Learning that fretboard on a 5 string bass.

[martybernal]

I want to know if anyone has tried any of the fretboard programs out there such as fret2fret or absolute fretboard? I play a 5 string now after not playing for a few years. Now I find myself guessing at times where the note is. There are some many of these programs out there, just curious if anyone would mind sharing their experience with them. Or if you have any other suggestions on learning the fretboard. Thank you. Marty

[ric1312]

I tried one I think it was fret2fret not, sure. Basically, memorize all the notes of the E string. Then make up a story of your own making each characters name a note name or part of the storey.....A# = Arnold Swartzenneggar with a sharp sword ect....

It's a little memory trick. You remember the story as it goes with the notes. but, instead of going up and down the kneck, you go from your E string to your G string.

I thought is was a nice little memory idea that if you used it, it would help. Others think it's just a straight out scam. But, it's only like $20 bucks so no big deal.

I bought another one where he claimed to have secrets that would make you be able to make a bass line up on the spot for anything and it would be fab. His big secret was a lot of bass sound files with tab and notations. You were supposed to learn one every day for a year or something. so, no big secret just learn a bunch of bass lines and they rub off on you. I can do that with my current cover set I'm learning. If he really wanted to make it valuable he would have the soundfiles connected to midi and have the notes show the finger on a fret board.

The first course I bought "bass magic," does this. But it costs 200. nice course though lots of information and for a noob like me who hates tab and can't read music, the midi files that play in sync with a fretboard diagram showing where the notes/fingering goes was very helpfull. It does show you how to read music and has lessons on music theory and all tha,t very complete course and easy to navigate. had a GUI.

[vashts80]

Originally Posted by martybernal

I want to know if anyone has tried any of the fretboard programs out there such as fret2fret or absolute fretboard? I play a 5 string now after not playing for a few years. Now I find myself guessing at times where the note is. There are some many of these programs out there, just curious if anyone would mind sharing their experience with them. Or if you have any other suggestions on learning the fretboard. Thank you. Marty

If yyou've learned the fingerboard on a four string, just keep in mind that the B string is easy.

Open - B
1st Fret - C
2nd Fret - C#
3rd Fret - D
4th Fret - D#
5th Fret - E (Also same as the open E)

[cassanova]

Originally Posted by martybernal

Or if you have any other suggestions on learning the fretboard. Thank you. Marty

Scales, scales, scales, and more scales.

[maxholman]

I'll just take this opportunity to plug my Scale Generator, theres a setting for the 5 string Bass, and most scales.

http://www.dobbie-holman.com/scales.php

I sit in front of this thing for hours on end just memorising scales.

Just sing the notes as you play, verbalising will help you remember what is what, and singing the notes helps the ear.

Hope it helps!

Max

[labgnat]

http://www.ushimitsudoki.com/scalcul...alculator.html

[QuintrKD]

While I don't own a four-string, I've entertained the idea of getting one... it just hasn't been a priority since I primarily play for a Praise Band. One thing that I have noticed, however, is that the if you learn the circle of fifths (or fourths, depending on which way you go) it is easier to recognize those recurring patterns on the fretboard. I've learned much of the 4-string fretboard just imagining that that B string is there to visualize the recurring pattern.

Also, knowing the EADG strings should help you tie things together on the B by knowing how to descend an octave from those respective strings to the octave below on the B string.

[BadB]

I learned the 5 on a narrow spaced neck. I wish I had bought one that had standard (19mm) spacing. The trick was getting used to the B string being in your way and keeping the strings quiet. It doesn't take long and you probably don't need a program.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

well, we all know that on the bass, the note on the A string on the same fret on the E string is a 5 lower...

C on the A string
G on the E string...

so... 5th below on the B string...

E / B
F / C
F# / C#
G / A

etc etc..