Master your ENTIRE fingerboard with this AMAZING exercise

► Grab Your FREE Workbook: bit.ly/3idvUcd
What if you could flip a switch and go back in time?
In today’s new video I’m going to show you a simple formula that I wish I could teach to my younger self (just like in Back to the Future, lol). It’s a super simple exercise that will completely change the way that you look at the fingerboard.
In a nutshell, there’s this really useful thing called the circle of fifths, which you’ve probably already seen somewhere online or in a music theory book. It can be a little confusing if you don’t know what it is OR how you can use it. The trick is to learn how to memorise the different patterns hidden inside.
Go here to learn the basshack that I WISH I could teach my younger self.
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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[@stevieffs]

If you're less pattern-orientated - and this is the way I learned it - it's just C F (BEADG)b BEADG C, where (BEAD)b means Bb Eb Ab Db. However you do it, as Scott says, it's really worthwhile and one of the foundational things any musician needs.

[@BillH2949]

Missed the Gb but otherwise yeah.

[@stevieffs]

@@BillH2949 good point - edited (again!)

[@gatekeeper3232]

You just broke my brain Scott.

[@realrussclarke]

Lol right!?

[@royhsieh4307]

he just went back in time with the time machine with one white hand what do you expect

[@JDavidChilders]

I appreciate your sharing this with us, Scott. Thank you.

[@Chris-MusicTheoryAndFretboard]

This is similar to the exercise my piano teacher gave me. Major 3rds, minor 3rds, Major triads, minor triads, Major sevenths, minor sevenths, and finally dominant sevenths all around the circle of 4ths. Very useful. My partner is always amazed how much theory I know simply because of exercises like this.

[@emersongarcia7128]

Lucky you, i got a classical piano and violin

[@normanquan3239]

Is the main purpose of this exercise to: a) Learn the note names of the entire fretboard? b) Learn the note-name spellings of each triad? c) Learn to visualize the degree patterns (Root/3rd/5th) of each triad on the fretboard? d) All of the above? I’m not quite sure what I’m supposed to concentrate on as I do the exercise. For example, in the ascending C Major triad on the first 5 frets, should I be saying, “G-C-E-G-C”, or should I be saying, “5-C-3-5-C”? Or maybe do it both ways?

[@normanquan3239]

After having done the exercise for a few days, allow me to answer my own question. The answer is…. d) All of the above! Seems to me like a committed player would want to master this so he/she could do it in his sleep. Thank you Scott.

[@Wendalena]

Scott you are a genie. I have been trying to get the circle of fifths under my belt as a Player by ear (sadly, as I cant read the dots they don't stay still, even trying for 30 years). Finally, here is a form I understand and your lessons are just flippen wonderful. It seems that your methods relate to people like me and it appears through my life that we are many. Thank you.

[@payamghasemi]

It was one of the best lessons of all time! Thanks for sharing this.

[@chrisherman7531]

Thank you Scott....in my 50s and just starting with a bass. Always loved the instrument, but never made time for it....until now...

[@GazAce]

Another awesomely inspiring lesson from the bass maestro Scottstar! I really like that chord break down explanation man, ty brother, I really love your Ch.. makes me unbasslazy 🎸😀

[@XavierD62]

Scott you r back!!! Always is Nice When u teach

[@Duvstep910]

Got my first 5 string bass a while ago 😁 can't wait to master my favorite instrument

[@A-E-O-N]

Thank you Scott, just added this to my main exercise list :)

[@tomikuusla925]

Thanks for sharing this! Going to try this out.

[@WhiteMamba73]

Super helpful! Thank you, Scott. 😎

[@JohnWilson-ru7xd]

Brilliant explanation of the cycle. Excellent for learning voice leading too. Cheers for that Scott this is excellent information that supports what I've been working on. 👍

[@jamesclerk815]

Absolutely amazing, I love how casual you make it! 🤣

[@aikensrus]

Boil down chords & triads to a nice compote, and serve on top of your favorite dish. Great lesson.

[@Brotesque89]

Easiest way I remember it is CF BEADG(flats) BEADG. The F note indicates the first BeadG is flat. It's remembered and read as Bead - G.

[@johnsydneyaren]

I love Scott and I am indebted for all the wonderful training he has shared for free at KZbin University. He is amazing, generous and inspiring.

[@floydpalma6289]

Very useful. ❤ Thanks, Scott.

[@rolandrichards39]

Love this!! Thx & cheers Scott 🍺

[@shanghaimaath]

Thank you Scott ! One another great vid here !

[@nicolasptrsn]

Me: "Scott, how many videos on mastering the fret board do you want to put out?" Scott: "Yes."

[@KapnKregg]

One advantage of having a 5 string is that the entire Circle of 5ths is laid out for you without any special pattern. To see this in action, pick up your 5 string. Now bar all strings at the 12th fret. From the G string to the B, say the names of the notes: G, D, A, E, B. Those are all 5ths. But to keep going you need an F# right? That’s the next 5th. So... just move down one fret and start playing on the G string again. F#, C#, Ab, Eb, Bb And just keep moving down one fret at a time to continue. Pretty neat huh?

[@vanyiszabi]

ügyes

[@pangeaproxima9446]

@@vanyiszabi Lmao!!!

[@Wozzy]

🫡

[@peterlind1966]

As always excellent Scott !

[@devinebass]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@ianbellert3508]

Man oh Man, thanks heaps Scott. Your lessons really really help. Like super freakin help. Getting my frettin straightened up. It hurts Good! Amazing how you can tinker around for years and then one thing you correct, can change things incredibly. Cheers Blerto

[@bntaft5133]

Thanks again Scott.

[@jodyhendrix5876]

This is a game changer!

[@elizajames477]

This is a meaty exercise. Many thanks.

[@SYPCWAK]

Thank you!!

[@mikehickman3932]

This is great stuff thanks

[@klx400sr69]

I love step 3!

[@jomamma1750]

Very nice lesson, Thank you Scott! Cool p-bass btw, should do a tech-geek vid on that one and the setup, she sounds pretty trad.

[@ingemar-christopheschubnel4206]

Crazy, I know my next exercises, thx 👍

[@JohnDoe-kf9wq]

thanx scott a lot

[@vincenthagood349]

I needed this

[@thyagogarcia88]

Obrigado pelas dicas

[@marcosmatheus9393]

Great one

[@jamesmstith]

Thank you

[@lyngracesessions2168]

I like the way you play the guitar 👏🏻 You make it sound really nice!😃 💓🤩

[@weschilton]

Very cool and brutal lesson!

[@izzibassistslapbass7138]

he's a genius! :)

[@mattwalter5184]

This feels like a test the police would perform if they suspected someone was driving intoxicated.

[@harperw4434]

You are God sent!

[@xavierpenalvergrau6046]

Thanks

[@BobMaori]

thank you sir

[@bentulaneunardop.5577]

Hi scott im your solid subscriber. i really like all the video you had. i wish i can have a bass. Im Eunardo Bentulan from the Philippines.

[@stylesb959]

I’m trying to actually learn after learning from records for 30 years. It seems it’s 9 notes instead of that Fis 11.I keep watching you I get stuck too when it ends on ands starts on the same note. I’ll keep trying. Thanks

[@kailasnarayan3831]

This is one hell of a lesson. I suggest everyone regardless of being a beginner or an intermediate player to check this out.

[@DannoDemo]

Halfway through the video - I've been playing on and off for over 20 years, but in no means am past "beginner" - and I could not agree more!

[@davidschrader3257]

If you ever want to unload that bass Scott, please let me know... :)

[@quentinmorales]

Might as well do that on a tune.

[@mhpb639]

A page right from old Fingerboard Accelerator course!

[@mickeybreezy]

I love that bass! Would you send it to me please? It would really make me happy to be playing that thing every day.

[@Rumanhavlan]

this is officialy the seventh video with the same name on this chanel

[@diealot6542]

Hi I know it's an amazing off chance to get an answer, but what kind of gloves are u using? I got skin problems with bass strings and am looking for solution :) thanks for al the awesome content and making bass amazing ;)

[@zprince4120]

Scott can you please demonstrate note X for us I'd love to hear it. Lol

[@nguyenbass078]

thank u for lession

[@ArielIsaac8111]

BIG QUESTION: So I’m learning Arpeggios on C Major (also called Ionian), but when I go on to learn Arpeggios in the other modes (Dorian, Locrian, etc.,) am I still going to learn the same Arpreggios? Of course the notes will be different because I’m in a different mode/chord tone, but am I still going to be learning a Major 7 in Dorian as I would in Ionian? Or is the name different because I’m hitting different notes unlike the ones I hit in Ionian? Is it even called a “Major 7 Arpeggio” at that point since I’ll be playing in Dorian instead of Locrian? I hope this question isn’t too complicated and thanks for any one who answers 🙏🙏

[@ArielIsaac8111]

@@anivesh DUDE YOURE THE BEST THANK YOU FOR THIS, 🙏🙏🙏💙💙💙💙💙

[@freddiejrpdeasis5671]

Hi sir scott from the philippines.

[@scottibass]

nevermind the exercise, how about that bass tone! sounds so rich and resonant

[@bobwright4945]

Simplest way i learned this was (CF)(BbEbAbDbGb)(BEADG) in short CF and the word BEAD with G on the end

[@abara887]

Gotta love Scotty. Bass guitar or double bass players equally benefit.

[@MatthewFearnley-ym3oy]

In ny 50s and learning all the time this is an eye opener

[@emmanueljames1460]

Thanks Scott!!!

[@LeandroFerreiraBass]

O terceiro é muito louco mas bem interessante

[@asmnstn]

Are you using a fuzz pedal here?

[@davidmiller6076]

Scott; any suggestions on a handicapped right hand?? I can’t move it fast due to a Stroke in 95’. Numbness and dexterity abilities are maybe 50% off..

[@davidmiller6076]

I’ve worked and worked on this hand..

[@davidmiller6076]

Btw, I’ve noticed a lot of players going back to their 4 strings from their 5 strings

[@RyanSince92]

What bass is this , does anybody know ?

[@mrmsmdjp]

Hey SBL. Hey Scott. Well you Needn't? Nice!

[@asmnstn]

Os it cheating if I think more about scale degrees than notes?

[@sweetegg]

Lowest note a g in a c major triad? What about an open e string?

[@ronlawrence5635]

Scott said that he is not using any open strings.

[@Chris-MusicTheoryAndFretboard]

Apparently in this exercise, he asks you to avoid the open strings because it's an exercise to learn the notes on the fretboard and most already know the open string notes.

[@sweetegg]

@@Chris-MusicTheoryAndFretboard I guess yeah. But I think it's kinda a waste to not practice including your open strings because you unlock a ton more options if you do. Not saying you disagree with me here perse, just saying. Thanks

[@ZodiacEntertainment2]

@@sweetegg Use the opens strings for yourself, then, that's what I'm doing to practice this.

[@myblueheaven4424]

This one hurt my head. Am I meant to be able to do step three on the fly? Like if someone called out a starting point in the circle of fourths, you could pick up from there and work your way around the circle choosing the closest note at the end of each triad to the next triad?

[@BumbleBeeJBG]

"Free" is a link to a PDF, not a one-way ticket into an intense hard-sell that's trying to hook you into a perpetual subscription you never cancel

[@devinebass]

Hey Jim - Sorry to hear you feel that way, your feedback will be passed onto our content team for consideration of how we distribute the PDFs. If you experience any issues trying to cancel the subscription our support team are always more than happy to assist at [e-mail].

[@santbass9674]

fundamentals ;)

[@OutlawToys]

Is it lighting or something you did in post that makes your left hand look like a zombie?

[@syphilis6969]

He’s got a condition that makes his hand shake unless there is light pressure applied, so he wears a glove

[@jockojohn3294]

I look at the fingerboard and my brain goes...TF?....Maybe this will help :)

[@Azajndo]

Ah yes, the QMaj9(add6) chord :D

[@kane6529]

Learn the fingerboard and the fretboard 🤯 I feel like I’m in the matrix

[@devinebass]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@louishodgson5939]

Blue Monk intro?

[@danielrose542]

I have a question about circle of 5ths: Can I have that bass?

[@skrankle66]

Easy as that lol😅

[@philabernathy1868]

I plan to get fifths of Scotch, vodka, rum, bourbon, whiskey, tequila and whatever else I can find. Gives Circle of Fifths a while new meaning!

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

I remember Steve Lawson teaching me that at his flat in London years ago, I still have the circle picture 😁 I grasped nothing as reading gives me a headache, I was playing back what he was playing, by ear 😂

[@GabrielCassiel]

What does “I’ll see you in the shed” means?

[@RickMCMusic]

Blue monk

[@stanzinkhar405]

I've got a question Are you related to James McAvoy ??

[@brettmarlar4154]

So, the reason you didn't start the C major triad with the low E is to avoid using open strings? Because that would technically be the lowest possible note in said triad.

[@LeRooky]

I imagine it's to focus on building muscle memory. That same shape he played on the C major can be played on C sharp. Better to get that under your fingers first, open strings can be added in once you're comfortable I suppose

[@TheoVenables]

Think it is because most people are most comfortable with what notes the open strings are so this exercise gets you to learn that note,that is on a open string, in a different place on the fret board rather than open.

[@tadaspetrauskas6898]

4:06

[@brettmarlar4154]

@@tadaspetrauskas6898 I heard where he said THAT he wasn't using the open strings. The WHY is a bit vague. Knowing where all the intervals are is a sign of true mastery, plus he said "the lowest possible note" not the lowest fretted note. I do realize how pedantic it sounds, but open strings are technically part of the neck as well. Besides, eventually you'll need to learn all the shapes and inventions to keep things from sounding the same.

[@brettmarlar4154]

@@LeRooky the same shape is still applies to C# as it just starts 1/2 step (or semi-tone depending on where you're from) higher at fret 1.

[@nicacrush]

But Phil Mann said he's never used the circle of fifths in his life

[@xavier8262]

He did tho. Reversed :')

[@yakzivz1104]

Oh he did it without thinking about it that way.

[@bengagliardo1080]

that makes no sense to me what does each patern represent.?. ill stick with learning songs i guess

[@xaviercorona9014]

Cant believe this guy 5 reasons that gloves on the wrong hand here’s how to fix it.....

[@rainermichaelcom]

THAT bass is sexy!

[@RobertWadlow292]

"None of this you know.... pfffrrrrrrr"

[@eliothillis535]

24 people don't understand the circle of 5ths.

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

I didn't see the relationship to the circle. Sorry I'm slow

[@jm879]

Wiee 28 minutes ago hahaha

[@JohnDoe-kf9wq]

it s not easy

[@mrbungle7586]

Learn the notes on your fret board and the need for patterns etc, help but not really essential.

[@RyanMonette]

Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle Anyone else?

[@Hic_Rhodus]

Fender Custom Guitars Deliver An Eargasmic Bass

[@micktomazou]

Amazing "something for nothing"!! Not looking forward to actually diving into the lesson though.....BRAINACHE!!!

[@kiereluurs1243]

What a FILTHY guitar. Is it FAKE too? Probably. Oh, but very 'cool'.