Do Scales Matter for Bass?

Scales are often thought of as "that boring thing teachers tell you to practice" when you're first learning an instrument.
Well I'm here, more than 30 years after starting to play bass, to tell you they can be an incredibly inspirational part of the learning process, and could well be the key that unlocks many obstacles most bass players face, no matter what style of music they play.
Check out the video, get some ideas for your practice routine, and if you want to be one of the first people to own the new book "The Bassist's Book of Scales and Arpeggios", get your pre-sale copy now:
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[@ValuelessPond22]

Adding broken chords into the title hints to some of the inspiration for the book, so I’m all for that.

[@nikolasmareske1200]

Hi,I‘m Voting for the Title with the broken chords!!I‘m classical trained musician ….I waited for a Book Like this for years!!!Thank you Hanek for that!!!!!Cheets from Germany

[@jcspradley4621]

+1 for Broken Chords! It'll make me feel smarter as I look at the cover of the book while not practicing.

[@DW-zi6ht]

I like the inclusion of "Broken Chords" and can't wait to receive my copy. Cheers!!

[@paulholder5619]

Yeah, definitely get the "broken chords" part into the title, gives it that extra bit of flavour! Either way I think I'll be grabbing a copy.

[@dannyfeanor]

"...and broken chords" - it's more descriptive and stands out among all the other "scales and arpeggios" books / courses. Keep it up and best of luck!

[@soundslikeben]

Janek is bringing the Quiet Storm voice like there is a sleeping baby upstairs. I’m here for it.

[@janekgwizdala]

@@soundslikeben there is a sleeping baby… 😮 didn’t realize it came across like that. 😂

[@MarkMarxonsBassChannel]

Just “The Bassist’s Book” ✅

[@Blakeadam52]

That might get lost with all the other “bassists book”’s though

[@dwainhamilton9404]

Good LORD!!! Has this ever been debated?! Of COURSE it’s the title with ‘Broken Chords’! That’s an insanely hip addition to an insanely important book/resource. Thanks, Janek, for all of the hard work and dedication throughout your life to help guys like myself learn to communicate music with this instrument. I just started studying with Matt Rubano, and perhaps I’ll catch both of you at The Baked Potato. Cheers, Dwain

[@MickemeMicken]

I vote for including broken chords. Very much looking forward to this book.😅

[@MickemeMicken]

Just realised they’re in there anyway. I wouldn’t include it in the title. 😊

[@J.on.bass3]

The title with “broken chords” is more enticing, in my opinion. Can’t wait to own it.

[@petershaughnessy9699]

Go with “broken chords.” It describes the book more accurately. Thanks for the endless inspiration Janek!

[@milkovic07]

This is what I've been waiting for all my life, pre-ordered it instantly

[@rgkism]

Dear Janek; yes please include the term "broken chords" in the title! Besides being more informative in this way; it would also emphasize the bridge (or embeddedness of) chords ; scales and arpeggios. Thanks a lot for taking time to write this book!

[@ReesePlaysMusicOfficial]

Looking forward to another book, Janek. I always find them super educational and have shown noticeable improvement in how I view the bass. Thank you for all you provide the community!!

[@Prabhi-ji]

…looking forward to your new book…have almost all of your books very inspiring…I love your enthusiasm what ever you doing🙏

[@jeremyowens3319]

Broken chords fits so well, I think. It stands out. Gives more insight into the inspirations and goals of the book. And I think the phrase "broken chords" is perfect for bass, not just because as a more a melodical single note playing instrument, but also a lot of bass sounds are all about controlling the broken. Sounding clean as possible while being as dirty as possible. Those good, good BWAPs for example.

[@DrewSchibsted]

Exactly the book I've been looking for, just ordered a copy. THanks.

[@glennhm8142]

There are a few guitar books with Broken Chords in the title, so having a bass book with that in the title is awesome. A yes from from me

[@jrosner6123]

I used this in my teens. Had to do it for piano studies, and adapted some for bass- I think many musicians did the same for their respective instruments.

[@PieterKitslaar]

Looking forward to start practicing with this. Ordered.

[@JordanIs.Online]

Been waiting for something like this for a while and a few months ago I started writing out exercises around scales and arpeggios in several different shapes. I bought some over books about scales and arpeggios but they never really approached it in different shapes or left you to figure some stuff. Instant buy for sure!

[@FrizzelFry]

Great stuff - would love a video where you takes us through practicing one of the pages in the book

[@rafbass]

Just bought the book. I’ll review it on my channel when it arrives ❤

[@ChadHensley]

As a trombone player I have the Arban book for that wonderful instrument and may have to pull it out after my upcoming move and use it for bass practice...along with my SBL and Gwizdala books!

[@wallace_nelson]

I'm looking forward to getting my copy.... I like the way Broken Chords sounds!

[@mindmorphology]

Looking forward to receiving my copy! Thank you and I think you should put broken chords in the title!

[@JanSturialemusician]

Yes, broken chords for sure. Love it! Go Janek!

[@serpico975]

+1 for “& Broken Chords”. Definitely.

[@R_o_m_u]

Waiting for it ! Thx

[@ismaeldanielsantana5366]

I think the Janek Gwizdala encyclopedia 🥶

[@simhassall9734]

This is awesome, I love it - you should absolutely include "& Broken Chords", like the Ukrainian dorian it inspires curiosity to find out more! Looking forward to this book and will be great to have this for going deep on bass study - it can only add to the good books already out there. Great time to be a bass player with so much stuff to dig into.

[@neoLover23]

The second with the broken chords

[@jairajswann]

Hey Janek, I think that "The Bassist's Book of Scales, Arpeggios and Broken Chords"

[@jenserjenson4407]

Thank you so much!

[@iksajotien]

Wait, what? You were playing trumpet? How cool! I want to try to learn sax a little bit.

[@MelonPlaysBass]

Dr Bassius showed me the hannon book, great exercises in there

[@A.B.H_da-goat]

call it "gwizdalas EPIC manual for shredding"

[@ralphmanak]

Chord Cells, the alternative perspective.

[@Dimitrivsky]

'+Broken Chords' for the win!

[@gabrielnilsson5398]

Broken chords should be in the title. Keep it up, love your videos ❤

[@mbberry135]

The Bass Guitar and its sibling the Double Bass Viol both sit in a very weird place: the unity of Harmony and Rhythm. Basses are percussive so they add to the drums, but they have strings, notes, and Chords so they add to Harmony, like guitars. That was on my mind watching Your video. I had no where to put that. Sincerely Mike B. B. From Philly, P.A. U.S.A.

[@Dougsegal]

a) SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!! b) I vote “Broken Chords” c) Seriously, I will buy this the very instant it becomes available. The more I learn about scales, chord construction, & how chords relate to each other, the more I realise there is to know and the better player I have become, every single time I’ve understood something new. When will it be available? How can I order it please?

[@Fynn.Clements_music]

I would most definitely include 'broken chords'

[@tabonejohann]

Dorian #4 sounds pretty I try this over diminish chord .

[@arthurkahwa2610]

Do you know "Chord studies for electric bass" by Rich Appleman and Joseph Viola?

[@janekgwizdala]

@@arthurkahwa2610 I do know of it but never studied it.

[@martinsbalu9947]

Please do include the broken chords. It would be very beneficial for us all 😎 im definitely buying it

[@janekgwizdala]

The broken chords will definitely be in the book, it was just a question of whether or not to include them in the title.

[@martinsbalu9947]

@@janekgwizdala oh yeah sorry i misunderstood. sweet im looking forward to buying the physical copy

[@shinbulb]

The Bassist's book of scales, arpeggios and broken chords !

[@jasondelorey5552]

Include! Sounds cool. Off shoot question. You mentioned a while back about working with DR strings to develop a E to C pack....because no one does one. Is that going to happen for sale?

[@joemiya6689]

Im so obsessed to hear one answer from you. Should I start from index finger or thumb on right hand?? And do you think I should strictly follow “imimim-“or “mimimi” alternate fingering even when you run over different strings?? Anyways I really enjoy your music and videos! Thank you for sharing your wisdom!!

[@mcleary9615]

As a beginner the c major scale matters to me because I'm learning when the natural notes are

[@ephraimluwemba1392]

Include the broken chords!

[@munneysh]

I'll second that.

[@Dax_Smith]

Fingerings in the book for arpeggios too? I love me some scale & arpeggio fingerings. +broken chords.

[@janekgwizdala]

@@Dax_Smith fingerings for everything!

[@j99wendt]

I'm thinking people would gravitate towards calling it the "Broken Chords" book - ala "Hey, have you checked out that Broken Chords book?" (sans using your name for uniqueness)

[@reggaebass1857]

Looks great for widening my playing, is it available in the uk , thanks

[@froorocks1000]

Can you publish the physical book in ring bound version? It makes it so much easier to have it open on a music stand without breaking the spine of the book

[@janekgwizdala]

@@froorocks1000 Amazon do no offer ring bound unfortunately. But I know people sometimes buy the pdf and print it themselves. Or simple print off single pages to work on.

[@StupidEarthlings]

'Multiple Fingerings'.. reminds me of a Girl I knew.. '8 Finger Judy' we called her.. (well, I did). 😊

[@StupidEarthlings]

Picture it.. New England, 1987, behind Caldor plaza.. ACTUAL QUOTE: 'Use Both Hands'...😳 the rest, was history (so was I).. 😅

[@LorgisBassLab]

Brother, listen to your wife, lol I can't wait to get your book!!!

[@marcelodelpaggio7469]

hi janek,for me is NOT broken chrds.Hugs from Buenos aires

[@gatoyt3619]

Yes

[@ZPX945]

Add Broken chords to the title ! Will the book be in Tab as well?

[@janekgwizdala]

@@ZPX945 yes!

[@1234drums]

Cool ❤

[@GrowlerBox]

I don’t care if it’s in the title, as long as it’s in the book. How about “The Bassist’s Gwizoire”? 😊 Edit: just ordered, sounds like it’ll be amazing.

[@Songtitles4u]

Isn’t an arpeggio an broken chord? All arpeggio’s are broken chords but not all broken chords are arpeggio’s?

[@ronnystar9342]

I'm for adding "broken chords"

[@yawkrap10]

Yes yes yes, add the broken chords !!!

[@marcossuarez5622]

I'm in my very first steps of learning music, so the question may be obvious but, can you recommend a compendium book of rithms?

[@janekgwizdala]

@@marcossuarez5622 I have a book called “Bass Player’s Guide to Sight Reading” at my website which is very thorough when it comes to rhythm and learning the basics.

[@ctodd122]

When you say broken chords would those be close to triad pairs?

[@micahlewis-o9r]

Broken: 1. Characterizing game mechanics or objects that are so powerful that they trivialize game content or become the only desirable items or mechanics for a player to use. From Urban Dictionary

[@Animosity6792]

Sounds like a great book, but $27 delivery to UK? I'm out! (at least until it comes out on Amazon)

[@janekgwizdala]

@@Animosity6792 the signed copies aren’t for everyone. I understand that the shipping is high, but that is simply what the USPS charges, and I’m actually making a slight loss on shipping for all international orders because I also think there’s a limit to what is reasonable to pay. It’ll be on Amazon, so everyone will be catered for.

[@Animosity6792]

@@janekgwizdala I get that - signed would have been nice but I can't be doing $27 just for shipping! I've ordered your 10 minute manual off amazon UK and will order this when it comes on there too 😊

[@soulfred]

I would prefer first the simple version "Scales and Arpeggios", like in terms of marketing is more direct BUT, the second option is more disruptive so, WHY NOT?

[@soulfred]

Now I'll leave, have to master de Ukranian Dorian all the neck.

[@mye3sunz]

Include broken scales! No other bass book ( that I know of) even mentions it ...

[@samullen]

What about a version without tabs? Otherwise I have to put masking tape over all the tabs.

[@lahloonatic]

Broken chords are a must

[@dcruze]

Include 'broken chords' 🙂

[@janezjanez7493]

The Basst Book Ever? :)

[@10sbassski]

yes to broken!

[@JorgeGarcia-ej3vy]

I vote for just scales and arpeggios

[@micahlewis-o9r]

Yes on “broken scales”. Put that on the cover and folks will pick it up just to find out what actually is a broken scale.

[@peapawpeapaw1089]

I would keep it simple. In the book bring up broken…

[@fretlessman71]

Trombones can play two notes at a time if they're clever and know the trick.

[@BassistThan]

Broken chords. I think a classy cover like the Schirmer would be great too. It just immediately says "high academic work"

[@Nugmania1]

Janel, tried to pre order the book, it’s saying can’t ship to my address, it’s not like I’m in Siberia or Alaska, please advise thanks Rik

[@janekgwizdala]

@@Nugmania1 there are two product pages. One for domestic shipping in the US, and one for everywhere else. Make sure you’re using the appropriate page and it shouldn’t be an issue. 👍

[@Nugmania1]

Janek, why won’t they ship to Winnipeg, a million 6 plus surrounding areas, too small?

[@Nugmania1]

And I did choose Intetnational shipping

[@acekiller48]

Alternate tittle: The Broken Bassist Book on Chords and Scales.

[@kenichijono7117]

yes for broken chords!

[@WCruttenden]

Another +1 for broken chords in the title. It should intrigue those who don't know what they are.

[@danielepinceti2499]

"and broken chords" 👍🏽

[@franckilamusik2519]

How do I get the book

[@janekgwizdala]

You gotta watch the video. All the information is right there. Also in the description of the video.

[@robairdpadraicmuireadhaigh5324]

Yes - And Broken Chords

[@ctodd122]

And broken chords!

[@rafbass]

No broken chords. Less is more. As every bass player should be.

[@maximvigilev]

Ukrainian Dorian… Hm. Thank you, Janek. Now I know one more scale, in fact, the scale from my Motherland. :)

[@Joshyswing]

Always listen to your wife!

[@GhostKitchenBand]

I don’t hear the term “broken chords” very often. Use another term

[@delantaymotte1]

add broken

[@davecoomber4555]

Yes include the broken chords in the title.

[@jamesgrainger4328]

Add everything … then I won’t have to buy another bass book again

[@merrillmoore7492]

Yes, please include broken chords.

[@maxkasp2985]

8:00 ukrainian? since when and who named it like this🙄it was always dorian flat five

[@77Dragons]

Broken chords, please! That will set this book apart.