Bass Guitar Training Through Key Changes

In this weeks training lesson I want to work through a few exercises in multiple keys. I typically present one key a week but I think it is good practice, especially if you hope to play certain genres of music, to generalize the techniques.

Let us begin with the key of C major and then proceed to the first two flat keys, F and Bb, then the first two sharp keys, G and D. In each key there is an exercise practicing the scale in 3rds. These are arpeggio/chord building exercises.

C Major Scale in 3rds

F Major Scale in 3rds

Bb Major Scale in 3rds

G Major Scale in 3rds

D Major Scale in 3rds

Here is an original bassline of mine written for a tune called “Reggae”, which I have transposed through the same keys. I purposely put the bassline in certain areas of the neck that wouldn’t typically always be played.

Reggae in C

Reggae Transposed

If you are a beginner, review my previous lessons introducing the scales. If you have experience then play through each scale exercise and transposed bassline without stopping. This will give you great practice in shifting positions. Increase the tempo once you feel comfortable.

Remember always to work at your comfortable tempo. There are many things going on in your muscles and brain to even get a note to happen. It is like the gears of a clock, everything has to line up. If you try and play too fast, the gears will not line up and will jam. Play at your comfortable tempo and let your hands move faster when they are ready. We ALL always speed up, I have never had a student who didn’t! Speed will happen, it’s important to work out quality in your tone first.

Next week I will bring you through different exercises using the more recent scales, A, E, Ab, and Db.

Enjoy your BASS!!!