The E minor scale is a cornerstone of music theory, offering a rich and melancholic sound that's frequently used in various genres. Learning this scale on the bass guitar opens up a world of musical possibilities, allowing you to explore captivating melodies and compelling bass lines. This guide will delve into the intricacies of the E minor scale on bass, covering various aspects to enhance your understanding and playing.
What is the E Minor Scale?
The E minor scale is a diatonic scale, meaning it contains seven notes within an octave. Its characteristic intervals are: root, 2nd, b3rd, 4th, 5th, b6th, and 7th. This translates to the notes E, F#, G, A, B, C, and D. The "b" (flat) symbol indicates a half step lower than the natural note. The minor third gives the E minor scale its characteristic sound, setting it apart from its major counterpart, E major.
How to Play the E Minor Scale on Bass Guitar
The E minor scale can be played in various positions on the bass fretboard. Here are a few common positions:
Position 1 (Open E String):
- E (Open E string)
- F# (1st fret of A string)
- G (3rd fret of D string)
- A (5th fret of D string)
- B (7th fret of D string)
- C (8th fret of G string)
- D (10th fret of G string)
Position 2 (Moving up the Neck):
This position uses the A string as the root note. You'll find this is a very useful position when playing along with E minor chords. We'll shift the scale pattern to start on the A string, 7th fret.
- E (7th fret of A string)
- F# (8th fret of A string)
- G (10th fret of A string)
- A (12th fret of A string)
- B (14th fret of A string)
- C (15th fret of D string)
- D (17th fret of D string)
Remember to practice shifting smoothly between these positions and others you may discover on your own. Experimentation is key to understanding the fretboard and its possibilities.
What are the Chords in E Minor?
Understanding the chords that belong to the E minor scale is crucial for building basslines and accompanying other instruments. The most common chords in E minor are:
- Em (E minor): E – G – B
- C (C major): C – E – G
- G (G major): G – B – D
- Am (A minor): A – C – E
- Bm (B minor): B – D – F#
- F#dim (F# diminished): F# – A – C# (less common, adds color)
- D (D major): D – F# – A
Learning to play these chords in their root positions, and in inversions, is a significant step in developing your musical skills and understanding of harmony within the key of E minor.
How Many Notes are in the E Minor Scale?
The E minor scale, like all diatonic scales, has seven notes.
What are the Intervals of the E Minor Scale?
The intervals of the E minor scale are: root, major second, minor third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, minor sixth, and major seventh.
What is the Relative Major of E Minor?
The relative major of E minor is G major. This means that G major and E minor share the same notes, just starting on different roots.
By mastering the E minor scale and its related chords, you'll gain a powerful foundation for creating compelling bass lines and developing your overall bass playing skills. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different rhythms and patterns, and always listen to the music you're playing to develop your musicality and understanding of how to apply this knowledge creatively.
