Minor Pentatonic Scale
The minor pentatonic scale, like the major pentatonic scale, contains only five notes. A simple way of describing its structure is to see it as an inversion of the major pentatonic scale. For example, the E minor pentatonic scale uses the same notes as the G major pentatonic scale but starts the sequence on the E note instead of the G note. (Remember that the G6 chord is also an inversion of the Em7 chord).
G Major Pentatonic Scale Pattern
E Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern
G Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern (one octave)
Notice the similarity between the minor pentatonic scale and the minor 7th arpeggio. All notes of the minor 7th chord are found in the minor pentatonic scale.
G Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern (two octaves)
The previous diagram shows only one of the many possible ways of playing the minor pentatonic scale over two octaves.
There are several options and fingerings for this scale that use exactly the same notes, but on different locations on the fretboard.
Memorize these patterns as they are the basis of many bass lines, runs, fills, licks and solos. Experiment with them and create your own ideas.
Example 52 is a bass run that uses all the notes of the G minor pentatonic scale.
Diminished Seventh Chord
The four basic chord types are major, minor, diminished and augmented. All the chords studied so far have been based upon major or minor chords.
A diminished chord ( o ) has the formula 1 b3 b5. The diminished seventh chord is generally used instead of the basic diminished chord. It is created by adding the double flattened seventh note of the major scale to the diminished chord.
Although the correct name is "diminished seventh", it is also commonly referred to as a diminished chord. When reading sheet music you can play a diminished seven chord (o7) when you see the diminished (o) chord symbol, as the two chords are interchangeable.
The double flat sign (bb) means to lower the note pitch by one whole tone (2 frets on the bass guitar).
The Go7 chord for example, is based upon notes from the G major scale.
