This is a simple bass lesson on the Natural Minor Scale for beginners.

The Minor Scale

The natural minor scale is our basic foundation when it comes to the minor key.

In numbers relative to the basic major scale, the minor scale is:

1  2  b3  4  5  b6  b7 

In the key of C, the minor scale would be:

C  D  Eb  F  G  Ab  Bb

We can play this scale starting on the third fret of the A string.

Get this pattern under your fingers by starting on a different note every time. When you move it around, the fret pattern and the fingering stay the same no matter where you take it. Once you feel comfortable with this, try starting on an open string.

The Minor Scale In Application 

Now you know the shape, you can start experimenting with it to create your own riffs. Here is one to get you started:

This riff uses a box shape similar to the one we use when playing octaves. Because the frets are spaced further apart lower down the neck, it is more practical to play this riff using the first and fourth fingers. This means there will be less of a jump than if you used the first and third fingers.

However, don’t worry too much about the fingering. Do what feels comfortable for you and works best for the line.

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