The Most Important Scale You'll Ever Learn /// Scott's Bass Lessons

The modes can be soooooo confusing!…
What are they actually used for?
Which one should I learn first?
How can I actually use them to create bass lines, grooves and solos?
All of these questions are extremely common… so if they resonate with you - don’t worry, you are not alone!
In this lesson I’m going to show you a great way to learn the ionian mode (major scale) - which is by far the most important scale you’ll ever learn, as all of the other diatonic modes are related to this one scale.
I’m going to show you how it relates to major chord types, and three finger patterns that will help you master this scale over the entire fretboard.
Ready?!… ok…
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
PS. If you enjoy this lesson and really want to become a “scales/arpeggios ninja” on the bass you should check out our 10+ hour course, “Harmonic Layering - A Comprehensive Guide To Chord Tones, Arpeggios & Scales”.
Within the new course I cover arpeggios, chord tones, scales, pentatonic scales, the modes, uses of more exotic scales, but most importantly - I show you how to use all of these elements to create awesome bass lines, grooves and solos.
​In other words - I not only show you everything I know, I also show you how to actually use this information in real life situations!
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[@curtw7747]

you so go so quickly that im having trouble figuring out where my fingers go. (yes, total beginner)

[@anthonyhewitt9397]

Top right corner those 3 dots /menu options. Slow down the video. 👍

[@djbrickhouse1]

I've been dabbling on and off with guitar and bass for years but could never wrap my head around how scales and fingering worked on the fretboard. This one lesson just blew it wide open for me. Thanks a million Scott!

[@JayParkMusicInMe]

I love learning Bass from Professor X.

[@asphalion8291]

Is that an insult?

[@mikelalor1000]

James McAvoy, that's exactly who he reminds me of... do you think Scott can make me play better telepathically?

[@ryanforbes6314]

@@asphalion8291 lol, if its an insult its not a very good one, McAvoy was way cool as prof. X. Bald is beautiful. I mean if your bass instructor doesn't look like prof. X, Dr. Evil, Kojak, or Yul Brynner , are you even really trying?😆

[@rogerbost8222]

Can u teach me dayride by stanley clark and chick corea

[@vincentsoleil1]

This exercise gives a Cmajor Scale such a "sympathic" aspect that it will surely be funnier to train. Thank Scott ! Once again, you're THE man.

[@devinebass]

Ahhhh thanks for watching! :)

[@kc8ntp]

I have always taught my students Major first, then teach how each note of the Major scale is the beginning of another scale; until they have learned all the 7 Greek modes. Once this is taught, all the rest of the modes, chords, and arpeggios come naturally. I do the same with guitar and piano, too. The disciplines are slightly different, but the theory is all the same.

[@GodslaveRocks]

I have been playing bass since 1980 and studied under Dr. Wayne Kirby (Julliard, Yale, NYU) at the University of North Carolina, Asheville. I invented an etude that I like to work out with by starting with the Ionian chord scale, but that's the easiest part of it. Because playing scales can get rather boring, I do it like this: C-I (Ionian) ascending, C-II (Dorian) descending, F-III (Phrygian) ascending, F-IV (Lydian) descending, Bb-V (Mixolydian) ascending, Bb-VI (Aeolian) descending, Eb-VII (Locrian) ascending, Eb-I (Ionian) descending and so on through the seven modes and circle of fifths through all 14 key signatures back to C. The reason I like this manner of doing scales is because it breaks my ear out from just hearing the Ionian (major) and Aeolian (natural minor) scales and opens up new ideas when I am improvising and forces me to THINK! Just my thoughts, but I would also add that this is an advanced exercise, not for beginners. Beginners should stick to the basic Ionian, Aeolian and Mixolydian (dominant 7th) scales and master those first.

[@GodslaveRocks]

I also notice that you use the identical technique that Doc Kirby taught me, because I had been playing for three years already when I entered UNCA and was using ridiculous stretches to play scales. Doc utilized the traditional upright technique, using the ring finger only to support the little finger when needed. It definitely prevents fatigue, carpal tunnel problems and all the bad things that happen to new players. Strengthening the little finger is one of the best exercises a new bass player can do to help his (or her) playing!

[@pcpolice2518]

GodslaveRocks do you honestly think anyone going to this video is going to have any idea what the hell your talking about. And if they do what the hell are they doing here watching videos like this.

[@guitarequalsawesome5667]

@@pcpolice2518 people that play a different instrument and now starting to play the bass have an idea :P

[@Maryonpark]

I find Scott's lessons really helpful, like having a mate teach you. I've learnt a lot, good stuff!

[@dobly58]

One of the most perfect scales lessons ever. The mystery unravelled. Thanks Scott.

[@charliearcemusica4525]

Hi Scott,are you doing?well,I want to tell you that you´re not only a great bassist,but the best teacher that I ever heard!!! you make that everything seem "easy",and in fact when I´m doing every lesson like you do,everything become "easy". I must to tell you that I´m a pianist,but I used to play bass in bands("travelling bands")several times,and I´m always loking for video lessons to try to learn something more ,and one day I FIND YOUR LESSONS!!! till today I saw many of your videos,but unfortunely I have no time enough to see everyone,because I have to play piano and make my job,and some video tutorials also. Thank God You´re making this tutorials!!! thank you very much Scott,I really mean it,from the bottom of my heart!!!My english it´s not quite well,so I hope that you can understand what I mean ...thank you Scott once again!!! good luck!!!

[@rafaelramos8642]

Scott, you really hit the nail on this one. In my case I started noticing a real improvement on my bass playing by simply learning (and practicing) this major scale. I like your alternating finger approach for scales and arpeggios. Thanks!

[@benjilososo762]

Hi Scott, I like the simplicity you do always brings your lessons across. Thanks man

[@MrWright10280]

I have a Fender P bass that has been lying around for years neglected. Now I am determined to learn. Scott, this channel is awesome, keep it up! The way you approach your videos and how you explain the ideas is very accessible. I might just have to sign up for your courses as well, we shall see... Cheers!

[@styric-instagramstyricm8845]

Scott, Thank you so much for what you do. I have been playing for over 40 years, but really have never payed attention to 1st, 2nd, or 3rd position. I just played what felt easy, or right. But after checking out your video it has just opened up the possibilities melodically. Thanks a million! -S.Scott

[@bertsonder]

John Gordon to disguise his fingerprints, thus police cant track him 🤣🤣

[@johnbarham7718]

One can always learn something new. I've been playing bass a long time, and still am learning.

[@8STRINGR]

I mess around with Bass but my daughter has suddenly developed an interest in learning and playing the Bass. I'm fixing on purchasing a short scaled Bass so it won't be as hard for starters to enjoy learning. I love all of your important details that I've viewed and look forward to sharing these with her. Looking forward to viewing more ! Will keep you posted on her progress !

[@GoFarAway5338]

These videos are great, Scott. Thanks.

[@amypaterson3369]

This was great! This really helped me progress with my improvisation techniques

[@nessmalone]

Great lesson!!! Thank you Maestro

[@devinebass]

Piece a cake :)

[@rickglenn2428]

I agree this is an important scale that one should know. Thank you Scott...

[@aedanthecelt]

Great lesson, thanks! The scales were a bit overwhelming when I started. It definitely helps to put it in context!

[@MyMungojerry]

This is great Scott. Thank you for your lessons!

[@rixyl7475]

Read up on your Focal Dystonia, sorry to hear that, but I'm glad you found a way to keep doing what you love, and really well at that. Best of luck.

[@deesandbrook8645]

If you join Scott's academy you will learn all about all the questions I've read here in the right sequence so that it will make sense. I am only a beginner and yet understand so much more theory than I ever did while trying to learn guitar a few years ago. So much worth the money you pay. Loving it

[@thomaslanik7215]

Really solid lesson and exercise, Sir. Thank you!

[@vincenttume5812]

Scott, as always, a great lesson on the fundamental scale. The modes of the C major scale all depend upon which note you start with (e.g. Dorian Mode of the C major scale starts on the second note - the D). I think you had a subsequent lesson that talked about flipping between modes. There's a lot of discussion around "what scale is best" - major and minor pentatonic scales work for most straight-ahead rock although adding a flat fifth (blue note) to the minor pentatonic can have a good effect (without upsetting lead players).

[@JasonX00]

So much help. Thank you Scott.

[@MericaBack2backWWChampions]

Love your videos Scott! I’m brand new on bass and your videos are my go to when I need to figure something out.

[@johnbrooks3785]

Lovely Lesson.. Great Scott.

[@stefanies.9146]

Hello Scott. I´m Dustin from Germany Hamburg. I just started to play Bass before 2 months ago. So I´m a beginner. I was looking for so much videos and found yours. I want to tell you that your tutorials are the best on Internet and I learned so much about bassplaying in your bass-style. Thank you so much for the great videos!!!!!! :-) You are a great bassplayer, great teacher and a funny-cool person :-) Best regards from Germany, Dustin

[@HILLNJOROGE254]

you are quite helpful and fun to follow and learn from. God bless you.

[@Jorcorand]

Thank you very much Scott. Since i saw your videos i have learned too much at first i broke my head trying to understand, but now since a few months all is much clear. Now i'm waiting to have a better internet connection to enroll the SBL Academy :) ... greetings From Chile

[@v8snbigtires]

Thank you very much Scott...Great teacher

[@shawnhuff3597]

that's cool thanks again Scott

[@rockofnine849]

I love the way you do your videos!

[@idolbass]

Excellent, just realised I been playing 2nd pos, major scales and arpeggios for 40yrs and never linked them...or bothered to play in 1st or 4th pos ha.

[@yourfabuloushappymann5154]

Very nice!! You are a good teacher and a good man!

[@laurenceholland4028]

Excellent. CIrcle of 5ths now makes sense. Thank you

[@alyciawilson1382]

That is one well-loved instrument.

[@MrSlowrush]

hey man your playing is awesome..thanks for the lessons.

[@podoau]

Great vid ! Well done

[@speelbergo]

out of all Scott's basses, i think i like this one most

[@wtfusheeple5383]

great lesson

[@TheSocketshock]

Its amazingg to think you charge 200 a year per student. my guitar teacher used to charge 25 a lesson. 100 dollars a month. and i've learn more as a begginner bassist from your videos alone. thank you Scott for compiling such a great set of bass educational tools. will be looking forward to trying your site soon

[@viper7159]

Love that Bass!!

[@grampzstillkickin7252]

Another fine ttorial Thank you Thank you

[@Lizardsyndicate]

What a sound dude!

[@cfinny70]

Seiously superb mate quite amzin.......

[@shurato00]

It hears like magic to my ears.

[@davidkriebel5287]

Thank you!

[@jamsforyams]

Awesome!

[@wanton1234]

I use scales and modes to navigate the neck. I'll focus more on II-V-I than B minor. E dominate, A major. I think learning the C major scale up and done the neck is a great way to learn the notes and position on the neck.

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@jakwnr961]

You are the best!!!

[@ashgarnerisawesome1]

Thank you so much!

[@raymondmorton]

good lesson 🙂

[@HD-md9pr]

That bass in the background is gorgeous

[@lucifer73]

Cool lesson but, I can't see the fingerings with the dark glove against the rosewood fretboard :(

[@MicahT]

+Ber Zerker Agreed, I can't tell at all by watching. His fingers look the same whether they're pressing the string down or not too. It's not hard to figure out, but it doesn't really work as a video. (Scott seems great though, not trying to critique him personally.)

[@gregoryashley7963]

+Remakersification LOL!

[@ajadrew]

I think it's about 'hearing' what's happening... Which is great except that when learning, not being able to 'see' as well as well as 'hear' makes it confusing.... I learnt through playing along with records...no internet in those days. And I'd often get notes wrong... I'd have loved to have been able to 'see' those wrong notes, would have cured the problem immediatly..:-))) All part of the process..

[@reallivebluescat]

its not a glove, its gangrene! kiddin

[@Nildread]

if you wanted to know the exact notes to the major scale it isn't overly complicated to look up tab for it, or sheet music if you're into that

[@seanblake3658]

I love his bass it's beautiful (to me)

[@Aiko3WH]

i agree, the authenticity is breath taking.

[@honestbrute9216]

Ina N. he shouldn't ever sell that thing..he really sounds excellent on it...

[@Aiko3WH]

agreed.

[@stephencobb9501]

looks to be a 1960 fender p bass,the white/Perl Finnish is extremely rare and worth over 20k. I personally have one exactly like it but in the sunburst finish.

[@honestbrute9216]

Stephen Cobb it's a Fender Custom Shop '59 reissue...they make the best P basses for sure (jazz basses are awesome too), but that one sounds great in his hands...!

[@nikajohnson4384]

Thank you so much for this! God bless you :-D

[@TuemDuen]

THx a lot Scotts

[@kevinkwmiller]

Scott, I noticed that in this lesson, you move your fingering for the 4th position fretting between the scale and the arpeggio. Is there a reason for using the 4th and 5th fret in the scale, but the 9th fret for the arpeggio? I assume it's just easier and faster, but I'm not sure why that would not also be true for the scale. Thanks man. I know this lesson probably seems simple to a lot of people, but it's really opening up the fretboard patterns and making me think about the neck and the notes and how they all fit together.

[@tomasbarrientosa.7548]

i love that precision bass

[@effiongfestus4921]

awesome thanks

[@GazAce]

Best coach in the World

[@shitmen1000]

Just play the damn scale already!!!

[@HoursonEarth1]

yep...cheers for sharing, but less yada yada talking and more showing what you are trying to teach with slower fingers would be better for people learning bass skills. Glove doesn't help either..

[@Nildread]

shitmen1000 I beleive the thought is that everyone knows this scale already. most people already know the sound of it. if you want to see the exact fingering it'd be faster to just find it tabbed out.

[@wisecountryman49]

Scott has a medical problem, that's why he wears that glove. He explains in one of his vidios.

[@utubehound69]

The Glove does help he has a medical disorder the gloves allow him to Play. What you think he's trying to be like Mike? haha

[@maudlin1907]

lol

[@thepapuman4k264]

5:14 stranger things

[@jameslewis2635]

I have to disagree about the title of this video as in 15 years of playing in live bands I only used this scale in 2-3 songs. The most important scale to learn in my opinion is the minor pentatonic as that is what is used in 90+% of rock and blues songs.

[@chromypone]

That and mixolydian

[@klarion]

True. His answer would be correct for a classical bassist... And its not the scale that fits over the chord... Technically, its the chord that's derived from the scale...

[@eggaiug]

I got to say that this is scale isn't a scale, it's THE SCALE, the only one really, every pentatonic and greek mode is a part of major scale or the major scale starting from a different note (minor scale included). You will rarely see notes outside from that, other than some additions (in most cases only a single note) to it like people do in bebop, blues (the augmented 4th in the minor scale, that generally is only used as a passing note), "egyptian-like" scales, etc. The major/minor scale is really the main "note palette", accepting it as the backbone of every scale makes them much easier to understand. So Mr. James Lewis, when you say you "only used this scale in 2-3 songs" you pretty much are saying that you haven't been playing music at all, since the minor pentatonic is only a part of it, just like mixolydian and all that sh*t.

[@pigalleycatemanresu7321]

Olde Laga good points. Over a major 7th vamp that is not part of a chord sequence, I prefer using the lydian mode. That's F to F on the white keys, or a major scale with an augmented 4th. Over Cmaj7, the f# works better as a "color" note, whereas the f-natural can really only be used as a passing note. Try sitting on that f and you'll see what I mean. The major scale works over major triads, or sus4 chords, in pop and country music. As you say, the most important scale, and the second most important scale!

[@eggaiug]

Yeah, glad people understood what I wrote :)

[@jean-ferdyrodriguez8211]

Amazing lesson!!!!!!... where can i get the soundtrack to practice too

[@manassehglobalpropertyserv9544]

this is so cool

[@javafinger]

I love that p sound man!

[@MisterBoy316]

Nice lesson and delivery style... I just came across SBL online. One comment - maybe when you have the full course there's stuff that helps this - is that seeing the fingering is not that easy. Adding a diagram or close-up slo-mo might be even better and/or calling the frets as well as the fingers?

[@gilmertthecat]

You remind me a lot of Gareth Jones from How 2 in your demeanour. Meant absolutely as a complement. Very engaging and familiar.

[@kinjinzero786]

Great video, love the Spider-Man litho!

[@JRandorff]

Scott, are you familiar with George Russell's book, The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization? While the Ionian chord scale will work over a static tonic Major-7 chord, it does so because you are superimposing chord changes over a static chord. This is why the standard Major scale is also called a "diatonic scale"… it draws the ear to two separate tonics (the 1 and the 4). Over a static tonic Major-7 chord (like may be heard in modal jazz, for instance) the Ionian chord scale is one of several useful choices. However, with moving harmony, the Lydian chord scale offers a more unified sound over any Major-7 chord (including tonic Major-7). Have you experimented with George Russell's system? I am interested in your thoughts. Thanks!

[@PaulPaul-jw7jx]

Damn you keep that thing clean :O

[@Tiffi525]

you are going so fast for beginners!!! also I wish I could see what strings you are plucking while you are on the frets.

[@AcAce427]

Fantastic toturial! Thanks Scott. And what a wicked super relic P-bass. Thats the real deal. Not like those wanna-be heavy relic Sandbergs :-)

[@RONNIEHAMER]

thank you scotts you can play that bass

[@adafrost6276]

That bass just oozes with character. I have a beat to hell guitar that I like simply due to character (and that I don't really play guitar much; bass for life).

[@jordanpiotrowski]

That black glove makes it really hard to see what you're doing. Luckily I learned this years back and figured out the major from ear but thanks for bringing me back, I feel like I'm actually learning the bass again!

[@TazzM]

Hi Scott, interesting that you prefer to play this first 3 notes on the same string, I usually play the third note on the next string, but not go higher on the fretboard. As always, great lessons

[@TazzM]

oh.. you just did that, sorry I stopped the video at the first part. lol.

[@jackw6714]

You could also start them with Mixolydian. Its' the basis for most blues-based music, which is almost everything, and it's also easy.

[@xxx007bigcity]

SCOTTY RULES!!

[@paulkazjack]

Scott, I would like you to do a video showing how the late Mick Karn played the bass. thanx.

[@19karl16]

One thing that irritates me and that i have a huge distaste towards is when skilled instructors that are great at what they do, go off on tangents from what they are teaching, adding info that is not relevant to the lesson, therefore confusing the pupil and adding more thought or attention thats required. This is a great lesson by Scott, but it could do without the small talk and details that are not vital or crucial

[@B3Band]

+19karl16 Someone should tell him that video editing software exists

[@stevenfunk9182]

+19karl16 Totally agree.

[@tombarclay5755]

+19karl16 I don't agree. I see the connections between the specific skill he's teaching and the many applications it will have. Perhaps your teaching is more rigid than mine. I think it's important for them to have both the micro and the macro view of a subject, and be able to switch.

[@B3Band]

Tom Barclay Agreed. But that's not what you see in this video. You can do everything you said in your post while still retaining focus.

[@thecourierNCR]

I actually like it when that happens. You're getting extra info! Some people just need to be comfortable with asking an instructor to slow down or repeat what they said.

[@MrDaymee]

Hi Scott, just recently stumbled on your videos. My major is 'keys' but started out on bass. I have a friend who is very keen on bass and I advised him to first get an acoustic bass at home. You don't mind me asking these 3 questions:1. What is the make and model of the acoustic bass seen in the background? 2. Do you recommend it and is it still available to buy on the open market?3. Why do you wear a glove and do you highly recommend wearing them/buying them?

[@ronroethlisberger2905]

Do you have a lesson teaching the cool jazzy lick that opens this lesson?

[@jantevelde9827]

that bass is beautiful

[@jazzbass2521]

LOVE that P Relic! Guessing 59

[@MonsterJuiced]

From watching a lot of your stuff, it seems you enjoy forth finger position more than the others. I know usually it depends on a situation, but when you give quick scale demos it's usually in 4th finger position :)

[@Bazzguit]

Amazing lesson!!! thank you!... btw you look like Charles Xavier in X-Men First Class xP

[@ph6360]

i was never a technical person i can play most scales can't name them to save my life. I do use them in the context of what i happen to be playing at the moment.The reason i suppose for these lessons is learning the proper way of getting around i seen too many bass players get lost in what they are doing an can't find there way home

[@ZeroGravitySubstance]

Major 7th chords are the prettiest sounding chords to me. Like that chick you were too afraid to ask out. For anyone interested in a smorgasbord of major 7th chords with ninths and augmented 11ths added in check out Jaco's composition "Havona" from Weather Report's album Heavy Weather.

[@egmedicus]

Bravissimo

[@dwanenb]

I am using this as a reference to my guitar considering the strings are the same (one octave lower) and it seems the fretting would be more convenient a different way. Is this okay or is there a reason you fret it the way you do? Thanks.

[@ulissedematteis2591]

cool bass! what kind of precision is it???

[@dipznmyung8580]

tnks u

[@mbrsart]

Interesting that you started with the extended shape. I learned the second one first.

[@macsnafu]

He's got a good point about how the bass sounds with the rest of the chord, but I was kind of surprised that he was playing to a C7 chord (four notes) (or was that a C major 7?). It's even neater when the guitar or keyboard is just playing a simple triad like C major (3 notes) and then have the bass guitar play the 7th or the 2nd. That really brings out a new dimension to the chord structures.

[@TheyCallMeNoName34]

Whats your favorite way to have your Bass, Mids, & treble on your rig?

[@jerrodcalkins9782]

I have been practicing my scales. mainly play in a church setting. I'm trying to expand my playing ability and I am unsure what scale to put over some church music. obviously major and minor scales work in most songs. would a pentatonic scale sound good over a church song? like "Heart of Worship" for instance. I'm not sure when to use some of the other scales. I would love to know if there is a specific rule when to use scales.