Bass Guitar Scales
Major Scale Forms

Major Scales are pretty much the basis of music . As you continue to progress, you will understand why they are so important.

I have not gone into structure here--you can learn that in the Music Theory section. Right now I am just going to give you some basic movable scale shapes. The first two start on and are named after the 4th string:

The Grey dots indicate the root (name) of the scale. In this example, the Grey dots are located on the note "F".

Here is a different shape:

The scale form that you use depends on which position is the most convenient for the particular song and gives you the sound that you want.

Practice both forms until you are able to play them smoothly and make them sound like music. If you don't have a metronome, now would be a great time to invest in one.

Here is the next pattern:

What would this scale be called if it started on the 5th fret? If you said "D", you are absolutely right! If you are unsure of the bass guitar notes, please review Bass Guitar Basics

These, and ALL scales, are the foundation of your playing. Learn them well and you will never regret the time you spent learning them!

Do you need drum tracks to practice with? We have just added a whole section of midi drum backing tracks! Now you can practice with the original drum part. Check them out at Almost Free Drum Tracks

The next lesson is Bass Guitar Minor Scales

Leave "Bass Guitar Scales: Major Scales" and Go to the Main Bass Lessons Index