The ‘3 Rule Fretboard Formula’ to Master the Bass

Learning the fretboard is one of the simplest steps you can take to elevate your bass playing. It can seem pretty daunting when you first start thinking about all those notes, on all those frets, on all four strings! But it doesn’t have to be that way…
In today’s video, I’m going to show you 3 secret shapes that you can use to totally unlock your fretboard. We’re also giving you a free PDF workbook with all the bass tab and notation, so you can have each shape nailed to the wall in no time!
🔥 Download your FREE PDF Workbook → sbl.link/3rejM13
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Video Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction
00:38 - The Epidemic
01:03 - The Three Key Areas of the Fingerboard
01:47 - The 3x Major Triad Shapes
02:02 - Second Finger Form
03:01 - First Finger Form
03:40 - Fourth Finger Form
03:52 - Exercise #1 - Zone 1 (Frets 1 - 5)
07:18 - Exercise #2 - Zone 2 (Frets 5 - 9)
09:18 - Exercise #3 - Zone 3 (Frets 8 - 12)
11:05 - Exercise #4 - All The Way Up the Fingerboard
12:48 - Summary
===
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[@RyvenProductions]

Best bass community on the internet.

[@lewisgreenhowe528]

Best online .....Bass. I agree

[@charlarge3555]

Without a doubt!

[@BYLRPhil]

Ian is my hero for playing a Squire instead of some super vintage/artisan unicorn.

[@Philomath9ether]

🎯Ditto. When I was getting started I was lucky enough to get mentored by a touring/session bassist here in LA who used a well tuned unmoded (?) Squire Jazz on all his club gigs - playing with other well known touring/session musicians. His reasoning was that if he could rock with that he could rock with anything - plus if someone spills beer on it he could care less. It is then that I learned that the "magic" is in the hands and instruments are tools. Its nice to have "premium" tools but they won't make to craftsman 😄

[@mr0ash]

wow that Squire of Ian's looks great!

[@Ben_Mdws]

You two work so well together. Gold.

[@krzmi]

that is by far one of the best way of learning how different chords work together in different places on the fretboard! combining it with minor, diminished, etc. feels like really unlocking it. Do more of these! One thing you could follow up on is to find an exercise to combine chords in the same key in different positions to kind of lock in these harmonic relations

[@j37v]

Doubt they will. This is essentially the first week, the basis, for the Fretboard Accelerator. It get’s crazy level “unlocked” when they get to the inversions and mixing actually using all this to go through progressions.

[@cedarmoon08]

So I’m curious how this exercise improves one’s ability. Could you elaborate more? Is it all about being able to move between chords more easily on the fretboard? Specifically I’m wondering how this exercise translates into playing music (songs, with others, performance etc). I’m not doubting it in any way. Just literally curious about the WHY behind this.

[@krzmi]

@@cedarmoon08 playing fluently different chords IS playing music ;) There are so many benefits from such exercises: * going with the circle of fifths codes in the most common relationship between chords (also if you play the exercise the other way around C G D A, …) * doesn’t keep you locked in (like in the infamous CAGED). This becomes important when keys are changing and you have to find where you are (not every song is in G/e or C/a ;) ) * in any jam session situation you have to find ad hoc any chord * enables you to play better in any key. also in a way to transpose easier. * being fluent on fretboard enables you to find more efficient fingerings * such a structured approach reveals gaps - chords you never played in a specific place. usually people fall back to a known area and thus block themselves from progressing * this method can be further developed: inversions, minor chords, jumps by thirds instead of fifths. * can even help soloing or writting small fillers (like quick jump octave or 10th higher and back) in the end learning fretboard is learning it from as many different perspectives as possible what I miss in this exercise is harmonic context within a single key but that can be covered by some other one. that's just from top of my head. maybe someone else can chime in

[@j37v]

@@cedarmoon08 this is a way to “see the notes” on the fretboard. It requires a LOT of repetition but the idea is you can map out, where the notes are on the fretboard and not get lost. It’s more about being able to find things based on your relative position. You’ll find those shapes/patterns to use, for example, in different rhythmic scenarios. Also makes learning lines by ear easier, since *almost* everything is pretty much diatonic. Edit: to not get crucified for uttering the word everything.

[@peterthegreat996]

@@cedarmoon08you are becoming familiar with the fretboard and developing technique , technical skils. After awhile your brain 🧠 and hands will be connected…you won’t have to think , just play. The base guitar is a machine , it makes sounds when properly played. It’s very construction , especially with the fretboard , means definite and definable techniques are applicable. Consistent practice of techniques, aka , fundamentals, develops your ability to use/ play this machine called a base guitar.

[@rome8180]

I'm liking the skits you've been starting the videos with lately. In general, Scott's chemistry with Ian is awesome. Sharon and Ian also have great chemistry, tbf.

[@sharonrenold]

Really. Ian is clearly just amazing.

[@andrewloya76]

Just started lessons after 13 years of playing. Always knew about the "cycle" but never understood how to utilize it correctly. This practice is my instructors number one daily routine for me. Thank you for adding this little challenging tidbit to my brain hole!! #SBLOVE

[@Aliveinloma]

Been "using" SBL since 2010 or so, I really like what it has become now. I never learned theory but had some success playing clubs and events. I've since become visually impaired and no longer play out. I am now interested in "learning" my instrument from scratch. I receive no income, so will not be signing up for your courses, but find you offer a ton of free stuff. Thank you for all you do for the bass community.

[@MONARDAMUSIC]

Oh man.. Scott’s 70’s jazz bass is to die for 🤤

[@lopezkeys]

Good stuff as always, SBL!

[@maco34576]

you guys make a great duo, no ego, just vibes.

[@paulhine2]

Great video, the humour works well and has more than a hint of truth behind it. Bookmarking this one

[@Duincyberkonijn]

Thank you so much for this lesson. The two of you.... works perfect.

[@dmain6735]

Thank you Scott. Ian.

[@edwinrivera5695]

Great stuff! Many thanks!

[@lewisgreenhowe528]

I can't believe brother Scott and Ian, how well-rounded you guys execute the lessons, beautiful my Bass Brothers

[@blairjones8231]

Is this Cornel West. I didn't know he played bass!

[@jonathanchevallier7046]

Thank you for this great advices !

[@ManoBey12]

Nice thanks for the exercise!! As a visual learner it'd be great if you guys could incorporate the visual aid at the same time we go through the exercise :-)

[@PushSueAside]

This one is fun. Cheers

[@anthonycook4297]

Really love this guys 🙌🏽

[@gabrielebellenghi5551]

Amazing. Thanks guys

[@rachelplaysbass]

Love it! ❤

[@tjstevens001]

Very interesting, thanks a lot!!

[@martydurlam]

Great great lesson.

[@bassib3484]

I love this boss men More grace

[@user-yw6lr4ks1n]

I absolutely love love love this video! I’m definitely downloading the PDF and adding this to my warm up routine. Thank you for all the information and value you add to the bass community. I’m already apart of multiple accelerator programs on the SBL network. It never ceases to amaze, every time I jump on KZbin SBL has another amazing video posted.

[@devinebass]

Thanks for the warm words! Glad you've found this useful!!

[@brianstidd1164]

This triad exercise is something I play everyday as a warmup. It really does work. Aslo the 3 finger position for the scales really opened it up for me. SBL is the best 🤘

[@cedarmoon08]

Could you say more about how “it really does work?” Specifically I’m wondering how this exercise translates into playing music (songs, with others, performance etc). I’m not doubting it in any way. Just literally curious about the WHY behind this.

[@muitosabao]

@@cedarmoon08 i think they mean it translate into you knowing your instrument better (faster identifying notes on the fretboard, knowing the shapes etc). So i see this more as a technique exercise than a musical exercise.

[@TropangBahista]

thanks for a great tutorial

[@seemorebutts3428]

That was fun, I agree!!! Where were you Scott back in 1971 when I was disciplining myself in the basement rental. These are great, and by these I mean the last video Circle of Fifths as well as this. These alone will either make me honest or feel guilty for the rest of my playing days. Thank you both. Aloha, Paul

[@devinebass]

Glad you enjoyed them dude! 🤘🏻

[@rafbass]

Best video of the channel

[@wallace_nelson]

Nice!

[@johng7566]

I just got a 6 string bass after years of playing 4 string and have been using this extended to 2 octaves, combining 2 finger forms in each position, to get more comfortable with the fingerboard.

[@seunpeter_olanrewaju]

Nice fretboard exposition!

[@element-dh9dx]

I heard one of you guys play something the other day, sounded so cool. It was like this gritty, low end walking and swinging thing. God, it was awesome now, if I could only remember what it was. The chords were the same as Louis Johnson's aint we funkin now, but it was like swing funk in A. I love that sound, I am going to try to play what is in my mind now. Yeahhh...uh huh...uh huh !. I want some of that, give me that.

[@jbyesterday3959]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@thomaswalker8790]

Super cool stuff

[@nicolasptrsn]

This exercise is the perfect complement to another fretboard exercise that moves counterclockwise in fourths.

[@michaelrickels7386]

Thank you.

[@stefanoribas]

Beyond awsome

[@nuncaestardejcbass7556]

so great ! Thanks

[@devinebass]

Thanks for tuning in dude!

[@warwickdennis4114]

Are you guys brothers, your so much alike, great so no harm no foul. Keep up the great work, Thanks.😊

[@Sinista-Beatz]

I have a customized Raspy Spectpr Legend 5 Standard Wth a HipShot KickA$$ Bridge Hipshot Treble Tuners and Factory Bass side tuners I've played on and off for almost 38. years so what I do is just play every fret I start from B -> C -> C# --> D // E -> F -> F# -> G /// So On... Index Middle Ring Pinky (Repeat Across BEADG) All The Way Down Starting again at the top of the next descending scale until I hit the 24 and I pick spots Where I'm having trouble and go back and forth 12 times Going faster and faster I do this for up to an hour Then I practice songs and explore the board This is the most Classic Formula described in this video; You learn where the notes repeat etc. One string scales etc

[@jbaranowski1990]

I can see my improvements especially on basses with maple fretboard lol. I noticed that there's more dirt on the whole neck now than on first 5 frets like couple years ago lol.

[@jasonjudson]

Another splendid video! These exercises are a very understandable way of escaping the "beyond the 5th" dreaded limbo! I practice the 4th finger form playing the intro of Rush's "Take a Friend". It's a nice way of practicing the boring stuff that will take you to the next level of bass playing while keeping things musical. A question: why do you guys say G flat instead of F sharp? Thanks, Scott & Ian!

[@apparentbadvibesponge]

Most likely because they're going backwards (well, counter clockwise) through the circle of 5ths. Using sharps and flats at the same time is confusing (and in a capacity, technically incorrect) and there are more flat keys than sharp keys, eg. there is B and B flat but no B sharp. Hope that makes sense.

[@benjaminleimkuhler6812]

That Wal headstock looks beautiful in the background there.

[@elrafa782]

Love your videos. Not sure about my preference, bass or English sense of humor 😉 thanks

[@andylee6228]

Hello Twins! I was surprised that Ian found the 4th position alien, because I learned that from a great bassist as my basic major scale position. It turns out it only makes sense of you're playing the flat (dominant) 7th - which I always do - or like to move up the fretboard (for the natural 7th). He also taught me, for vibrato, to play the semi-tone below and stretch the note up so that when you are then vibratoing it you are going above and below the note, rather than it all being above -essentially playing out of tune. I think he got it from Ronnie Lane in the Small Faces. A good tip for people who have a better sense of pitch than me. He was called Garry Jones, but sadly never became famous.

[@st-vo7xv]

Ian you’re the man!! Professional and on camera yet playing a Squire bass. I have that same bass. Fit and finish almost as good as my American standard. Really… and it weighs 7.5 pounds.

[@devinebass]

Awesome dude! They're a great option!

[@christinasmith829]

Beautiful bass! What is that finish called?

[@scottbitz5222]

This definitely seems useful for learning the fretboard, though I definitely have a leg up in that my first instrument was a violin, so the strings are the "same", just reversed and means I just have to "invert" everything I know (though I feel like the electric bass cheats because of the frets!) and then I'm there! I'll still use this to ease this transition though, so there's that.

[@devinebass]

Absolutely, your violin experience provides a unique advantage for understanding the fretboard. Embracing new approaches can only enhance your musical journey. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@christophenervi1220]

Merci

[@timothysmith7868]

the best thing anyone can do is to take the FRETBOARD ACCELERATOR course.... I did and it was amazing. I am not a professional or anything but the course really opened up the fretboard with the triad exercises and the continuous movement exercises.. this vid seems to be a minute part of that course.. please consider.. you will NOT regret it.

[@theresmore2it]

Very funny intro! - and thanks for the lesson! Probably won't cure the anxiety but should make it better.

[@devinebass]

I hope it helps you on your bass journey dude!

[@andrewjeffries8721]

LOL!!!! I love the intro clip!!!!! 😀

[@devinebass]

🤣🤣🤣

[@alexefors1068]

😂😂😂 love these guys

[@teeoh9192]

Even though he's not exactly revered in the bass community, Gene Simmons is a thorough practitioner of 2nd finger lead. I never used to understand why, but he ALWAYS leads with that & I've tried incorporating that style as well, because depending on the style of music, it sets you up to hit whatever chord is coming.

[@pluflop]

I can honestly say that Gene Simmons was a primary influence for me wanting to play bass. I imagine that's not a common theme lol

[@teeoh9192]

@@pluflop Same here! He's such an underrated player. AND, the fact that he's one of the VERY few SINGING bass players out there, makes me love him more. Watching him sing/play "Watchin' You" from 1975, at the Winterland in San Fran, made me appreciate what he does that much more! At the risk of sounding like a typical fan, those first 3 records had some REALLY good playing!

[@FerdinandNyobewumusi]

Good

[@petercino6972]

Thanks for making the FBA content again fun on the main page - it is where you are recommended by the algorithm but I still read the emails

[@petercino6972]

I also love G M

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@brianwilliams1588]

I've been working on this exercise when I practice and I just have to say: The First Finger triad form has got to be the most jarring and yet just so disgustingly useful fingerings I have ever neglected to learn in my years of playing... that and Fourth Finger major scales 😆 🤣 Seriously. It's amazing how phrases connect when you stop only thinking 2nd finger for major or 1st finger for minor as if they were your only two fingers. Truly opens up how you think about moving along the fretboard. Now, if I can past the OTHER issue a lot of bass players have... neglecting descending lines. It's weird, but it's like my brain does a hard reset when I practice decending triads. All in time though 💪 😎 👍

[@devinebass]

Haha, isn't it funny how those "disgustingly useful" fingerings can be game-changers? 🎸 Embracing new patterns truly expands your musical landscape. Don't worry, you'll conquer those descending lines too - keep that positive energy and determination going! 🕺🔥

[@oov55]

good

[@user-qs6th4vd9n]

Cool

[@GregSB1]

That’s a pretty Squier.

[@shadebug]

So I'm going through this beginner bass playlist and that first shape I have no idea what it looks like because of how it's being shown and demonstrated. Some tab or a diagram of the fretboard would be super helpful. I'm looking at him playing, he's saying numbers and I have no idea what's pressing where

[@pangeaproxima3681]

Best kept secret on fretboard knowledge.

[@pierreandrewt1347]

I laughed hard at "Ian we need to talk about your childhood", but seriously, Scott should've said "Describe in single words only the good things that come into your mind about... your mother."

[@ermoikavalko8705]

Very 😎

[@julianacristina380]

Por favor, faça uma analise da linha de baixo da musica "Cuff It ", da Beyonce. 😄

[@mrmatthew2443]

Is Scott using a chorus or is it a slight detuned sound because you were playing in unison ..?

[@johngpendleton]

Is it a British thing to make the 5ths go clockwise on the "Circle of 5ths" as opposed to having the 4ths go clockwise, which is a much more natural-sounding progression? When you take the root or root chord to the 5th it feels like stepping backward; when you move root-to-4th it feels like stepping forward. Clocks move clockwise (top-over-right) as time moves forward. Why is your circle intuitively contrary?

[@skeptic_individual]

we want bass collection video

[@rikd5452]

This is basically the Scott's Bass Lessons Fretboard Accelerator Cliff's Notes version.

[@rikd5452]

That being said, the Fretboard Accelerator is a seriously deep-dive into this exceptional method of visualizing the fingerboard and developing an understanding of chord tones. Highly recommended.

[@phillewis3108]

Whoa. There’s two people! I’ve been wondering why Scott sometimes spoke with an American accent!

[@brianjlevine]

Or just go with Awaken by Yes.

[@hexlemorte5201]

Funny intro😂

[@michaelvarney.]

That helps with the lowest 4 strings of a regular guitar. =)

[@RyanWright]

and to turn these shapes into minor triads, you just flatten that 3rd by a half step, right?

[@brandon2893]

Yes, the pyramid shape of the major triad becomes inverted into a v shape, pretty cool.

[@gnart1116]

you guys need to put up a diagram or somehting on screen im over here leaning into my screen trying to see what shapes you played

[@charlescdt6509]

my pinky sucks lol so I have been doing everything in first finger. Im glad thats an approved shape.

[@paulhine2]

To improve you HAVE to get that pinky working, it will open up so much more of the fretboard for you, improve your timing (less frantic dashes around the board, more consistent notes). It's hard to start with but you will get it if you apply yourself. You have four fingers for a reason, use them ALL. If you don't, how will you play "Time is Running out" by the legendary Mr Wolstenholme?

[@valandrej]

There is actually 1 more 4th finger position starting on the 20th fret of the E string :)

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@cameronlesley2428]

ERIC as the new name of the banana bass. Banana man

[@DanielaRivera]

I assume these exercises also work on a 5-string bass, right?

[@p3dro734]

yess

[@Demosthenes84]

Fellow 5-er here 👋

[@miykaelp5284]

yes, you have more options on 5 and 6 string etc.

[@maximilian9000]

Isnt this the circle of 4ths?

[@thejuggernaut5327]

Yes, I thought I heard it wrong, but C,F, Bb,Eb, Ab, Db, Gb are 4ths.

[@purplehatguy]

Fifths descending are the same notes as fourths ascending so they are just going down the circle of fifths instead of up.

[@gimmeagig]

You guys are Brothers From Another Mother LOL

[@stevethebassman9740]

Pinky position, oh yeah!!

[@blaiseutube]

How is it that they look so similar?

[@devinebass]

🤣🤣🤣

[@peterprice5896]

Is it me or is there an on purpose absence of Stanley Clarke on your channel I mean I just watched “school days” on the old grey whistle test and it’s epic bass playing so what’s up?

[@pieredoir]

WTF, I just realized there 2 different guys !

[@dangracia7805]

This always drives me a little nuts because you talk about the circle of fifths and you actually play it as a circle of 4ths. To further exacerbate my senses your are moving in a counter-clockwise direction on your chart.. C to F is an interval of a 4th. C to G would be an interval of a 5th. Plus, I learned a circle of 4ths back in high school so when you call it a circle of 5ths and then play 4ths it makes me cringe. And yes, that is my OCD showing.

[@bassislife-trh]

Same

[@JeyFor]

Me too...

[@purplehatguy]

Fourths ascending is the same as fifths descending so the circle of fourths and circle of fifths are actually the same notes in opposite directions.

[@bassislife-trh]

@@purplehatguy I just think if you're trying to explain the concept of the circle of 4ths/5ths, you should try to be as clear as possible. If you're using 4ths as the basis for the exercise, call it the circle of 4ths (not 5ths) and show the circle with the 4ths going clockwise. I know what he meant too, but this is an education channel.

[@skiphoffenflaven8004]

@@bassislife-trhOrrrr, its a supplement. There are thousands of resources out there, online and offline. If there is nothing incorrect being stated or demonstrated, it’s a chance for you to learn from another perspective.

[@akhepcat]

Says "Circle of Fifths" ... reads out the "Circle of Fourths" lolol

[@evenseb7574]

I KNEW that Woody Allen was playing bass

[@robertjova5400]

Funny couch confession 😢

[@robertkosick3925]

I have to say this to someone!!!!! The Music man Joe Dart basses, especialy the 50 run over priced shorty are in my professional opinion ' junk' as far as a quality product from a company like Earnie Ball. Also , I am a believer in carbon fiber 'only' on bass guitar's

[@devinebass]

We appreciate your input and value different opinions! While preferences vary, many players enjoy the Music Man Joe Dart basses for their unique qualities. Carbon fiber has its merits too - it's all about finding the right fit for your personal style. 🎸👍

[@mariuszglinski5121]

It feels strange to me when you go on circle of fifths counter cloclwise

[@brandon2893]

You kind of have to accept that, but it's more important to think of the pattern CF / BEADG / BEADG

[@banjosue100]

That makes it the circle of forths counter- clockwise

[@Chris_Davis_music]

Saying something like "the bass fingerboard can be mastered" is so asinine - it can be improved upon, but not truly mastered, since there is no way to master anything. That said, this video is excellent for teaching how to become more comfortable with the entire fingerboard and improving ones facility on the instrument. Francois Sabbath had a similar technique for double bass.

[@dcoffey666]

LMAO 😂

[@musicfromthegreatbeyond2024]

🤣🤣🤣

[@OliverHetto]

not easy to follow you without illustrations - tabs and notes...

[@samtakavarashajr4863]

Make easier to see what u are playing. It's not easy to transcribe by ear

[@davedave8608]

tell me about your mothers.... of invention

[@jpdevilliers3768]

Ian.........I call BS. You are fluent all over the fretboard.

[@thumbthump]

seriously, bass players can't play their bass?