Learn The ENTIRE Fretboard FOR GOOD (12-Fret MATRIX Method)
Often it’s the little things that make a really good bass player. And they’re things you can work on, too. In today’s video, we’re going to show you something that often separates GREAT bass players from everybody else. And it’s one of the simplest steps you can take to really elevate your bass playing.
What is the circle of 5ths?
The circle of fifths is a sequence of notes in which every note is a perfect fifth interval higher than the preceding note. It’s usually represented as a circular diagram, as it can start on any of the twelve notes of the chromatic scale and will always return to the starting note. Some people call the counter-clockwise direction the circle of 4ths, but it’s really the same thing.
Example 01
Video: 06:44
Starting with C, we’re going to begin by playing an 8th note rhythm through all 12 notes on the fretboard using the circle of fifths. Below the 12th fret, there are 12 notes in total, which occur once on each string. Remember, learning the bass fretboard is a continuous process, and you should drill yourself with this sequence until you feel confident in your neck knowledge. This will make you not only a better bassist, but also a better musician.
Example 02
Video: 10:19
In this next run-through we’re going to start changing position a little faster. These exercises are really designed to hone your fingerboard knowledge, but try to take some musical inspiration, too. Don’t just play a flat, dead sound made up of dots and lines. Put some life into it and be as creative as you can with the rhythm.
Example 03
Video: 11:01
Example 03 is even more of a challenge. There will be a little customary hand-stretching, but get this in the pocket and it’ll do wonders for your timing and feel. Work hard to master the position shifting, and don’t forget to apply these fretboard patterns to the musical task in question.
Example 04
Video: 12:10
Our final example moves through the sequence in quarter notes. Don’t worry about the tempo initially, just get everything up and running. I would only say that you should play in constant time with a metronome. The end goal is to allow you to move freely around the fingerboard without ever feeling boxed in.
