🎸 Introduction: Why the Major Scale Matters

The major scale is more than just a set of notes—it's the very foundation of harmony in Western music. Yet many bassists claim they know it… until they're asked to actually play it. Sound familiar?

If you're fumbling when the keyboard player calls out chord numbers or you're squinting at charts on Sunday morning service, it’s time for a reset. You don’t need mental gymnastics—you need a system.

That system? It's called Play, Hear, See, Explain. And today, we’re breaking it down once and for all.

🎥 Watch the Full Lesson on YouTube

To dive even deeper and follow along with visual demonstrations, watch the original lesson by Ted:

👉 Watch the Video: Mastering the Major Scale on Bass
Learn directly from Ted as he walks through each concept with clarity and practical examples.

💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark the video and use the timestamps for easy reference as you practice each section.

🎯 The ‘Play, Hear, See, Explain’ Framework

This isn't just theory—it’s how you internalize music to the point where it’s second nature.

🧠 Play

Can you play each note with purpose, cleanly, right behind the fret? This step

Great! Here's the final, full blog post with your YouTube video properly linked:

Mastering the Major Scale on Bass: A Comprehensive Guide

Meta Description:
Discover a structured approach to mastering the major scale on bass guitar using the “Play, Hear, See, Explain” method. Perfect for beginners and intermediates looking to level up their skills.

🎸 Introduction: Why the Major Scale Matters

The major scale is more than just a set of notes—it's the very foundation of harmony in Western music. Yet many bassists claim they know it… until they're asked to actually play it. Sound familiar?

If you're fumbling when the keyboard player calls out chord numbers or you're squinting at charts on Sunday morning service, it’s time for a reset. You don’t need mental gymnastics—you need a system.

That system? It's called Play, Hear, See, Explain. And today, we’re breaking it down once and for all.

🎥 Watch the Full Lesson on YouTube

To dive even deeper and follow along with visual demonstrations, watch the original lesson by Ted:

👉 Watch the Video: Mastering the Major Scale on Bass
Learn directly from Ted as he walks through each concept with clarity and practical examples.

💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark the video and use the timestamps for easy reference as you practice each section.

🎯 The ‘Play, Hear, See, Explain’ Framework

This isn't just theory—it’s how you internalize music to the point where it’s second nature.

🧠 Play

Can you play each note with purpose, cleanly, right behind the fret? This step builds muscle memory.

👂 Hear

Can you recognize if you played a wrong note—even out of context? Training your ears is essential for musical fluency.

👁️ See

Close your eyes. Can you visualize the scale patterns? When your bass isn't in your hands, your mind should still be playing.

🗣️ Explain

Can you teach the major scale—at least to yourself? That means you truly understand it.

This framework transforms confusion into clarity.

🎵 Building the Major Scale: Note by Note

Let’s start in C Major, often called the "mother of all harmony." Here’s how the scale is built:

Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

Starting on the 3rd fret of the A string (C), here's the journey:

• C (Root, "Home")

• D (Major 2nd) – Whole step up

• E (Major 3rd) – Another whole step

• F (Perfect 4th) – Half step

• G (Perfect 5th) – Whole step

• A (Major 6th) – Whole step

• B (Major 7th) – Whole step

• C (Octave) – Half step

Using Ted's “neighborhood” analogy:

"This is your house. Each note is a neighbor down the block. Some are cool. Some are a little weird. But they all live in the same neighborhood—your major scale."

🎛️ Exploring Fingering Patterns and Shapes

There’s more than one way to play a major scale.

Second Finger Starting Pattern

Start with your second finger on C. This creates a movable pattern you can use across all keys.

First Finger Starting Pattern

Place your first finger on C, and walk up using a different set of fingers. Same intervals, different feel.

One-String Method

Play the entire scale on one string. This trains your ear to hear intervals and helps with melodic soloing and visualization.

Tip: Each shape is movable. Shift up or down the fretboard to play in different keys with ease.

🧩 The Power of Visualization and Curiosity

Bass mastery doesn't come from rote repetition—it comes from curiosity.

Think of learning the major scale like riding a bike. Someone might show you how, but you only truly learn by falling, adjusting, and repeating.

Visualization exercises like:

• Mapping scales on different strings

• Recognizing patterns in various positions

• Hearing when something sounds "off"

…help you understand why something works—not just how.

🎶 Application: Move the Scale Around the Neck

Try shifting the C major scale pattern to different keys:

• Move it up 2 frets = D major

• Move it down 1 fret = B major

• Move it to the E string = explore A major, G major, and more

Being able to "see" the major scale on the entire fretboard—not just in one shape—makes you a versatile, confident bassist.

🎤 Conclusion: Know It So Well You Don’t Have to Think

The ultimate goal is to play the major scale effortlessly, in any key, on any part of the neck.

• Know the shapes

• Hear the intervals

• See the fretboard

• Explain the concepts

Use the Play, Hear, See, Explain framework, and you’ll unlock not just the major scale—but your entire musical potential.

❓FAQs

Q1: Why is the major scale essential for bassists?

Because it’s the foundation of Western music harmony. Chords, modes, and melodic phrasing all stem from it.

Q2: How do I practice the major scale effectively?

Use the “Play, Hear, See, Explain” framework in multiple keys and positions.

Q3: Do I need to memorize note names?

While helpful, knowing patterns and intervals is often more practical in real-time playing.

Q4: What are some good songs to apply the major scale?

Songs like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Easy” are rooted in simple major scale patterns.

Q5: How do I recognize if I played the wrong note?

Your ear training will tell you. If it doesn’t sound “homey,” it probably isn’t right.