Looking for a simple way to visualize the bass fretboard? Start by learning octave scales!
Octave Scales Explained
One-octave scales are scale shapes played in a single octave. Octave scale shapes are useful because you can move them to any root note on the fretboard. They also make it easy for you to transpose.
Major Octave Scales
For example, this is a one-octave G major scale shape. If you move it up a whole step, you’ll play the A major scale.
One-octave scales are patterns/ shapes played within a single octave. These scale shapes are useful because they can be shifted to any root note on the fretboard. They also simplify transposing.
For example, here’s a one-octave G major scale shape. Move it up a whole step, and it becomes an A major scale.
Pentatonic Octave Scales
Here’s a one-octave A minor pentatonic scale shape. Move the shape to a new root note on the same string, like shifting up a half-step to Bb.
You can also play this shape starting at the A note on the A string, which is at the 12th fret.
Time to practice
Start using the octave scale shapes from this lesson to practice bass scales.
Practice them with backing tracks, write songs using the shapes, and improvise over jazz standards.
Make sure to practice these shapes across the entire fretboard!