Learn to Play Bass Guitar

 Last lesson, you were given only the notes of the first two strings.  Today you will be given the tools to know the other two strings.  Now if you recall, the fifth fret on the lower string is the same as not playing any frets on the next higher string.  The fifth fret on the E string equals the A string; the fifth fret on the A string equals the D string;  the fifth fret on the D string equals the G string.  Therefore the 7th fret on the E string, equals the second fret on the A string; the 9th fret on the D string equals the the fourth fret; the 6th fret on the A string equals the 1st fret on the D string and so on.  This is important in familiarizing yourself with your bass.

Now an octave is a note that is the same note, but higher.  In the musical progression of notes the underline is an octave A, Bb, B, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, Gb, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, Gb, G.  Notice when you play these, the second C is higher than the first, but it still has the same sound.  

To find an octave of a note, you must move your finger up two frets, and down two strings as such:

So knowing this, see if you can fill in the rest of the bass notes on the other two strings.  Here is a worksheet that you can use:

Left click on this diagram and open it in another window so that it appears larger.  See if you can tell which are the octaves within the first two strings.  Octaves don’t always have to be two strings away and two frets down.  No that is only an easy way.  Another way to tell is if they are twelve half steps away.  I know for a fact that the F on the A string is the octave of the F on the E string.  Think about it. they are twelve notes away if you take into account that the A on the E string is the same as the A string.  This is not to say that these A’s are octaves, but they are the same exact note with the same pitch and frequency.  Now try to find the rest of the notes on the other two strings!

Oh, and by the way.  Here is a cool riff from the verse of  ”Play that Funky Music White Boy” by Wild Cherry.  

E, E, e, d, e, A, B, d, e    and repeat.

The big E represents the Lowest E on the E string whereas the little e represents the octave of that E.  That is the same for the A. 

Try playing with the band!