Developing Your Vocabulary with the Blues Scale

Arpeggios, scales, chord tones, pentatonics... I could go on...

We all get told to learn them - but what for?!

If you think about it, they're simply collections of different notes organised by intervals. There's nothing more to them than that. But, if you've been playing a while I'm sure you'll agree - even if you know them all, by no means does it mean you're going to be able actually to use them.

And, therein lies the problem!

Simply learning to play scales up and down the neck, back to front, standing on your head (if you really want to!), unfortunately doesn't mean you're going to be able to make music real from them.

I'm sure you know what I mean...

You learn a scale, play it up and down a one octave pattern across the fretboard, it feels pretty comfortable... but now what?! You're stuck, and don't know where to go with it after that. When you play it - it simply sounds like a scale.

Here's another spin on it...

If we take the letters A B C D E F G... these mean nothing, they're just letters.

But, looking closely you can make words from those 7 letters...

BADGE. CAGED. FACED.

We can directly apply this example to scales.

A scale is simply a collection of notes, you have to learn how to string the notes of the scale together to make melodies, bass lines, solo lines and chords.Learning a scale is similar to learning the alphabet. You need to take the next step and learn how to make words with them - then you'll be able to really speak with your bass lines, grooves and solos. So, how do you do this?!

Well, this is where studying vocabulary comes into play.

You should be learning other people bass lines, solos and grooves - then, (and this is the important bit!) learning which arpeggio or scale they are related to. This gives you instant insight into how other players are using bass arpeggios and scales to make real music.

You've heard that transcription is important? Well, this is why.

We should be constantly studying how other players are using vocabulary within there playing - and actively absorbing that vocabulary into own own.

Ultimately, this is what will give you your own sound in the future.

In the comments below, let me know... 1. Have you felt confused and frustrated when learning scales before? 2. Has this lesson helped clear up any confusion for you? 3. Who are you transcribing right now - and, which bassists are on your list of players you're going to study? As always, see you in the shed...

Scott :)