STRINGSCALES

B♭ pelog Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: F, Gb, Bb, Cb, Db at frets 1, 2, 6, 7, 9

A string: Bb, Cb, Db, F, Gb at frets 1, 2, 4, 8, 9

D string: F, Gb, Bb, Cb, Db at frets 3, 4, 8, 9, 11

G string: Bb, Cb, Db, F, Gb at frets 3, 4, 6, 10, 11

B string: Cb, Db, F, Gb, Bb, Cb at frets 0, 2, 6, 7, 11, 12

High E string: F, Gb, Bb, Cb, Db at frets 1, 2, 6, 7, 9

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Bb 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:

B♭

I

C♭

bII

D♭

bIII

F

V

G♭

bVI

Same notes, different mode

Bb 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.

Gb ionian pentatonic

pelog in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Five notes approximating gamelan pelog in Western frets: root, b2 (B), b3 (Db), V, b6 (Gb); 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 (B) to root, b6 (Gb) to V) resolve downward; ending on Bb or the 5th always sounds right.
  • Real pelog tuning is not equal-tempered: bend b2 (B) and b6 (Gb) slightly to taste and the flavor gets closer.

How to play B♭ pelog on guitar

Only the open B string belongs here, and it arrives a minor second above the tonic, so keep it for colour rather than as a drone. A root at fret 1 on the A string is the closest one to the nut, which lets you barre the whole shape from there. Lowest root is fret 6 on the low E. Shape one gives way at fret 10, and a capo on the 1st fret turns the grip into A pelog.

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