Using

Simple
Shapes #2
 


Using Simple Shapes On The Bass #2

In this lesson we start to add the ‘sexy’ notes into
the mix! Talking technical this gives us two
different tonalities we can switch between – the
blues sound, and the Dorian minor sound. Sounds
complicated but it’s not! Watch the relevant
tutorial and you can see how much easier it is than
you think!

So at the end of the last tutorial this is what all the

shapes looked like when connected together…

Copyright © 2013 Scotts Bass Lessons

The first ‘Sexy’ note!
Here we can see the same diagram but with the first
‘sexy’ note added to it. This turns our regular minor
pentatonic scale into the ‘Blues Scale’ by adding the flat
5th of Em7 into the mix. The diamond markers represent
the new note.

The Second ‘Sexy’ Note!

Now we take the first box of the last lesson and add one
‘sexy’ note. This note is the ninth in the chord of Em7 (the
tonality we have been playing over). The ‘sexy’ note is the
diamond shaped marker…

Copyright © 2013 Scotts Bass Lessons

The Third ‘Sexy’ note!
Now lets add one more note into the mix. This new note
is the 13th in the tonality on E minor.

The Complete Picture

Now lets look at all the new options we have in a
complete fretboard diagram. We have 3 new notes… the
flat 5th, the ninth and the thirteenth.

SEXY SOUNDS! ;)

Copyright © 2013 Scotts Bass Lessons

How to play the sexy notes (L#71)

Your Action Plan

1. If you haven't worked through the previous lesson to

this one I recommend that you check that out first as
we'll be using that lesson as a foundation and
launching point during this lesson. So without
watching it you might miss some important
information.

2. Now I want you to start working on 'the sexy notes'.

To start with do not try and use them all at once. You
must add them into the box shapes one at a time.
Taking your time and adding them in one by one will
ingrain them into your playing in a much deeper way
and will also give your ear the chance to get used to
the sound and flavour of them. You'll find that when
your ear gets used to the quality of each of these
'sexy notes' you'll be able to use them in a much
more musical and convincing way.

Copyright © 2013 Scott’s Bass Lessons

3. Once you can improvise freely around the E minor
tonality using all the different options we've
discussed so far, it's time to start transferring this
information into different key signatures. Work
through at least three more keys using the same
process. I recommend working on one key for around
one week (assuming you're practising on a day to day
basis). Try F minor, G minor and A minor if you're
struggling to choose one for yourself.

Scott Devine

Copyright © 2013 Scott’s Bass Lessons