Bass scales for BEADG tuning

Scales for bass guitar (BEADG tuning) with diagrams.
Movable scales for 5-string bass in the most common scale categories. The fingerboard diagrams are based on BEADG tuning. See also scales for EADGC tuning.

Whole fretboard

D Major scale diagram whole fretboard

Major

The fingerboard diagram below shows a C Major scale with the first root note on 5th string (the B-string). The scale is movable and can be used for all Major scales.

C Major scale diagram 5-stringed bass Intervals: 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1

Minor

Natural Minor

The fingerboard diagram below shows a C Natural Minor scale with the first root note on 5th string. The scale is movable and can be used for all Minor scales.

C Minor scale diagram 5-stringed bass Intervals: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2

Harmonic Minor

The second category of Minor scales is the Harmonic Minor. C Harmonic Minor with the first root note on 5th string is presented in the picture below.

C Minor Harmonic scale diagram 5-stringed bass Intervals: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 3 - 1

Melodic Minor

The third category of Minor scales is the Melodic Minor. C Melodic Minor with the first root note on 5th string is presented in the picture below.

C Minor Melodic scale diagram 5-stringed bass Intervals: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1

Pentatonic

Pentatonic Major

The fingerboard diagram below shows a C Pentatonic Major scale with the first root note on 5th string. The scale is movable and can be used for all Pentatonic Major scales.

C Pentatonic Major scale diagram 5-stringed bass Intervals: 2 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 3

Pentatonic Minor

The fingerboard diagram below shows a C Pentatonic Minor scale with the first root note on 5th string. The scale is movable and can be used for all Pentatonic Minor scales.

C Pentatonic Minor scale diagram 5-stringed bass Intervals: 3 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 2

PDF

For pdf presentations, see The Bass Scale Collection eBook for graphical overviews of scales in all keys in several categories.