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BASS GUITAR PRIMER"10 Bass Lessons: Instant Download"by Mark John Sternal
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Bass Guitar Lesson 7 - Playing Bass Scales:
Page 12 introduces our first bass scale position of the book. This is a very thorough approach to playing the scale. Notice the text below the notes which clearly point out the name of each note, the count or rhythm, what fingers to use on the fretboard, and what picking technique to use. NOTE: pages 12 through 16 teach all positions of this scale, covering the entire fretboard, also including scale notes for 5 and 6 string basses.
CHAPTER 4 - PLAYING THE NATURAL SCALE
Lets begin with a step by step approach to playing our scale. What we want to accomplish here is proper fingering and picking techniques from the beginning. The text below the music tells you what fingers to use, and what finger picking technique to use, pick directions in parenthesis (...). Once you are familiar with each scale position it is recommended that you go back and play them again using slapping and popping techniques.
E POSITION C^/Am SCALE
C^ root note is on the 3rd string - 3rd fret.
Am root notes are on the 3rd string - open, and 1st string - 2nd fret.
This is also known as the 3rd position because E is the 3rd note in the C^ scale. 
PROPER FINGER AND PICKING TECHNIQUE FOR ABOVE SCALE
FIRST MEASURE 4th String Notes
1. E Note. First we begin picking with the middle finger (or downstroke of the pick) on the open 4th string for the 1 count.
2. F Note. Next we will play with the index finger (or an up-stroke of the pick) on the 1st fret, 1st finger, fourth string for the 2 count.
3. G Note. Then middle finger (downstroke pick) on the 3rd fret, 3rd finger for the 3 count. When picking the 3rd fret of the 4th string, you also want to bring the index finger (or pick) down over the 3rd string all in one movement, (without picking it).
BEGINNER NOTES: If you are just starting out practice the first measure a few times before moving on. Once you are comfortable, learn the 3 notes in the second measure, then combine measures 1 & 2. Use this step by step approach for all music and you will see results quicker.
PLAYING SMOOTHLY: Allow each note to ring out until the next note is played. FOR EXAMPLE: On the 4th string when you are playing the 1st fret, hold that note until you have played the 3rd fret, then lift the first finger from the 1st fret. This will give you a smooth transition between notes.
SECOND MEASURE 3rd String Notes
1. A Note. Play the 3rd string open with the index finger (or up-stroke) for the 1st count.
2. B Note. Middle finger or downstroke on the 2nd fret, 2nd finger for the 2nd count.
3. C Note. Index or Up-stroke on the 3rd fret, 3rd finger for the 3rd count.
THIRD MEASURE 2nd String Notes
1. D Note. Middle finger or Downstroke on the open 2nd string for the 1st count.
2. E Note. Index finger or Up-stroke on the 2nd finger, 2nd fret for the 2nd count.
3. F Note. Middle finger or Downstroke on the 3rd finger, 3rd fret for the 3rd count.
FOURTH MEASURE *1st String Notes
1. G Note. Index finger or Up-stroke on the open 1st string, 1st count.
2. A Note. Middle finger or Downstroke on the 2nd fret, 2nd finger, 2nd count.
3. B Note. Index finger or Up-stroke on the 4th fret, 4th finger, 3rd count.
The 1st string notes require a stretch which may require some practice for beginner bassists.
*ALTERNATE FINGERINGS: A lot of players like to use their 1st and 3rd fingers for this position. It is easier, but it doesn’t flow as smoothly with the notes on the other strings. I suggest that you practice each scale position long enough to play it comfortably. Also, memorizing the notes is helpful, but it is more important to use proper positioning. Once you are comfortable using proper fingers, move on and you’ll find memorizing each note will come automatically as you play through the book.
Excerpt From Page 13: There are always exceptions to the rules. Whenever a new scale position or technique is introduced we encourage you to use the best possible approach. In our experience teaching music, we’ve found that the best possible approach isn’t always the easiest, especially for beginners. That is why we offer exceptions or alternatives from time to time. Here’s one example from page 13 regarding the F and G position of the natural scale.
* BEGINNER EXCEPTION: If these groups of notes are giving you trouble you can use different fingers until you are more comfortable with the suggested fingerings. If you consider yourself an intermediate or advanced player, learn the correct fingerings. You will find your playing will become more fluent, and you will sound noticeably better.
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