Creative Bass eMag Number 18

Compiled and written by Bass Player and Music Educator George Urbaszek of CreativeBassLessons

After marking heaps of university music theory assignments, I realized – again – how important and EXTREMELY USEFUL it is to know the notes of the major scale in all keys. Why? Because almost all mistakes in relation to modes, chord spelling, and non-rhythm music notation and verbalization in general is due to lack of knowing the theoretical and, to some degree, practical foundation of music.

Do YOU know the major scale in ALL keys? If you do, you will NEVER (please excuse my “raised voice”, but this is really important) have any problems working out many aspects of music.

Here is a test. For each of the two questions, give yourself no more than 30 seconds to name the answer.
1. Name the notes of the C dorian mode. (They are the same notes contained in the Bb major scale.)
2. Name the notes of a Cb major7 chord. (They are notes 1 3 5 7 of the Cb major scale.)

How did you go? Can you see how the knowledge of the major scale in Bb and Cb will get you the answers?

Here is another test – just to drive the point home. Again, no more than 30 seconds to get each answer.

1. If the major scale formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7, what is the b3 and b7 of the E major scale?
2. Name and play 1 b3 4 #4 5 b7 of the B major scale. Do you recognize the sound?

With very few exceptions, I can guarantee that the better – and quicker – you have been able to work out the four examples above, the better bass player and musician you are. Do you agree?

Now find uses for your results. Investigate the possibilities and practical applications of this information. If you do this, you will become very skilled at your craft. It will also reflect in your art – in the true realization of your self in music.

That was not today’s lesson; it was merely meant to be an observation … and a bit beyond.

Here is today’s lesson. It is in video format and reflects some of the issues observed above. You might find the lesson simple. If so, expand. If not, it will help you expand.

Click this link to take you to the video file: VIDEO

Here are a couple of links to music theory websites. They both contain lots of very useful information that you can and should apply to your bass playing.

This site contains essential theoretical overview:
http://www.soundpiper.com/mln/notation.htm

This site is a HUGE resource for contemporary music theory:
http://www.outsideshore.com/music/educational-materials/primer/basic-theory/

Enjoy your bass playing!
George Urbaszek
Bass Player and Music Educator
Serving Bass Players Worldwide since 1996
CreativeBassLessons