Root & scale

F# balinese

F♯

i

F♯m
G

bII

Gmaj
A

bIII+

Aaug
B

iv

Bm
C♯

V

C#maj♭5
D

bVI

Dmaj
E♯

VII

G7no5/E♯

Fretboard positions

select a scale fingering system to highlight fretting positions

E4
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
B3
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
G3
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
D3
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
A2
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
E2
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

Listen to the F# balinese scale

bpm: 120
start at and

How to use the F# balinese scale

The Balinese scale, also known as the pelog scale, is a traditional scale used in Balinese gamelan music. It is characterized by its pentatonic structure and unique intervals, creating a distinct and enchanting sound.

tip
  • The Balinese scale, derived from traditional Indonesian music, is perfect for evoking a Southeast Asian atmosphere. Use it in world music and cinematic compositions.
  • Incorporate the Balinese scale into ambient or world music to create modal, repetitive phrases, focusing on its unusual interval structure.
  • Use this scale to build exotic textures in ensemble settings, mimicking traditional Gamelan music with its bright, yet modal feel.
  • Practice using the Balinese scale in minimalist or cinematic music where repetitive, hypnotic phrases are needed to create tension and atmosphere.
  • Combine the Balinese scale with pentatonic or whole-tone scales to create a blend of traditional and modern harmonic elements.