How to Play C Major Scale on Bass Guitar

The C Major Scale is very unique in that it has no accidentals, which are commonly known as Sharps (#) or Flats (b).

The 7 notes that make up the C Major Scale are all Natural (C D E F G A B C). This makes it very easy to learn. I’m going to show you the C Major Scale starting with the C that is found on the third fret of the A string.

To get a major scale from this C, I must follow the pattern of intervals Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half. (WWHWWWH). Whole steps mean two frets and half steps mean one fret.

How to play a C Major Scale in the 3rd position of the A string.

  1. Play the C that is on the 3rd fret of the A string.
  2. Move up the A string a whole step, or 2 frets to the D on the 5th fret of the A string.
  3. Next play the E that is found on the 2nd fret of the D string.
  4. Move up a half step to F on the 3rd fret of the D string
  5. The next note is the G on the 5th fret of the D string.
  6. Now play the 2nd fret of the G string, which is A.
  7. Move up a whole step to the 4th fret of the G string to play B.
  8. Finally, we will finish with the octave of our first C, the C found on the 5th fret of the G string.

 

You can also watch the video here.

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How to Play C Major Scale on Bass Guitar
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How to Play C Major Scale on Bass Guitar
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