Bass Scales for Download!

So the dreaded word has reached us! Bass Scales! Why make something that should be fun an exciting into a chore?

Thats right, practicing scales and modes is a tedious and irritating process no-one will argue that fact, It is more exciting to play our favorite songs and learn new tunes, however will this cycle make us a more advanced player?

Why do we want to learn scales? when and where will they be used? How can knowing the difference between a major and minor mode provide us with a solid ability to improvise over a given chord chart?

Using the idea that many bassist only play the root note of the chord how can this back any improvising instrumentalist? Think back to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Cream and The Who, did the bassists in these bands play static harmony as support?

This might provide a very plain and un-interesting harmony for many improvisers. So what we need to look at is supporting the improviser to a better degree.

Free Bass Scales For Download! Ionian Mode
Dorian Mode
Phrygian Mode
Lydian Mode
Mixolydian Mode
Aeolian Mode
Locrian Mode

Take this chord progression

C /// Am /// F /// G ///
We can use Bass scales to link chord progressions producing a walking bass line, we also use scales for improvisation.

Yes we could simply play the root notes as shown in this first line however passing notes have been added to pass to the next chord.

Where have these notes been plucked from? Well to begin with they are only the notes of the Arpeggios, we will then incorporate the scale tones into the passing notes.

See the variations underneath, these can be swapped and changed to suit!
1 2 3 4 2 2 3 4 3 2 3 4 4 2 3 4
C C C C A A A A F F F F G G G G
C C C B A A A E F F F A G G G B
C C C G A A A C F F F E G G G D
C C C E A A A G F F F C G G G F

Now we are happy using arpeggios to pass between the chords we need to see the remaining notes available. Those being the scale tones. Try mixing and matching between the varying notes.

Some will work better than others! use your ears to find your favorites.

1 2 3 4 2 2 3 4 3 2 3 4 4 2 3 4
C C C D A A A B F F F G G G A
C C C F A A A D F F F B G G G E
C C C A A A A F F F F G G G G C

Noticed hitting the root note of the next chord on beat 4 doesn't sound too good? Exactly! I told you some worked better than others.

Yes so not too many scales have been looked at here once the downloads are available we will get underway!

Keep coming back for further ideas!

Free Downloadable Blank Templates

Bass Guitar Fretboard Diagrams 12 Frets
Bass Guitar Arpeggio Diagrams

Bass Scales Page to Ahead Home

This Information can be delievered in Bass Lessons Contact Jason Tel. 07812 736714