STEP 2: OCTAVE SHAPES Now let’ s connect strings using octave patterns. Start with a B on the 7th fret of the E string. Then jump to the B on the 9th fret of the D string. That octave shape is easy to reach and offers a clear way to recognize the same note an octave apart within a single hand position. Bass players rely on octaves constantly, so it makes sense to reinforce your note awareness by using octaves as a visual short cut.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4
There are four main octave shapes that you should be aware of: Across 2 strings, up 2 frets( e. g. E string to D string – see FIGURE 3)
FIGURE 5
Across 3 strings, down 3 frets( e. g. E string to G string – see FIGURE 4)
Across 1 string, up 7 frets( e. g. E string to A string – see FIGURE 5)
Straight up the neck, same string( e. g. B on the 7th fret of the E string to B on the 19th fret of the E string – see FIGURE 6)
FIGURE 6
These are your secret weapons for navigating quickly across the fretboard.
STEP 3: NAME THE NOTES IN A KEY Pick a key, any key... Then say the notes in that key out loud, then find them all over the neck. For example, in C major: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Start by finding all the Cs on every string, then all the Ds, and so on.
You’ ll start to see how certain shapes repeat and where the notes“ live” in relation to each other and not just in isolated positions. This exercise helps you move beyond just singlestring awareness into a whole-neck view.
STEP 4: SPOT QUIZ YOURSELF This is where things get fun( and humbling). Randomly pick a fret and ask yourself,“ What note is this?” Then double-check your answer by playing it or comparing it to a fretboard chart. Do this without your bass in hand sometimes; on the bus, waiting in line, wherever. Turn your fretboard into a mental game board and visualize the locations of notes with and without your bass in your hands.
STEP 5: MUSICAL APPLICATION This part is crucial. All the memorization in the world won’ t help if you can’ t apply it musically. So, take your favorite groove or riff and start shifting it to different hand positions without falling back on the original shape you used to play it. Think in note names as you work out the new shape. Use note names to find the new locations for each pitch in the new hand position. This forces you to not rely on just the fret numbers or the memorized pattern and is vital practice if you want to master your fingerboard. This will push you to actually use what you’ ve learned and help it stick long-term.
FINAL THOUGHTS Learning the notes on your fretboard isn’ t the flashiest part of being a bass player, but it’ s one of the most foundational. The more fluent you become, the more freely and expressively you can play, no matter the style or situation.
As with any skill, consistency is key. A little bit each day will take you much further than a cram session once a week. Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes for starters and build the habit. Until next time, keep it low!
Adam Nitti Nashville-based Adam Nitti balances his roles as a solo artist, sideman, and educator. He has filled the bass chair for Kenny Loggins, Carrie Underwood, Dave Weckl Band, Michael McDonald, Susan Tedeschi, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mike Stern, Brent Mason, Wayne Krantz, and Christopher Cross, while also releasing five solo CDs to date. As a Nashville session bassist he has played on multiple Grammywinning and Grammy-nominated albums, and is also the founder of...
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