Bass Nation

Pentatonic scales are probably the first scale most bassists learn. This is one you need to know in and out and how to play them in any key. Why? Because they’re freakin’ versatile! You can play them under almost anything, major or minor. Otherwise known as the blues scale, the pentatonic has 5 notes rather than the usual 7 in major and minor scales. And once you learn the patterns, you have all sorts of improvisational options.

Here’s a more in-depth explanation with notation and tabs.

Here’s a video lesson with pro bassist Scott Giambusso.

Remember, the key to learning these scales is repetition. Do it until long after it’s boring. Drill it into your brain so your fingers can do it without even thinking about it. Once you’ve gotten to the point where you can do them forewards and backwards in your sleep, start mixing them up and jumping around with them.

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