Bass Scale Chart
Every scale in every key on a 4-string bass (E A D G) · tap a note to hear it
How to play
- Root — tap any of the 12 notes to set the key; the fretboard re-maps instantly.
- Scale — Major, Natural Minor, the two Pentatonics, Blues, Dorian, Mixolydian or Harmonic Minor.
- Labels — switch dot text between scale degrees (1, ♭3, 5…) and note names.
- Tap a dot to hear that note; the coloured dots are the root. The panel shows the note spelling and the step formula (W = whole, H = half).
- Play scale climbs the scale from the root; press again to stop. Vol sets volume. Keyboard: Tab + Enter/Space.
This bass scale chart is an interactive tool that allows you to both play scales and navigate around the fretboard by using your keyboard or clicking on dots with your mouse. It’s a great way to see how notes of any scale falls on the neck and also to hear what a particular scale sounds like in real time so you can map it out as a fingering on standard four-string instrument for any key.
Starting out with line of buttons along the top, you choose your root note. Pressing one of the dozen chromatic choices will immediately rearrange display so you can see scale positions for that key across fretboard. It also updates labels and theory content underneath controls. You can easily get an idea of how various keys appears within the same scale type.
How to Use This Bass Scale Chart
Below this are the notes of the scale, from which you select one from bar beneath. The options include major, natural minor, blues, pentatonic, Dorian, Mixolydian, harmonic minor, Phrygian, Lydian and Locrian scales. Simply click on your desired scale and it will highlight. The selected pattern appear on the neck, allowing you to change moods easy without leaving the page.
By toggling labels, you can change text in the fretboard dots from note names to scale degrees. In other words, when learning a new position you might need to check that your pitches is spelled correctly… You’ll do this by switching into note name mode. However, when trying to understand the purpose/function of every note in the scale; i.e. Which one is root, the fifth etc., you’d should of used degree mode instead. The flexibility here connect the physical act of placing your finger somewhere on the fretboard and understanding the underlying theory behind it.
As you tap each dot in the fretboard it will play out note for you. The white dots represent remaining notes of your chosen scale and the coloured ones is the root note of your desired scale. You’ll also get a little bit of audio feedback as you tap string or fret. This reminds you of how the note sound and helps you learn intervals.
The play scale button plays all the notes of pattern in sequence so you can get a quick feel for how it moves. When pressed, the animation start at the root and moves up to end of range, highlighting each note as it plays. If you wish to pause playback at any point and explore further, simply press the button again to stop playback.
The volume slider lets you adjust how loud audio will play out, which is important when listening after hours or in a co-working environment. The button in header area lets you turn help panel on and off. Fullscreen button maximizes chart to fill your whole screen, which makes it easier to see on smaller devices.
Directly below the fretboard are listed diatonic chords associated with whatever scale you select. Only available on seven note scales these triads provides a rapid reference point of harmony that can be practiced from the scale patterns. When you click on a chord tile, the three notes plays together so you can hear how they fit within the key.
If you don’t want to use a mouse, there is also keyboard support. Just tab around fretboard and control elements and hit space or enter to make selections. It’s fully accessible whatever way you choose to play it.
Have a play around with various root position and types of scales until you find something that works well in your playing style.