the pentatonic scale

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The Pentatonic Scale by John Falstrom The pentatonic scale is a "classic" scale for the bass guitarist. Here are the facts:

The Pentatonic Scale

The pentatonic scale is a scale type consisting of five different notes. There are many forms of this type of scale. The pentatonic scale used in EADG 4 will consist of a root, major 2nd, major 3rd, perfect 5th, and a major 6th note. Play the pentatonic scale on major chords.

Finger Patterns

• Play each finger pattern on the roots of all the major scales(keys); circle of fifths order.

• Each Finger pattern works for every root of the pentatonic scale.

• Each finger pattern includes the octave of the root.

• Play each finger pattern ascending / descending.

• Play and memorize one finger pattern at a time.

(finger patterns number seven and eight are double octave pentatonic scales.)




The Pentatonic Scale

The pentatonic scale can be used for soloing "against" the seven chords in the major key(s) and the seven chords in the relative natural minor key(s) i.e., by starting the pentatonic scale on the root of a major scale (key), all five notes of the pentatonic scale are in the major scale (key) and in the relative natural minor scale (key)

The Pentatonic Scale - Three Note Patterns

Play this three note pattern for each pentatonic scale finger pattern:

The Finger Patterns

Here are the musical terms and symbols pertaining to the undestanding of how the finger patterns work:

The Fretboard Hand

The four fingers that play the notes on the bass guitar fretboard are assigned these numbers: Memorize them!

Position

Whatever fret your 1st finger is over, that's the position you're in. Fingers 2,3, and 4 are in charge of the next three frets respectively.

Roman numerals are used to indicate the positions:

Position Examples

1st finger over first fret I position 1st finger over third fret III position 1st finger over seventh fret VII position




The Finger Patterns

Slash Symbol

The slash symbol (/) means to change to the next higher pitched string while staying in position.

Finger patterns containing one slash will be played using two strings. Two slashes will use three strings, and three slashes will use four strings.

The double octave finger patterns (three slashes) are played using all four strings of a four string bass. Therefore, the roots of all the double octaves scales must be played starting on the E string. (If you play a five string bass, the roots can be played on the B or E string(s). If you play a six string bass, the roots can be played starting on the B,E, or A string(s). The finger patterns will remain the same.)

Slide Symbol

½ Means to move up one half step (on the same string you are playing on) with the assigned finger. W Means to move up one whole step (on the same string you are playing on) with the assigned finger. 1½Means to move up one whole and one half step (on the same string you are playing on) with the assigned finger.

Study / play / memorize and analyze as much as you can about the pentatonic scale. Be able to play the pentatonic scale(s) in your sleep.

John Falstrom

John Falstrom, Author of EADG 4 http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=203

the pentatonic scale

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