How to navigate the bass fingerboard (another sneak peek!)

[@bradsmith8193]

Thank you

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

You’re welcome, Brad. I hope you got a lot out of this video.

[@pizzicatobassplayer]

I just watched your video playing James Jameson. That was totally killer Bass playing. I want you to just let loose, show off, intimidate us, throw that Bass right in our face, that's how I want to be taught from a bass instructor, just drill it into my head like a drill sergeant in the United States Army 🇺🇲

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Happy to comply, pbp. Now it’s time for you to get to work! 😂

[@RickRox75]

Great video, Jon. Just given me a greater insight into my bass. Fantastic tip on playing, don't start with something complicated, start very simple, e.g. a scale or C major pentatonic or A minor pentatonic or even blues. Blues is a super suggestion. I will start BG4. Thanks.

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Awesome, Rick! Thanks for letting me know.

[@gb-tm9vg]

Hi Jon, another great video. I haven't started the BG4 yet but fully intend to. I have some food for thought. As you know I play lots of 2 string bass. Like most I started on 4 string. However, it wasn't until I started playing the 2 string when it finally started coming together. Because of the symmetry of the bass once I learned the fretboard on the 2 string transitioning to 3 and 4 is relatively easy. Even 6 string guitar (when tuned in 4ths) works the same. What helps me is mapping out the root notes. They are like mile markers along a highway. I want to go from mile marker 0 to whatever. How you get there is the fun part. Root notes are cool because they are both a 1 or 8 in a scale depending on the direction you are taking on the fretboard. At least that is how I see it.

[@gb-tm9vg]

A follow-up to my first comment. Patterns I use are based on fret position. Yes, I know the various basic shapes we all use. What I am trying to say goes back to my first comment about root note location. For example, in the key of G. The root notes (2 string) are on 3, 10, & 15. So I can get there in a variety of ways. A 343 pattern I use quite a bit. Also 433 and 3334. I've found that the best pattern to use is about tempo, music style, major/minor etc. Just a thought.

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Awesome, gb. I imagine playing a 2-string bass has got to be a lot harder than a 4. It must take a completely different kind of discipline. And it’s got to be really good for you! Thanks so much for sharing your story.

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

You inspire me. You make me want to run out and get a 2-string bass! Know where I can find one? 😂

[@gb-tm9vg]

I'm cheap Jon. I couldn't afford a 2 string. Just a couple cheap 4 strings restrung and reworked.😊

[@gb-tm9vg]

As I said, the 2 string opened up the fretboard for me. I'm much better now on 4 string. Many more root notes/mile markers to choose from.

[@arrogantunderdog]

Jon' did you ever take a bass solo in a Broadway musical, or have to take one to cover-up a fellow musicians mishap to save the integrity of the show? Before you say anything, I know, what a question? But seriously, did you? 😐

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

I may have had a few moments here and there where the bass was featured briefly, but I don’t remember having an actual solo. Although when I played Dreamgirls at the Burt Reynolds Theatre in Jupiter, Florida, at times it felt like the whole show was a bass solo! 😂