The above infographic shows how to play an octave of each key. In other cases, such as A and E minor, it is easier and more convenient to play them this way, rather than using 1 string like demonstrated earlier. This is because the low C and low D can at their lowest be played at the 3rd and 5th frets of the A-string. In some cases, such as C and D minor this is a necessity. You might also move up or down the neck to reach certain notes or in some cases entire scales. Here is an example of how to play the A minor scale on the bass:Īs opposed to playing them on a single string, the easiest way to play most of these is by using 3 or 4. This makes more sense when looking at what the minor scale looks like when played on a single string of the bass. Whole steps, on the other hand, have one fret in between them. Half-steps are right next to one another. Steps mean how large the space between two notes of a scale is. Just like the major scale on the bass, the minor key is made up of half and whole steps. I`ll also leave you with a step-by-step guide on how to practice and master the minor scale going forward. Lastly, I`ll show you some songs that are played in minor scales. In other words, you will know how to play them anywhere on the fretboard and by starting on almost any note. Then, I will show you how to build on that knowledge and how to play every single minor scale on the bass guitar.Īfterward, you will learn how to play the scales past the root note and octave. We will start by learning two of the easiest minor bass scales: E and A minor. Therefore, I decided to make this understandable and beginner-friendly guide for learning the minor scale for all bass players. However, I remember it taking me a long time to fully grasp it. This is because, despite all the different scales and modes I`ve learned, I always gravitate back toward jamming in minor keys. The minor scale is easily the scale I`ve played the most on my bass.

E flat minor bass