STRINGSCALES

A pelog Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F, A, Bb, C, E at frets 0, 1, 5, 6, 8, 12

A string: A, Bb, C, E, F, A at frets 0, 1, 3, 7, 8, 12

D string: E, F, A, Bb, C at frets 2, 3, 7, 8, 10

G string: A, Bb, C, E, F at frets 2, 3, 5, 9, 10

B string: C, E, F, A, Bb at frets 1, 5, 6, 10, 11

High E string: E, F, A, Bb, C, E at frets 0, 1, 5, 6, 8, 12

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A pelog

The pelog scale is a five note approximation, in Western tuning, of the Indonesian pelog tuning system used in gamelan music: root, flat 2nd, flat 3rd, 5th, flat 6th. Real pelog is a seven tone tuning that does not map onto equal temperament, so treat this as a color palette rather than a transcription. Its stacked half steps around the root and 5th produce the shimmering, gong-like character.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

A

I

B♭

bII

C

bIII

E

V

F

bVI

Same notes, different mode

A pelog uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

F ionian pentatonic

pelog in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Five notes approximating gamelan pelog in Western frets: root, b2 (Bb), b3 (C), V, b6 (F); keep an ostinato, not a solo, mindset.
  • Interlock two patterns an octave apart, one busy, one sparse, imitating kotekan; the scale rewards texture over melody.
  • Both half steps (b2 (Bb) to root, b6 (F) to V) resolve downward; ending on A or the 5th always sounds right.
  • Real pelog tuning is not equal-tempered: bend b2 (Bb) and b6 (F) slightly to taste and the flavor gets closer.

How to play A pelog on guitar

Open A is the tonic and both E strings ring a fifth above it, so three of the six strings pedal in key untouched. Lowest root is fret 5 on the low E, with another at fret 2 on the G string, which lets you cover the middle of the neck without a stretch. One flat sits in the key signature. Box one closes out at fret 9, and the same fingering turns up as F ionian pentatonic 8 semitones higher.

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