Bass Guitar Scale Fingering
Bass scale fingering maps a scale onto a standard four-string bass (E A D G), either one finger per fret or with Simandl fingering 1-2-4. This chart shows major, minor, pentatonic, and blues patterns by position, with the root marked.
Scale patterns for 4-string bass by position: one-finger-per-fret or Simandl 1-2-4 fingering, with roots, note names and degrees on the fretboard.
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About this tool
Bass players use two classic fingering systems. One finger per fret spreads the hand over four frets and suits most electric-bass lines; the Simandl approach borrowed from the double bass covers three frets with fingers 1, 2 and 4, which is gentler on the hand in the low positions.
This tool draws a standard-tuned four-string neck to the 12th fret, shades the chosen position, and numbers every scale note inside it — 0 marks an open string. Ghost dots show the rest of the scale so you can see where the next position begins.
Pick the root and scale — major, natural, harmonic or melodic minor, both pentatonics, or blues — then compare how the same pattern feels in each system. Positions marked with a check contain the complete scale inside the window.
Labels flip between fingers, note names, and degrees, and everything runs locally in the browser, so the chart works equally well for practice and for learning the fretboard.
Example. G major on a 4-string bass in one-finger-per-fret mode draws the root, note names and scale degrees across the fretted pattern.
Limit. The diagram stops at fret 12 and position 9, and Simandl mode uses only fingers 1, 2 and 4.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between one-finger-per-fret and Simandl?
One-finger-per-fret gives the index, middle, ring, and pinky one fret each inside the position. Simandl uses fingers 1, 2, and 4 for three frets and skips the ring finger. Switching the system redraws the numbers on the same notes.
Which strings are on the diagram?
A four-string bass in standard tuning, low to high: E A D G. Five- and six-string basses are not drawn. The neck runs through the 12th fret, with positions from the open position through IX.
Why are some positions marked as complete?
Those positions contain every note of the chosen scale inside the position window, so the pattern is self-contained. A position without that mark still shows the notes that land there.
How do I read the root?
The root of the key you selected is marked on the fretboard. The other dots are the remaining scale notes. Switch the labels to note names or scale degrees when you are memorizing pitches rather than fingers.
Does this page play the scale?
No. It draws the fingering only. There is no audio preview. Practice the pattern with a tuner or a metronome if you want to hear the notes.