Scales
A major scale is a group of eight notes that produces the familiar sound:
Here are the notes of the C major scale. The number underneath each note indicates its position in the scale. These numbers are called scale degrees. If you are not familiar with the major scale, see Progressive Beginner Bass.
The Blues Scale
There are many other types of scales which can be derived from the major scale by altering (flattening or sharpening) some of its notes and also by leaving out some of the notes. One of the most common scales used in Rock is the Blues scale. Its degrees are 1, b3, 4, b5, @5 and b7 as shown in the following diagram. Notice how these degrees compare to the C major scale.
This example demonstrates the sound of the Blues scale. You will probably recognize it right away, as it has been used as the basis of thousands of Rock bass lines as well as lead guitar solos, vocal melodies and keyboard parts.
