Learning your bass guitar fretboard is extremely important to be a great musician. Learning your scales and notes in two octaves will help with that.
BUT FIRST, WHAT ARE OCTAVES?
Octaves refer to two notes that are eight steps or intervals apart. These steps apart do not include any sharps or flats. In the example below, we are looking at the four different positions where the A is on the fretboard. Notice how the first and third measures are the same pitched notes but played on different frets. This is also the same as the second and fourth measures.
HERE ARE TWO-OCTAVE SCALES!
NOW LETS TALK ABOUT TWO-OCTAVE SCALES
Two-octave scales occur when one scale is played in one position on the fretboard that is lower pitched near the neck and can also be played in another position that is higher pitched.
BENEFITS OF LEARNING YOUR SCALE IN TWO-OCTAVES
Learning your scales in this manner will increase your fretboard knowledge, finger dexterity, and strength.
TAKE YOUR TIME!
Start off slow by playing the scale ascending and descending. Do that in one position and proceed to do the same thing for the octave. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase your speed. Repeat the process with different scales to expand your repertoire and fingerboard knowledge.
TWO-OCTAVE EXERCISES IN B MAJOR AND E MINOR
With these exercises you can tailor them to any scale that you want to work on.
If you liked this article, check out these other articles:
CREATING DIFFERENT TYPES OF BASSLINES – COMPLETE GUIDE
Creating Basslines Playing in Unison
Creating Basslines Episode 2: Scales!
Creating Basslines Episode 3: Chords!
Creating Basslines Episode 4 Part 1: Slap/Pop Technique
Creating Basslines Episode 4 Part 2: Tapping
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