Learning to play in every key

[rockin982]

I've often heard the advice that a bassist should learn to play things in every key. But when I listen to a bass line (or any piece of music for that matter), I hear it more as a series of intervals than as an explicit set of notes. They key of the song seems more a point of reference than a "box" in which I must stay. So if I want to transpose a bass line to another key, is there really more to it than just moving a little further up the fretboard?

 

[dlloyd]

I've often heard the advice that a bassist should learn to play things in every key. But when I listen to a bass line (or any piece of music for that matter), I hear it more as a series of intervals than as an explicit set of notes. They key of the song seems more a point of reference than a "box" in which I must stay. So if I want to transpose a bass line to another key, is there really more to it than just moving a little further up the fretboard?

It depends entirely on the music. Some things sound good played in boxes. Some things, such as walking bass lines, sound better (to my ears anyway) if you always go for the lowest possible fret position.

 

[Jace The Bass]

I've often heard the advice that a bassist should learn to play things in every key. But when I listen to a bass line (or any piece of music for that matter), I hear it more as a series of intervals than as an explicit set of notes. They key of the song seems more a point of reference than a "box" in which I must stay. So if I want to transpose a bass line to another key, is there really more to it than just moving a little further up the fretboard?

That's true but if you play scale/chord ( 1-3-5-7 etc...) over all keys in one position say within 5 frets you come up with different patterns ( inversions )
A good exercise is to play a lick in all 12 keys going through the cycle of fourths or going through minor thirds..etc
Why? Because same reason you begin to find out different ways of playing the same lick also its good for the ear&finger relationship

 

[jvbjr]

If you are sticking to radio friendly rock, you will see about six keys. If you wish to get involved in jazz or classical music you will be using all 12 keys where this advice is more fitting.