Bass WoodshedScales, modes and arpeggios for bass

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

G Ionian Mode

GABCDEF♯
EADG0123456789101112131415161718192021222324673456712345626712345671252345671234512345671234567112345671

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
2
A
2
5
4
B
3
2
1
C
4
3
2
D
5
5
4
E
6
2
1
F♯
7
4
3
G
1
5
4
F♯
7
4
3
E
6
2
1
D
5
5
4
C
4
3
2
B
3
2
1
A
2
5
4
·

How it's built

W = whole step (2 frets) · H = half step (1 fret)
G1Root
W
A2Major 2nd
W
B3Major 3rd
H
C4Perfect 4th
W
D5Perfect 5th
W
E6Major 6th
W
F♯7Major 7th
H
G8Octave

Mode 1, the major scale itself. The other six modes use the same notes starting from a different degree.

Also called
Mode 1 · the major scale
Key signature
1 sharp: F♯
Relative minor
E
Use it over
Major and major 7 chords, the I chord.
Practice tip
Keep the shape and play from each degree in turn. Starting on the 2 gives you Dorian, on the 5 Mixolydian.
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 Ionian mode on bass, in all 12 keys

Mode 1, the major scale itself. The other six modes use the same notes starting from a different degree. Also called: Mode 1 · the major scale.

Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. Step pattern: W W H W W W H. Use it over: Major and major 7 chords, the I chord.

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
D♭942
A♭4119
E♭1164
B♭6111
F186

Practice tip

Keep the shape and play from each degree in turn. Starting on the 2 gives you Dorian, on the 5 Mixolydian.

Every pattern

Scales

Modes

Arpeggios

Your progress