Major and minor notes

[mike_Ro11]

Hey guys Im relatively new to bass and I have a question. What is the difference between major and minor notes and how do u play them. I know major notes ex. 5th ftet on the E string is A.



Thanks for your help

[hunta]

There's no such thing as a major or minor note. An interval can be major or minor, chords can be major and minor, and there are major and minor scales. Start with intervals. Here are the basic intervals in terms of half steps, each fret is 1 half step.

m = minor
M = Major
P = Perfect

P1 (unison) = 0
m2 = 1
M2 = 2
m3 = 3
M3 = 4
P4 = 5
Tritone = 6
P5 = 7
m6 = 8
M6 = 9
m7 = 10
M7 = 11
P8 (octave) = 12

So for example, if you start on a C (3rd fret on the A string) and go up to an E (2nd fret on the D string) it's 4 half steps which gives you a Major 3rd.

Here are some links to check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_and_minor

(this chart shows starting and ending notes to achieve a given interval)
http://intellectualmusician.com/wp-c.../intervals.png

[mike_Ro11]

thanks