Bass Videos
The 5 Pentatonic Scale Boxes
The 5 Pentatonic Scale Boxes – Lessons For Bass Guitar Series…
Pentatonic scales are the most used when playing backing patterns, melodies, and even bass solos. They consist of 5 notes, which is why it is called pentatonic, Penta means 5. This scale has its major version and its relative minor. Its ease of use and comfortable fingering allows the bassist to create excellent and memorable bass lines in all musical styles.
Before we start, I want to clarify that we are going to keep the fingering of the four-fret finger technique, which consists of playing with one finger per fret, each one on the corresponding fret.
Example 1 – Next, I am going to show you the first box corresponding to the minor pentatonic scale. This is characterized by its bluesy sound and is one of the most used scales in different musical styles from rock to jazz.
- The 1st box is known as the A minor pentatonic scale and I’m going to play it with the 1st finger from the 5th fret of the E string.
Example 2 – The second box is the major pentatonic scale. This one date back thousands of years and is still one of the most used today.
- The 2nd box corresponds to the C major pentatonic scale, and I am going to play it with the 2nd finger from the 8th fret of the E string, just where the box of the A minor pentatonic scale ends. That means that where one box ends, the next begins, that is, right there the notes of the boxes are connected to maintain the sequence of the pentatonic scales.
Example 3 – This is the third box and I’m going to play it with the 2nd finger from the 10th fret on the E string.
Example 4 – For box number four, I’m going to play it with my 1st finger from the 12th fret on the E string.
Example 5 – The fifth and last box, I’m going to play it with the 2nd finger from the 15th fret on the E string.
Always slope to the points where each of the blocks connects to maintain the sequence of the pentatonic scales.
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Bass Player Health
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Preparing for Performance…
This month we discuss how to prepare for a performance and easy strategies that go a long way.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
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Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes…
It is always great to meet a super busy bassist who simply exudes a love for music and his instrument. Erick “Jesus” Coomes fits this description exactly. Hailing from Southern California, “Jesus” co-founded and plays bass for Lettuce and has found his groove playing with numerous other musicians.
Join us as we hear of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, his ongoing projects, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Bob Forte
Featured Videos
Visit Online
www.lettucefunk.com
IG @jesuscsuperstar
FB@jesuscoomes
FB @lettucefunk
Bass Videos
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
“These stories from the front are with real-life, day-to-day musicians who deal with work life and gigging and how they make it work out. Each month, topics may include… the kind of gigs you get, the money, dealing with less-than-ideal rooms, as well as the gear you need to get the job done… and the list goes on from there.” – Steve the Bass Guy and Shawn Cav
Bass Videos
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Ian Allison Bassist extreme…
Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.
I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/