Bass WoodshedScales, modes and arpeggios for bass

Mode · 4-string · Root on E string, 3rd fret

G Aeolian Mode

GAB♭CDE♭F
EADG0123456789101112131415161718192021222324♭745♭6♭712♭345♭62♭3♭712♭345♭6♭7125♭62♭345♭6♭712♭34512♭345♭6♭712♭345♭6♭7112♭345♭6♭71

Tab & notation

Up and back down · 14 notes in 8th notes · 2 bars of 4/4
Note
Deg
G
D
A
E
Fing
G
1
3
1
A
2
5
3
B♭
♭3
6
4
C
4
3
1
D
5
5
3
E♭
♭6
6
4
F
♭7
3
1
G
1
5
3
F
♭7
3
1
E♭
♭6
6
4
D
5
5
3
C
4
3
1
B♭
♭3
6
4
A
2
5
3
·

How it's built

W = whole step (2 frets) · H = half step (1 fret)
G1Root
W
A2Major 2nd
H
B♭♭3Minor 3rd
W
C4Perfect 4th
W
D5Perfect 5th
H
E♭♭6Minor 6th
W
F♭7Minor 7th
W
G8Octave

Mode 6, the natural minor scale. Its ♭6 is what makes it darker than Dorian.

Also called
Mode 6 · natural minor
Vs. major
♭3, ♭6, ♭7
Key signature
2 flats: B♭ E♭
Parent major
B♭
Use it over
Minor chords, especially the vi chord of a major key.
Practice tip
Switch between Dorian and Aeolian on the same root. Only the 6th changes.
Your best
Complete a loop to log a tempo for this pattern.

Practice routine

Add BPM every loops, up to BPM
every loops
Cycling 4ths is how jazz players drill a shape in all twelve keys.

The Aeolian mode on bass, in all 12 keys

Mode 6, the natural minor scale. Its ♭6 is what makes it darker than Dorian. Also called: Mode 6 · natural minor.

Formula: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7. Step pattern: W H W W H W W. Use it over: Minor chords, especially the vi chord of a major key.

Notes in every key

Printable chart of all 12 keys: PDF · print page · every pattern in one PDF

Where the root sits on the neck

KeyE stringA stringB string (5-string)
C831
G3108
D1053
A5010
E075
B720
F♯297
C♯942
G♯4119
E♭1164
B♭6111
F186

Practice tip

Switch between Dorian and Aeolian on the same root. Only the 6th changes.

Every pattern

Scales

Modes

Arpeggios

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