B Pelog Cuatro Venezolano Scale — Standard
Cuatro Venezolano scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
B Pelog in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The B Pelog scale is the primary modal system of Indonesian Gamelan music. On Cuatro Venezolano, its notes are B, C, D, F#, G. Unlike Western scales, it uses intervals that create a unique, shimmering harmonic world that feels ancient and deeply spiritual. Commonly used in Gamelan, World, Ambient, Experimental. Notable players include Steve Reich, Debussy, Lou Harrison. Use over drones and ostinato patterns. Gamelan music is built on interlocking melodic patterns rather than chord progressions.
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
Tuning: Standard (A-D-F#-B)
About Standard Tuning
The Cuatro Venezolano is a four-string instrument tuned A-D-F#-B with a reentrant tuning — the 4th string (B) is tuned lower than the 3rd string (F#), breaking the ascending pitch order. This reentrant voicing gives the Cuatro its signature bright, harp-like strumming sound that drives the rhythm in joropo, vals venezolano, and other Venezuelan folk genres.
The Cuatro is the national instrument of Venezuela, as fundamental to Venezuelan music as the guitar is to flamenco. Its distinctive rasgueo (strumming) technique produces a rhythmic drive that is instantly recognizable. Unlike guitar, the Cuatro is primarily a rhythmic instrument — its reentrant tuning creates a compact voicing range that blends beautifully with harp and maracas in traditional ensembles. Players like Cheo Hurtado and Hernán Gamboa have elevated the Cuatro to a solo concert instrument.
Notable artists: Cheo Hurtado, Hernán Gamboa, Simón Díaz, C4 Trío, Jorge Glem
Best for: Venezuelan folk music, joropo rhythm, Latin ensemble playing, and any style that needs bright rhythmic strumming