How to Do a Pentatonic Rock Scale on Bass Guitar

Once you have learned the basics, try a pentatonic rock scale on the bass guitar. The A pentatonic scale is very common for creating bass lines for entire songs in addition to improvising solos. Follow the steps below for playing this scale.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Place your fingers in the right positions. For this scale, the fingers stay in fifth through eighth frets. Put the index finger on the fifth fret, the middle finger on the sixth, the ring finger on the seventh and the pinky on the eighth fret.

2. Begin the scale with the note A, played on the fifth fret of the E string.

3. Move onto the eighth fret of the E string to play a B.

4. Continue on with the scale by playing the next note, which is a C, with your index finger on the fifth fret of the A string. Play the sixth fret of the A string for a D and then the seventh fret of the A string for an E note.

5. Play on the D string next. First play with the fifth fret then with the seventh fret for an F and G, respectively.

6. Finish the pentatonic scale with notes A, B and C played on the fifth fret of the G string, the seventh fret of the G string and finally the eighth fret of the G string.

7. Practice the A pentatonic scale forward and backward until you can play it quickly with smooth transitions between each note, and soon you will be playing rock and roll.