STRINGSCALES

E pelog Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F, G, B, C, E at frets 0, 1, 3, 7, 8, 12

A string: B, C, E, F, G at frets 2, 3, 7, 8, 10

D string: E, F, G, B, C at frets 2, 3, 5, 9, 10

G string: G, B, C, E, F, G at frets 0, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12

B string: B, C, E, F, G, B at frets 0, 1, 5, 6, 8, 12

High E string: E, F, G, B, C, E at frets 0, 1, 3, 7, 8, 12

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E 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:

E

I

F

bII

G

bIII

B

V

C

bVI

Same notes, different mode

E 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.

C ionian pentatonic

pelog in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

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

How to play E pelog on guitar

Both E strings are open roots, and open G and open B fill in the third and the fifth, so four of the six strings ring in key with nothing fretted. Lowest root is fret 0, which means box one starts at the nut and hands over at fret 4. Every note here is a natural, with no sharps or flats in the signature. A-shape barre lands at fret 7.

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