Movable Octaves: Bass Guitar Scales

Video Transcript

"Okay, so before when we were first learning about open position notes, after we got to the D string, we d play the second fret of the D string we noticed this was the note E. We already had the note E, the low E. We d play F, we also had this F. These were the octaves. Now, if you notice with this F the separation between the two is two strings down, two frets up. Well this presents us with our moveable octave pattern. So anywhere we are on the neck we can find the octave. One step higher or lower. So, say we re playing, especially with the E and A string; these are really where this pattern really works best. If we re playing a D, the fifth fret of the A string, two strings down, two frets up we have another D. And we can just check that using our whole step half step pattern; G to A, whole step, A to B, B to C is the half step, Big Cat, C to D. So there s your octave. We move two frets up, playing the E on the A string, well two strings down and two frets up from there is our next octave. Try to use your first finger and third finger to play. If you re having difficulty you can use your fourth finger, but it s better first to use this, so later you can use your fourth finger to extend. Try playing exercises such as E octave, E, G, A, G. E. G, A, D. Try using these, your natural notes as octaves, keeping your pattern going and alternating the fingers on the right hand while you do it. One, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two. Same thing one A, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two. So get used to your moveable octave pattern, it will serve you well."