Bass Guitar Charts for Essential Scales

Scales are the patterns of notes that are used to write music.  Without scales there would be no structure to music and no system in which to learn and pass on the art of music to others.  Each of the charts provided can be moved in to any key.  Learn the diagram in the listed position.
There are 5 essential scales to learn.  They are

  • Major Scales (definitely the most used and the most important, hence the name).  Every other scale is compared to this one. Actually, every other part of music is compared to the major scale.  Hence, knowing this scale is completely indispensable.
  • Major Pentatonic - This is the major scale missing two of the notes, hence the name "PENTAtonic. It is widely used in every style of music. The major pentatonic scale is a very flexible scale due to its simple structure and lack of any clashing notes.
  • Natural Minor - There is two ways to understand the natural minor scale, one is a comparison to the major scale, the other is an inversion of the major scale.  Both are essential knowledge. The natural minor is used in most styles.
  • Minor Pentatonic - This is the minor scale missing two of the notes. As with the major pentatonic, the minor version has unlimited use and is very flexible due to it basic structure.  It has been used by every musician and in every style of music.
  • Minor Blues - This is the minor pentatonic adding in a chromatic passing note. This extra note gives the minor pentatonic a great flavour that is essential for the blues style of music (hence the name), and can be used in every style and genre.

Charts for "Not So Common Scales"

No so common scales include the following.  They should still be learnt as you will use them, just not quite as often as the main scales.  Learn these after you are getting fairly used to the main scales. These scales are

  • Major Blues (type 1)

  • Major Blues (type 2)

  • Harmonic Minor

  • Lydian

  • Mixolydian

  • Dorian

  • Phrygian

  • Locrian

  • Major Blues - This is the major pentatonic adding in a chromatic passing note. This extra note gives the major pentatonic a great flavor that is essential for the blues and country style of music, and can be used in every style and genre. The nick name of this scale is the country scale.

Charts for Rare Scales

This group of scales I would put in the rare category.  They vary rarely will be used in pop / rock / country / dance music.  Make these your goal to learn once you have mastered all the previous scales.  These scales include

Lydian Dominant

Phrygian Major

Melodic Minor

Whole Tone

Diminshed 1/2 whole

Super Locrian


Charts for Scales "to Learn for Fun"

The final group of scales I would put in the "Learn for Fun" category.  They vary rarely used in any style of music. You will hear them arise occasionally and they are useful in some situations. Make these your goal to learn once you have mastered all the previous scales.  These scales include

Hungarian Minor

Bebop