FREE SAMPLE LESSON

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HELPFUL-TO-KNOW
THE CIRCLE OF FIFTHS
In this video, we will be using
the “Circle of Fifths,” which is a
fantastic practice tool that
allows us to take an exercise
and practice it systematically
across all twelve keys.

Instead of moving clockwise around

the circle in fifths, however, we’ll use
the circle in reverse (sometimes called
the circle, or cycle, of fourths), because
it more closely represents how chord
progressions tend to move in real music.

The notes of the circle, moving counter-clockwise in fourths are:

C F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb B E A D G

It’s really important to memorize the order of these notes, as it will make the
process of playing through this lesson’s exercises much quicker.

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SHAPE 1
In this lesson we’re going to be learning Shape 1 of 3 for a major
triad in root position. We’ll then use this shape to play through two
different exercises within the first five frets of the fretboard.

WHAT IS A MAJOR TRIAD?

A major triad is a three-note chord that is built from a root note, a 3rd, and a 5th.
Triads in general are so important to know because they typically form the core,
or key elements of bass lines in all styles of music.

Given the construction of the electric bass, we have the luxury of being able to
visualize these triads as we play them, something not available to all instruments.
With this in mind, pay attention to the shape of the fingering patterns that we use
because it’s a powerful point of reference.

In Exercise 1, we’ll play the root note with finger 1, the 3rd with finger 4 and the
5th with finger 1. The distance between the root and the 3rd is fairly large, so feel
free to incorporate a little shift if that makes things more comfortable for your
fretting hand. You may find it useful to practice moving between the root note
and the 3rd in order to get that movement feeling fluid.

After playing this shape in C major, we’ll then move this pattern around the circle
of fourths.

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As you work through these triads, call out the root note just before playing it. It’s
relatively easy to memorize the starting location of each triad on the fingerboard,
but we’re interested in the specific location of the root notes.

While the other notes of the triad are important, it’s the combination of root note
and the specific fingering shape that we’re focusing on: learning the other notes
of the triad will develop over time.

When working through this exercise, remember these two rules:

1. Say the root notes aloud before you play them.

2. Look at the fretboard and visualize the shape.

The aim here is to focus on memorizing the names and locations of

each of the root notes along with the specific triad shape.

Exercise 2 has us playing the same fingering pattern using the circle of fourths,
but this time we’ll play along with a backing track at 110 bpm. Each chord in the
backing track lasts for two bars: we play the triad over the first bar and then rest
in the second bar. This has been done to provide you with some thinking time as
you move from chord to chord.

See Exercises 1 and 2 on the next page

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ROOT POSITION / SHAPE 1

For Exercise 1, simply play these shapes at your own pace. Once you’re more comfortable, move on to
Exercise 2 by playing what’s written here with the lesson.

EXERCISES 1 AND 2

q = 110
C F Bb
? 44 °™™ œ œ ˙ ˙ œ œ ˙ ˙
bœ œ ˙ ˙
¢
Ó Ó Ó

°™ 5

¤ ¢™
5 3 7
3 7 8
6 10

7 Eb Ab Db
? bœ œ b˙ ˙ bœ œ b ˙ ˙
bœ œ b˙ ˙
Ó Ó Ó

¤
8 6 10 6
6 10 4 8

13Gb b˙ ˙ B E
? œ bœ
b Ó œ #œ #˙ ˙ Ó œ #œ ˙ ˙
Ó

6 4

¤
4 8 4 2 6
2 6

A D G C
™™ ü w
19
? œ #œ ˙ ˙
œ #œ ˙ †
˙ Ó Ó ˙ ˙ Ó
œ œ
™ü
¤ 5 9
7 5 9
7
3 7
5 ™† 3

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