Stuck in a Rut

[Bmxican414]

Hey I have not ever been very good at bass but am attempting to improve my skills and just seem to be a little bit lost on what to practice on or what to focus on learning in what order. Currently i know all the notes on the fretboard. I can play octaves, 5ths , 7ths, 6ths, and stuff of that nature and thats about it. So when i play with my friend i am honestly stuck to just playing root notes because I just dont know what else to really do. Is there anyone who could give me a hint to what to learn next? If i was not poor i would get a instructor, but i am. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[LeoSash]

Scales. The universal scale for jamming with people is a Blues scale. Blues Form is important as well. The most used scales i seem to use (as a jazz major) are Minor and Blues. Start with those. I found that these scales have finger patterns you can use but just learn those and practice practice practice. Play along with some easy blues and jazz tracks if you're alone.

 

[phatbass]

My opinion only, but this is how I start my student off.

If you don't already know it, learn the Major scale first, then learn the chords that are built on the notes of the Major scale. To me this starts making sense of the basics of music.

 

[Bmxican414]

Thanks to the both of you. Phatbass when you say learn the notes of the scale do you mean every note? Because dont the notes change everytime you move the scale up or down the fretboard?

 

[Kamael83]

Thanks to the both of you. Phatbass when you say learn the notes of the scale do you mean every note? Because dont the notes change everytime you move the scale up or down the fretboard?

I would advice reading threads on this forum aboout scales, scale structures, chords, circle of fifths etc...the more you will read the more stupid you will feel....but after a while...when you will read, practice and think about what you`ve read....things will slowely start clicking in and thats one of the main reasons i love TB