Need help in C# minor

[lloccmttocs]

Ok, So I had eastern regionals and i got a good score so they called me back for all-state for string bass for the orchestra. When I did it the first time I had most of the scales under my belt and my piece memorized. Now its the same scales and a new piece, I just picked up the piece yesterday, its not bad. ANYWHO, my problem is I'm having trouble with C# minor. I've gotten everything, even the dreded 2 octave Eb major but for some reason I'm still having trouble with C# minor.

Last audition I just didn't learn it and prayed that I didn't get it. Luckily I got E major and F minor (Easy) and I was very happy. But I want to be prepared this time just in case they slap the C# minor on me.

Does anyone know of any good fingerings that will make this scale a walk in the park??

[rprowse]

If you play Ab minor or F#minor, you've already got a good fingering.
C# Harmonic Minor with traditional fingering:

C# D# E F# G# A B# C#
4(A) 1(D) 1(D) 4(D) 1(G) 2(G) 2(G) 4(G)

Once you get up the neck, there are common fingerings (in most keys) that you can use.

[Kam]

Originally Posted by lloccmttocs

Luckily I got E major and F minor (Easy) and I was very happy. But I want to be prepared this time just in case they slap the C# minor on me.

E Major and c# minor scales contain the same pitch complement (same notes). Think of playing an E Major scale, but starting on C#.

[rprowse]

Originally Posted by Kam

E Major and c# minor scales contain the same pitch complement (same notes). Think of playing an E Major scale, but starting on C#.

Good advise, I think...
I've had too many wines tonight (8.30 pm. NZ time)

[Bassist4Life]

Originally Posted by Kam

E Major and c# minor scales contain the same pitch complement (same notes). Think of playing an E Major scale, but starting on C#.

+1

[rprowse]

All good advice.
I do think, though, that you just need to get used to those scales that start on the 4th finger on the 4th semitone up the string. I once got into trouble at a school for teaching a girl C# Major on the trumpet. The HOD of music said it was too hard for her. But (trumpeter) Bobby Shew once said, at a workshop, that C and C# scales just require different valves... we only get scared because we see all these sharps. I think that the same is mainly true on the bass.
I know G major is really comfortable on the bass, but the other scales aren't bad, once you get used to the fingerings. Don't give yourself mental blocks.

[lloccmttocs]

Originally Posted by Kam

E Major and c# minor scales contain the same pitch complement (same notes). Think of playing an E Major scale, but starting on C#.

Well, this is half true actually. C# natural minor (which is the decending scale of a melodic minor) contains all the equal sharps of a E major scale, While Acending you need a diffent fingering since acending the only thing that is lowered is the Third so its more like a Major C# with a natual E, Not to mention its two octaves, So that High C# is always a pain to get in tune.

[rprowse]

Originally Posted by lloccmttocs

Well, this is half true actually. C# natural minor (which is the decending scale of a melodic minor) contains all the equal sharps of a E major scale, While Acending you need a diffent fingering since acending the only thing that is lowered is the Third so its more like a Major C# with a natual E, Not to mention its two octaves, So that High C# is always a pain to get in tune.

A pain to get in tune? Why?

[lloccmttocs]

Originally Posted by rprowse

A pain to get in tune? Why?

Well, I havn't spent a super amount of time up there. I only use it for scales, the highest I've gone in a piece was a B but that was after a chomatic run so it was fairly easy to get up there as long as I started from the right note. And my thumb position isn't very organized, it usually just feels like I'm putting my thumb anywhere and just moving my fingers around till I get the right note. It has gotten better, but it still lacks confidence.

[rprowse]

Originally Posted by lloccmttocs

Well, I havn't spent a super amount of time up there. I only use it for scales, the highest I've gone in a piece was a B but that was after a chomatic run so it was fairly easy to get up there as long as I started from the right note. And my thumb position isn't very organized, it usually just feels like I'm putting my thumb anywhere and just moving my fingers around till I get the right note. It has gotten better, but it still lacks confidence.

Sounds like you need to practise thumb position. Start off with your thumb on the octace harmonic (use the harmonic to check) and get used to where the notes lie. Slowly work up to the D harmonic (G string). It's all just practice.