B Vietnamese 1
Bass scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
B Vietnamese 1 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Vietnamese 1 scale is a five-note scale used in traditional Vietnamese art music. On Bass, it contains the notes B, D, E, F#, G. It is a core structure for expressing specific modal sentiments and is characterized by its fluid, vocal-like melodic capabilities. Commonly used in Vietnamese, World, Traditional. Notable players include Trinh Cong Son. Use over simple triads and sustained bass notes. The scale's strength is in melodic expression, not complex harmony.
Notes: B, D, E, F#, G
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5
Formula: WH-W-W-H-4
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
Characterized by fluid, vocal-like melodic capabilities — the scale is designed to mimic the tonal inflections of the Vietnamese language.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Vietnamese, World, Traditional
Notable players: Trinh Cong Son
How to Use the B Vietnamese 1 Scale
Use over simple triads and sustained bass notes. The scale's strength is in melodic expression, not complex harmony.
Origin & Background
A fundamental scale of Vietnamese traditional art music, designed to complement the tonal nature of the Vietnamese language.
Related Scales
The B Vietnamese 1 scale contains 5 notes (B, D, E, F#, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.