balinese scale is a traditional five-note tuning from the Gamelan tradition, also known as Pelog. On Banjo 5 String, it contains the notes B, C, D, E, F#, G, A#. It creates a dark, meditative, and distinctively Southeast Asian atmosphere that sounds haunting and shimmering. Commonly used in Gamelan, World, Ambient, Film Scores. Notable players include Colin McPhee, Steve Reich. Use over drones and sustained bass notes. Traditional Gamelan music doesn't use chords — the scale is inherently melodic and interlocking.
Notes: B, C, D, E, F#, G, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-W-W-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Standard (Open G) (D-B-G-D-G)