Reading Standard Notation: 2 positions (2nd fret and 7th fret)

[OldSchoolFlats]

I'm trying to learn both the notes on the neck, and to read standard notation passably well. I'd like to make sure what I'm doing is not "outright stupid". I created a previous thread about learning standard notation, so I know there are many ways to read and execute standard notation on bass, but this post is much more specific: positions.

I found what I think is a great way to master the fretboard on TalkingBass: How To Learn Notes On The Bass Fingerboard (3 parts) Video 2 talks about the 2 positions. Video 1 is just all the notes on each string.

It is based on learning the notes in 2 positions: 2nd fret and 7th fret; not the standard Hal Leonard "positions", based on the first few frets.

This approach seems *really* good to me, and I find it easier than learning to read starting with the open strings (Hal Leonard, Simandl, etc.). TalkingBass seems like a reputable site. I know from previous posts that more advanced bass-players will use all sorts of note choices, and there is no one "right way", but I don't know the fretboard (yet), so I need to keep it simple.


Question: Is there anything inherently "flawed" in basing my reading of standard notation from 2 positions (2nd fret and 7th fret, per link above), with the occasional thumb-pivot up/down for sharps/flats outside the 4-fret range in the 2 positions (2nd fret and 7th fret)?


I'm in my early 60s and don't have decades to "do it all". I just have 2 goals:

• Really LEARN the fretboard.
• Learn to read standard notation (not tab) well enough to read (not sight-read) transcribed bass-parts in standard notation.

 

[ShawnG]

I am a big fan of Mark Smith and TalkingBass. I’m still just a beginner, but the thing that has had the biggest impact on my playing/ability is working through Mark’s Sight Reading course on the pay side of TalkingBass.
You’ll definitely learn the notes on the neck! If you liked the three free videos you posted above (I am watching them, too, as a refresher) I think you’ll find that Mark’s Sight Reading course is just what you’re looking for.

Simple Steps To Sight Reading

 

[CharleyJackson]

I just finished the Talkingbass Volume One and Two. Mark Smith just recently released Volume Three. Now I can read and play (simple) bass clef for bass guitar. Up to four flats and four sharps. The volumes are not expensive but worth every penny if you have practice discipline.

Mark has a magic formula. He lays it on you easy and simple.
The later lessons deal with 2nd position playing. I wish there were more of it to practice. One can always just go back to earlier lessons and play all in 2nd position…provided that it makes sense. Mark say whether playing with open strings, with the first five frets or 2nd, 3rd position: they are just “doors“ to get the job done and achieve the sounds we want.

Our experience will differ because I was already a fairly experienced player. The lessons finally made a reader out of me. Great, challenging, and interesting experience. Good luck!

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

The price is kind-of high (for me) on TalkingBass, but I like his approach. For now, I am “tapped out”.

I am just hoping that “position 1” (fret 2) and “position 2” (fret 7) is a reasonable start, to really get a better grip (no pun intended) on both the fretboard and bass clef. Other than for slap, I don’t like the open strings.

I played bass a fair amount over the years, but mostly with scales and modes: my own version of “Nashville Numbers”. Pretty much all patterns. Really knowing where the notes are by letter is something I am really weak at.