B Balinese
Bass scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
B Balinese Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Balinese scale is a traditional five-note tuning from the Gamelan tradition, also known as Pelog. On Bass, it contains the notes B, C, D, E, F#, G, A#. It creates a dark, meditative, and distinctively Southeast Asian atmosphere that sounds haunting and shimmering. Commonly used in Gamelan, World, Ambient, Film Scores. Notable players include Colin McPhee, Steve Reich. Use over drones and sustained bass notes. Traditional Gamelan music doesn't use chords — the scale is inherently melodic and interlocking.
Notes: B, C, D, E, F#, G, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-W-W-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
A Pelog-related tuning from Balinese Gamelan that creates a dark, meditative atmosphere with its distinctively non-Western intervals.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Gamelan, World, Ambient, Film Scores
Notable players: Colin McPhee, Steve Reich
How to Use the B Balinese Scale
Use over drones and sustained bass notes. Traditional Gamelan music doesn't use chords — the scale is inherently melodic and interlocking.
Origin & Background
From the Gamelan tradition of Bali. The Pelog tuning system uses intervals that don't exist in Western equal temperament.
Related Scales
The B Balinese scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, E, F#, G, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.