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3 octaves scales and thumb position

Discussion in 'Music Theory [DB]' started by Mister Cbass, Apr 28, 2020.

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  1. Apr 28, 2020 #1
    Mister Cbass

    Mister Cbass

    Jun 30, 2011
    France
    Hello,

    I saw many fingerings for the scales, maybe they are all good ( depending the players, situation, style) But That makes me confused.

    I do't have my DB with me, I will try to be clear.
    Example for A major and Minor
    --> A minor when I'm will shift on the thumb position on the G string / High G note

    I've found the following fingerings :

    1-Just after the F --> plays the G with 3 and after shift in the thumb position
    (T on G) --> finger 2 for the A ( I saw with finger 1 too, with and extension ?)
    Maybe if We play the f before the G with de finger 1 ? strange for me.

    2- SHift on Thumb posistion to play the G --> finger 2 to play the A
    ( the more logical for me )


    --> A major

    I just wanna know. In the thumb position on the G # --> Must I play :
    Thumb on G flat ( I don't play It) + finger 1 to play G# + finger 2 to play A
    Or I must start the thumb position on G# ?

    Thanks for help

    Sébastien
     
  2. Apr 28, 2020 #2
    Steve Freides

    Steve Freides Former Mannes College Theory Faculty Supporting Member

    Dec 11, 2007
    Ridgewood, NJ
    @Mister Cbass

    There are many ways to do the things you're asking about. I would avoid searching for the "One True Way" to finger a multi-octave scale.

    Here is how I teach the last few notes of various two-octave major scales.

    Ending 2-4, thumb behind neck

    E: 2 on D#, 4 on E
    F: 2 on E, 4 on F
    F#: 2 on E#, 4 on F#

    G: 1 on E, 4 on F#, 3 on G harmonic (if not going higher)

    Ending 2-3, thumb at side of neck

    G: 2 on F#, 3 on G (as prep for Ab and A)
    Ab: 2 on G, 3 on Ab
    A: 2 on G#, 3 on Ab

    Thumb position
    Bb: T on G, 1 on A, 2 on Bb
    B: T on G (not played), 1 on G#, 2 on A#, 3 on B
    C: T on G, 1 on A, 2 on B, 3 on C

    My opinion is that it's best to get really good at putting your thumb on G before learning to put it on other notes

    -S-
     
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  3. Apr 28, 2020 #3
    Mister Cbass

    Mister Cbass

    Jun 30, 2011
    France
    Hello,

    Thanks, sounds good to me .

    You answers the question.
    3 on G ( high), depend on wich finger I come before.

    and this
    B: T on G (not played), 1 on G#, 2 on A#, 3 on B

    For my exemple, with the A major, I was not sure if I must play

    thumb on G sharp and A with finger 1 or thumb on G ( not play) G sharp with 1 --> A with 2

    So --> T ( G not played ) + 1 + 2 --> ok for me.

    After that if I have well understood .
    For example with a chromatic --> on the G string --> Thumb G / F1 G#/ F2 A / F3 A# and after I shift the thumb to the B 1,2,3 shift thumb etc etc
     
  4. Apr 28, 2020 #4
    Steve Freides

    Steve Freides Former Mannes College Theory Faculty Supporting Member

    Dec 11, 2007
    Ridgewood, NJ
    I have seen different approaches to this. For me it would depend on how far up I was going, and if I had to play chromatically for an octave as you've described, I think I might ask if I could put the bass down and pick up my cello. :)

    My preferred approach is to "take the thumb with you" but use fingers. To continue my major scale list from above.

    C#: T on G (not played), 1 on G#, 2 on A#, 2 on B#, 3 on C
    D: T on G, 1 on A, 2 on B, 2 on C#, 3 on D

    When I move as I go 2 - 2, I put my thumb on A, IOW, I slide my entire hand up a whole step. I'm only using my thumb once, on G, but I am moving my thumb. For me, muscle memory is important, so I want to maintain the integrity of my hand position as I move around, even for the notes I'm not playing. I see many folks give up on keeping their thumb on the bass for a 2-octave D major scale - I try not to do that.

    If I really had to play chromatically up there, I'd probably use my thumb again as you've suggested, but I honestly can't remember having to do that - no one has ever asked me to play a 3-octave chromatic scale and, G-d willing and the creek don't rise, no one ever will. :)

    -S-