Ok. Everybody knows what is a scale, right? There's nothing to know really... It's just a bunch of tones in some kind of pattern, and depending on that pattern, we've got a scale with a certain name. Heh. But, they are very important for developing technique, ear, and especially for creating great bass guitar lines.
Let's say something about MAJOR SCALE.
The major scale is always the starting point for music theory. Why? Don't know, but it works.
Major scale has 7 different notes. For example, G major scale G - A - B - C - D - E - F#.
After this, it starts all over again. So after F# you are back to G. Ok.
The root note of G Major scale is, you guess - G. But, it's not a rule that your scale has to start with G, or even end with one. Important thing, when you play in G, is that you hitting the notes that are in G Major pattern (G - A - B - C - D - E - F#).
Here are 5 different positions on the neck:
How to apply thi to other tones? A or B or C major?
Here's the pattern. We know the alphabet. C - C# - D - D# - E - F - F# - G - G# - A - Bb - B - C
Sometimes there are some differences in writing the letters, but you get it.
There's a whole tone (w) and half tone (h). From C - D is whole tone, from C - C# is half. Ok.
The pattern
Major: w w h w w w h
Minor: w h w w h w w
If we apply that to our G major, we get G - A - B - C - D - E - F#- G(startin from G, ofcourse).
If we do the same with C major, we get C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
That's about it....enjoy!
Major scale for Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar Scales: Major and Minor Scale
This time, I'll say something about scales. In this case, the Major and Minor scale (7 tone scales) for Bass Guitar. What is the difference?
The main difference is one essential note – the third.
This fellow 'third' gives your major scale bright, cheer sound, and to minor scale dark and sad one. A minor 3rd is one note lower than a major 3rd.
Familiar with chords on guitar, or bass guitar? Know how you can feel the difference when you hear the both? Well, it's same thing with scales. Nothing special, or hard.
My advice is to practice them often. Sometimes they can sound dull and boring, but play with someone, or some samples, it'll become more interesting...
Practicing scales will get your fingers go crazy on the fretboard in no time!
Let's get practical!
Example of C major scale : C · D · E · F · G · A · B · C
Modes of C Major:
- Ionian: C D E F G A B C
- Dorian: D E F G A B C D
- Phrygian: E F G A B C D E
- Lydian: F G A B C D E F
- Mixolydian: G A B C D E F G
- Aeolian: A B C D E F G A
- Locrian: B C D E F G A B
What is a MODE? A mode is collection of notes from a parent scale, and emphasized starting at a particular note from the parent scale. The make your scale sound great.
Here are the general finger positions for 7 tone major scale modes :
Here's a video of D Dorian scale:Happy playing!
