Scales Chart

I made this a while ago for Marlowe, as an idea. It never took off (yet ), so if any of you can make use of it:

Ionian = Major scale
Aeolian = Minor scale



I won't explain it now, as I'm half pissed but it should show you the finger positions for the main 7 scale. Basically speaking, the scales are all the same - the only difference is what position it starts in.

If this helps, or any questions, let me know!

In my opinion learning the modes is one of the best things i've done for bass, you see how they all relate to a "mother" scale.

Cool, nice one Smaz!

nice, very helpful

Exactly what I've been looking for. Brilliant

Ok, to keep it short & simple:

Learn the major scale. The other scales (also known as modes) are exactly the same, but just start one note/position/interval up. So if you number the major scale notes 1 - 8, the next mode/scale would start on the 2nd note, and finish on the 2nd note and octave up. & so on...

If this kinda thing helps anyone, I'll happy make more on triads, 7th chords etc., or go into each scale/mode in more detail. Just need a reason to do it

Very good, Smaz!!!

Thanks for your good work!

I've been playing for 12 years and didn't learn about modes till I went to college. People don't realize what you can do with them, and that's if they even know what they are.

Well then, let's make it our job to spread the word and teach that what needs to be thought.

And yeah, i think i need a little bit of tutoring in this field myself.

Man this is perfect!

Thank you smaz!

*Goes off to learn the scales* Thanks!

An easy way to remember them is:

In Delivering Pizzas Always Make Lydia's Last

This was the phrase my theory professor used to help me remember them.

It's kinda silly, but it works for me.


If I remember correctly Ionian and Aeolian are the major and minor scales, but aren't there a few more notes than modern major and minor?

Yeah Ionian is the Major scale and Aeolian is the minor scale.

I think of stuff in terms of solfège so if it helps anyone who knows that... Ionian is base Do. Dorian is base Re. Pyhgrian is base Mi. Lydian is base Fa. Mixolydian is base Sol. Aeolian is base La. Locrian is base Ti.

And I learned a much more valgar way to remember them from a friend... but I don't think it's a good idea to post it on this forum. I'll tell anyone if they really want to know, just pm me, but I don't want to say it on the public forum.

The best way to remember them(modes) is practice them. Just keep going over them. The way i did it was learn't all the shapes first, and then once i had that locked in my head i went back and learn't the names.

Mad!

G|---------------------2-----4---2-5---4-7---5---
D|----2----3---2-5---3-----5---------------------
A|--3----5---------------------------------------
E|-----------------------------------------------

Ok, here's an exercise to help develop finger strength & co-ordination, while at the same time learning scales. If you like, you can even use it to learn where the notes are on the fretboard. A lot of benefits, from such a small & simple exercise For those who struggle in playing with your pinky (like I used to!), this exercise also helps get over that problem.

Right, we'll start with the major scale. But before anyone says 'Ahhh I don't know any scales, I can't learn that that's far too advanced for me!' etc., don't worry - all you need to know is the fingerboard pattern for the scale (see the scales chart). This exercise will help you to build the scale into your muscle memory, so you won't even have to think about it This can be used on any scale or pattern - whatever you need to learn, you can apply this method.

The major scale has 7 notes in it, so from the first note upwards we'll number them 1 - 7. The octave for the root note is actually note number 1 again, but for this exercise we'll call the octave (same note as the one you start at, but higher. It's two strings up & two frets up) note number 8.

I'm also going to number each of your left hand (right if you're left handed) fingers 1 - 4: Index finger = 1, Middle finger = 2, Ring finger = 3, Pinky/little finger = 4.

Also, if you want to learn note names: just take a second & think what note it is you're playing, say it out loud if you wish. I believe D'man has a video/post somewhere on note names, use that as a guide if you wish

So, play the first note in the major scale, anywhere you like. The tab I've posted is in C, so if you wish to follow that it'll be A string 3rd fret. Play it with your second (middle) finger. Hold it for a few seconds. Now, skip the next note in the scale, and go for the third note. Sticking with the tab, that's the D string 2nd fret. Play this with your first (index) finger. Take a few seconds over it, and go back one note - A string, fret 5. Play this with your pinky. Because we're playing this at quite a slow pace to start with, you don't have to worry about spreading & stretching your hand - so don't worry about holding each finger above a fret ready for action. But it is important to play with a different finger on each fret for this exercise.

Now skip another note & play the next one. D string, fret 3. Play that with your 2nd finger again. Keep this pattern up, of skipping a note & going back etc, until you get to the 7th note of the scale - the 4th fret on the G string in this example. Now, to skip a note, you have to start the scale all over again, but this time with the first note being G string 5th fret. You're skipping that, so note number 2 would be the 7th fret. Slide/shift your hand up the neck, and play this with your pinky. Then go back to 5th fret, and we're done... Almost

Do the same thing, but going backwards - start on the 5th fret G string, and go down. Skip a note, play the next etc. I'm not going to post the tab for that one - work it out, using your new knowledge of the scale

For the strength building part of the exercise:

A common mis-conception is that 'speed = skill'. Therefore people try to play everything as fast as they can, thinking that the faster they can play the better they are. Well, while it does take skill to do that accuratley, it takes very little finger strength to play a scale fast - all you have to do is hold a fret down for a split second. But try playing it slowly, and holding the note down... Now it becomes harder, as it requires more strength to hold the note.

So, set a metronome off (drum loop if you'd like!) at say... 80bpm? 90bpm? Pick a speed you're comfortable with. When playing this exercise, hold each note for 4 beats - one bar. Ensure that you let the note ring out fully, don't just play it for a beat or two then wait until the next 4 beats for the next note.

Once you're comfortable at that speed, then slow the metronome down & repeat.

I'll have a video coming soon explaining & showing you what to do - just need to have a shower & wake up, so I can play the thing myself

If this is confusing, or if you want parts explained more - please ask!

This now has it's own topic in the Bass Lessons section, so feel free to browse over that way & head there with any questions etc.

great stuff here