BASS GUITAR MODES SCALES
Categorising Lesson Levels – Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced
This is a common way I categorise my lessons. If you hate being put into molds or categories then don’t read on, just keep on learning what ever you feel like. I find this a good guide to filling in the gaps when lessons skip certain topics.
First I group student into 3 main levels (Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced). Then each of those main groups into sub groups (Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3). Then each of those sub groups into sections (Theory, Chords & Rhythm then Melody & Riffs), melody & riffs are split into two sections (Notation & Tablature).
So we end up with…
Beginner – Level 1
Summary
- Just started playing
- Knows little to nothing on the guitar
- Needs reminders on finger placements, holding a pick, hand positioning, parts of the guitar, string numbering etc.
Theory
- Knows little to nothing about music theory
Chords & Rhythm
- Knows little to nothing about chords or rhythm
Melody & Riffs
- Knows little to nothing about notation or TAB
Beginner – Level 2
Theory
- Has a basic understanding of music theory
- musical alphabet
- tones & semitones
- note spacing eg. E & F and B & C are a 1 fret move
- basic music symbols
- whole note
- half note
- quarter note
- treble cleff
- music staff
- repeat signs
- Knows the string names (EADGBE)
Chords & Rhythm
- Can play basic chords although needs visual reminders (A, C, D, E, G Major)
- Getting a grasp of basic 8th note rhythm but can’t change chords quick enough to make a song distinguishable while using simple chords
Melody & Riffs
- NOTATION: Understands how to read a music staff and simple notation but cannot play it fluently
- TAB: Understands how to read simple TAB
Beginner – Level 3
Theory
- Memorised all the string and note names within the 1st three frets
- able to work out (not memorise) any note on any string up to and beyond the 12th fret
Chords & Rhythm
- Memorised all open chords and can play them with out visual aids or prompting (A, C, D, E & G).
- Starting to change chords quick enough to make a simple chord pattern song recognisable
- Can make the “E Shaped Bar Chord” (F Major) but not have to have it sounding clearly.
Melody & Riffs
- NOTATION: Can play a simple notation song fluently so that others can recognize the tune
- TAB: Can play a simple riff with no effects (hammering, sliding, bending, etc.)
Intermediate – Level 1
Theory
- Knows all the notes on the thick E & A strings for bar chord, 5th chord & scale placement
Chords & Rhythm
- Can play and has memorosed variations on open chords (Am, Dm, Em, A7, C7, D7, E7, G7)
- Can play the “E Shaped Bar Chord” (F Major) with a decent sustained sound (all six strings sounding out clearly)
- Can get a grasp on a basic 16th note rhythm playing it fairly smoothly
Melody & Riffs
- NOTATION: Can play a notation song fluently using the 1st 4 strings
- TAB: Understands TAB/Playing effects like hammering, sliding, pull offs & bending, etc.
Intermediate – Level 2
Theory
- Understands the theory of a Major Scale and has memorised its formula (TTSTTTS)
- Understands chord construction (The 1st, 3rd & 5th of any major scale makes the major chord)
- Knows all the notes (including sharps and flats) on the thick E & A strings for bar chord, 5th chord & scale placement
Chords & Rhythm
- Can change from an open chord to a bar chord easily with a clean and clear sound
- Rarely has trouble learning new and different 16th note rhythms
- Never has trouble learning new and different 8th note rhythms
- Can work out an 8th note rhythm by ear and write them out in either notation or using up & down symbols or notation
Melody & Riffs
- Can play the Major Scale up & down fluently
- NOTATION: Can play a notation song fluently using the all 6 strings
- Can play a riff or solo fluently using playing effects like hammering, sliding, pull offs & bending
Intermediate – Level 3
Theory
- Understands the formula of the most common chord variations (minor, 7th, minor 7th, major 7th)
Chords & Rhythm
- Can work out an 16th note rhythm by ear And write it out in either notation or using up & down symbols
- Can transfer common chord variations (minor, 7th, minor 7th, major 7th) into bar chords up the next of the guitar
Melody & Riffs
- Can play the Minor & 5 Pentatonic scales up and down fluently
- Can improvise to a basic level (keeping in time an not playing bad notes)
Advanced – Level 1
Theory
- Understands the theory behind the Major, Minor & 5 Pentatonic scale
- Knows how many sharps and flats are in any key signature
- Understands the theory behind relative minors & majors
Chords & Rhythm
- Can work out any rhythm pattern quickly by ear or visually
- Can write out any rhythm pattern
- Play rhythms using extra note hammer ons, pull aways or slides
Melody & Riffs
- Has memorised the Major, Minor & 5 Pentatonic scale
- Can play scale exercise patterns fluent (should be able to see the scale note placing on the fretboard before you place the fingers down)
- Can play a basic riff or solo with ease within a 1/2 hour
- Can place all notes of one kind (e.g. F) on every string, every fret in under 10 seconds (Octaves)
Advanced – Level 2
Theory
- Can work out any diatonic scale (major/minor) by ear
- Knows all the chords to use in any key (Major 1st, Minor 2nd, Minor 3rd, Major 4th, Major 5th, Minor 6th, Diminished 7th)
- Knows at a glance (or a least to work it out quickly) what every note on the guitar is
Chords & Rhythm
- Fully understands the CAGED chord system on the guitar (major & minor)
- Can link chords with key correct bass runs
- Can finger pick at least a few songs
Melody & Riffs
- Has the ability to work out solos by ear on his/her own
- Can improvise around a Major, Minor & Pentatonic Scale without hitting too many off notes
- Can visually see what key another guitarist is soloing in and can jam easily with another player
Advanced – Level 3
Theory
- Understands the theory behind modes
- Can construct any chord in any position on the fret board when given the chord formula (eg.1-3-5-7)
- Can transpose to and from any key (without capo)
Chords & Rhythm
- Knows all the scale notes around any of the 5 CAGED chord shapes (Major & Minor)
Melody & Riffs
- Can place a diatonic scale over every chord in the CAGED system
More lessons & Articles: www.guitartutoronline.com
About the Author
My teaching philosophy is to encourage the interest and passion that my students have for music, by allowing them to learn the guitar through their favourite songs. There is no use in trying to force sight reading and music theory on a teenager who wants nothing more than to be in a band just for fun. I have always found music can only be successfully taught once someone has been playing for a little while, and they start to love the instrument. As they improve on the basics, their natural desire is to become better, and at that moment they realise they need to know (and most importantly, want to know) the theory they initially despised!
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