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Originally Posted by mambo4  I'd say the logical progression is kinda like this:
1.) learn the major scale, and how it's constructed
2.) learn the minor scale and the dominant scale and how it relates to the major scale
3.) understand how other 4 modes of the major scale are derived (less important to memorize these other modes at first)
4.) Learn how to harmonize the notes of a major and minor scale by building chords / stacking thirds
5.) Learn to look at common chord progressions as "numerals" (eg, I-IV-V ect) to understand how the chords relate to the song's key.
7.)Learn arppegios/chord tones, and pentatonic scales for major/minor/dominant scales.
8.) dive back into modes for more detailed ideas about what "goes" with what chord.
Improvising is basically a matter of knowing what to play over various chords. It may seem daunting at first my practical experience (bass in pop/rock) has been that I mostly use Major, Minor, and Dominant 7 related bassline patterns, usually based on chord tones and pentatonics.
If Jazz is your thing, you will probably be learning theory forever.
Also, learn songs you like and pick them apart to see how the bassline relates to the chords. Very helpful. |
great advice..also, while you are doing all this, learn your fretboard inside out! i am finding this to be very important..
i spent a lot of time learning "theory" from a book..like say "harmonizing a moajor scale".. i can give a big lecture on how to do it, but when i tried to actually play it on my bass, i was fumbling like hell..the reason for this was i did not know where all the notes i wanted to play were on the fingerboard.. so make it a point to know where each and every note is on your fret board, how to play different stuff like arpeggios at different positions on the fretboard, how to "connect modes". etc. etc..
also, another thing i try to do when i am trying to learn theory is try not to fall into the "pattern playing" trap in the beginning..i first try to "internalize" the theory before i look for patterns that i can replicate for all keys..this makes it easier for me to remember the theory stuff..(to give you an example, you can come up with a pattern to play the major triad..all you have to do is learn the pattern and keep shifting the root position to replicate the triad in all keys..that's great..but this will not help you remember the triads..so try to delibrately avoid playing aptterns, and try to play the notes of the triad picking up the notes at random positions ont he fretboard..once you have learnt the notes using this method, start using pattern to further burn it into your memory..)
