Beginner issues

[scooby3292]

Hey all! I’m a beginner, bought a used Peavey Fury from a buddy last December. I was hoping to help out another friend who is our worship leader at church. I have been having a blast practicing ( have not performed live yet), but this week I was going through the set list and found a song that was in B flat. They are dropping the key to G. I can’t figure out how to transpose this song that way… (also, my first attempt at transposing)

any tips would be most appreciated!!

 

[SteveCS]

It's just a case of moving everything down a minor 3rd (or up a major 6th):

Bb => G
C => A
D => B
Eb => C
F => D
G => E
A => F#

The risk, especially with a 4-string, is that you run out of notes. So if your line in the Bb version uses a low F, you run the risk of losing the shape of the line by not having the equivalent low D. So you need to think carefully about which sections go up and which go down and, if necessary, where you place any octave jumps.

 

[scooby3292]

It's just a case of moving everything down a minor 3rd (or up a major 6th):

Bb => G
C => A
D => B
Eb => C
F => D
G => E
A => F#

The risk, especially with a 4-string, is that you run out of notes. So if your line in the Bb version uses a low F, you run the risk of losing the shape of the line by not having the equivalent low D. So you need to think carefully about which sections go up and which go down and, if necessary, where you place any octave jumps.

Thank you so much! That makes sense!

 

[SoCal80s]

When transposing, you can just think of how many frets difference there are with those two notes. The difference between Bb (6th fret on E string), and G (3rd fret) is 3 frets down, so everything goes down 3 frets.

 

[scooby3292]

When transposing, you can just think of how many frets difference there are with those two notes. The difference between Bb (6th fret on E string), and G (3rd fret) is 3 frets down, so everything goes down 3 frets.

You have no idea how happy this makes me. I was doing that, just doubting myself. Thanks so much!

 

[Malcolm35]

It's just a case of moving everything down a minor 3rd (or up a major 6th):

Bb => G
C => A
D => B
Eb => C
F => D
G => E
A => F#

The first tonic note in the old Bb scale now become the first tonic of the G scale.
The Eb now becomes a C.
Go mark through all the Bb, with a G, and yes, all the Eb's now become C's

I like to see the new scale over the top of the old scale, i.e., not vertical. The ole I-IV-V stands out for me if it's that way. Whichever way gets it for you.

Do a Google on Nashville numbers... Changing the key with NN is a piece of cake. The Nashville Number System – by Chas Williams

 

[KeepItMoving]

You have no idea how happy this makes me. I was doing that, just doubting myself. Thanks so much!

nice - you’re starting to think like a bassist!

Transposing, especially on the fly, can be a challenge, but it’s a great skill to cultivate and helps you build familiarity with the fretboard and scale relationships. Fortunately it’s relatively straightforward on a fretted string instrument; I came to appreciate this after seeing what horn players have to do.

Hope you have much enjoyment and great experiences with your playing!