As I mentioned in an earlier lesson, it’s difficult to focus on grooving when our fingerboards are nebulous zones of uncertainty and trepidation. A solid understanding of how the notes are organized on the fingerboard is essential if we are to get to the point where the bass is like an expressive paintbrush in our hands - instead of an obstacle to negotiate.

To that end, I feel it is critical to memorize the names of the notes at the 7th fret and below (the primary “groove range” of the instrument). There are a number of inherent characteristics of a bass tuned in the standard, “straight 4th’s” tuning (E-A-D-G...or B-E-A-D-G-C-F, for you folks who ran out and bought a 7-string after attending the last NAMM show!) that will assist in this task.

It all starts with that familiar C major scale again, which we know is:

C-D-E-F-G-A-B-(C) 

The 5th Fret Rule

You may recall this from guitar lessons as an 8-year-old! The 5th fret of the E string is an A, and is the same note (not an octave apart) as the open A string. Carry that logic through to the other strings (5th fret of A string = Open D string, etc.).

FIGURE 1

The 7th Fret Rule

The 7th fret of the A string is an E, one octave above the open E string. Similarly, the 7th fret of the D string is an A, one octave above the open A string, etc.

FIGURE 2


The 12th Fret Rule

It probably goes without saying, but while we’re on the topic, don’t forget that the fingerboard “repeats itself” an octave higher, beginning at the 12th fret. In other words, E at the 12th fret of the E string is an octave above the open E string, etc.

FIGURE 3

EXERCISE 1

Using the C major scale in conjunction with Octave Shapes #1 and #2, the 5th fret rule and the 7th fret rule, memorize the names of all the notes at the 7th fret and below. Pick random notes (all of the F’s, then all of the Bb’s, etc.) and ensure that you’re finding all of them within this lower range of the fingerboard.

Our goal is to reinforce this to the extent that it requires little to no thought...so that no portion of our cerebral processing power on the gig is having to be devoted to, “MAN, where is that stinkin’ Bb????”. This is only accomplished through repetition, on a daily basis. It’s one of the critical, “eating your veggies” portions of learning to be an effective bassist; however, it can be assimilated relatively quickly with consistent and diligent effort. I assure you that the fun stuff is on the way...but is utterly dependent upon this foundational knowledge.

Video Exercise 1