Minor Scale Lesson Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


While there is only one major scale, there are 3 kinds of minor
scales. In this lesson we will be looking at all 3 minor scale
variations and examine the pattern for constructing each one.

The three minor scales:

+ Natural minor
+ Harmonic minor
+ Melodic minor


Natural minor scale pattern:

 W — H — W — W — H — W — W

W: whole step
H: half step


So a C Natural Minor scale would be like this.

     C  D  Eb F  G  Ab Bb C
G:—————————————————————3——5———
D:————————————3——5——6—————————
A:———3——5——6——————————————————
E:————————————————————————————

As you can see, it follows the pattern shown above.

 C: root
 D: whole step from C
Eb: half step from D
 F: whole step from Eb
 G: whole step from F
Ab: half step from G
Bb: whole step from Ab
 C: whole step from Bb


Now, to convert a Natural minor scale into a Harmonic scale,
you must raise the seventh note by a half step. So to convert
the C Natural Minor scale, simply change the B flat to a B
natural.


C Harmonic Minor Scale

     C  D  Eb F  G  Ab B  C
G:—————————————————————4——5———
D:————————————3——5——6—————————
A:———3——5——6——————————————————
E:————————————————————————————


To change a Natural minor scale into a Melodic scale you have
to raise both the sixth and seventh notes by a half step. To
convert the C Natural Minor, raise the A flat to an A and the
B flat to a B.


C Melodic Minor Scale

     C  D  Eb F  G  A  B  C
G:——————————————————2——4——5———
D:————————————3——5————————————
A:———3——5——6——————————————————
E:————————————————————————————

How to Read Bass Tabs

Bass tablature (tabs) is an easy way to learn songs without needing to read traditional sheet music. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the symbols and techniques commonly found in tabs:

1. The Basics

Strings and Frets:
Each line in a tab represents a string on your bass:
- The top line is the highest-pitched string (G on a 4-string bass).
- The bottom line is the lowest-pitched string (E on a 4-string bass).
Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press. For example:
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------------------|
A|---3---------------|
E|-------------------|
            
```
This means you play the 3rd fret on the A string.

2. Common Techniques

Hammer-On (h):
Play the first note by picking it, then press down on a higher fret with another finger without picking again.
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------5h7---------|
            
```
Pull-Off (p):
Pluck a note and then "pull off" your finger to let a lower fret ring.
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------7p5---------|
            
```
Slide (/ or \):
Move your finger up (/) or down (\) the fretboard while maintaining pressure.
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------5/7---------|
            
```

3. Advanced Techniques

Bend (b): Push the string up or down to raise the pitch. Example: G|-------7b9---------|
Vibrato (~): Shake the string slightly after playing a note to create a vibrating sound. Example: G|-------7~----------|
Muted Notes (x): Rest your finger lightly on the string without pressing a fret and pluck for a percussive "click" sound.

4. Rhythm and Timing

Tabs don’t always indicate timing, so listen to the song while reading the tab. Wider spaces between numbers mean longer pauses, while closer numbers indicate quicker notes.

5. Slap and Pop

Slap (s): Strike the string with the side of your thumb for a percussive sound.
Pop (p): Pull the string away from the fretboard and let it snap back.

Practice Makes Perfect

Tabs are a great tool to learn songs, but mastering the techniques takes practice. Listen carefully to the original track and play along to lock in the rhythm. Don’t rush — smooth, accurate playing is more important than speed. Happy jamming! 🎸

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Bass Lessons — Minor Scale Lesson bass tabs