Basic Scales and How to use Them
Let's start out by discussing the different scales. A scale is a series of notes NOT a series of finger positions. Many new bass players have a habit of seeing the scales as a series of finger placings. This greatly inhibits furt 252x2322c her learning because of the inability to memorize the notes used in a scale.
The first scale that we should learn is the C major scale. This scale is constructed of the notes that follow: C D E F G A B C. This is the scale on which all other scales will be based on. If your guitar player is a playing a C Maj7 chord you can play any of these notes. Try and make variation and get a good up and down contour.
One of the most important scales that anyone who plays the blues is the Bb7 scale. It is constructed as follows: Bb C D Eb F G A Bb. This is the base chord on which many blues progressions is based on. This scale is one that you should memorize in more than one position, see how many different ways that you can find to finger the scale.
Now that you have a basic idea of the way that the scales are constructed I will give you a formula so that you can figure out a major scale in all 12 keys. The formula is :Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step. Or WWHWWWH. For every whole step, you go up two frets, for every half step, you go up 1 fret.
Below I am going to give you a simple blues progression that you should eventually learn to play in all twelve keys, but for now all you should do is take the scales I have showed you above and make a simple walking line. Try and get a good up and down contour and mix it around. Once you get comfortable, speed the progression up until you can play it flawless at a good speed.
Bb Eb
Bb G Cmaj7 F
Bb Eb Bb G7 F7 Cm7 F7
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