G Major Scale in Three Positions for Bass
Play each position with one finger per fret: the index finger covers the first fret of the position, the middle finger the next, and so on. Play all notes of G major inside the position from the lowest to the highest and back, without shifting your hand. Then connect two positions by sliding into the next one.
G major scale, position at fret 2
G major scale, position at fret 4
G major scale, position at fret 7
Goal
Know the major scale across the neck instead of in a single shape. Each position covers four frets on all four strings, so your hand stays still and your fingers do the work.
G – A – B – C – D – E – F♯
How to practise
- One position per day at first. Metronome at 60 BPM, quarter notes, then eighth notes.
- Keep all four fingers close to the strings; don't let the little finger fly away.
- Find every G in each position before you play, and start and end on it.
- Then connect positions: play up in second position, slide to fourth position on the G string and come back down.
Self-check
Does your hand stay in position for the whole scale? Can you name each note? Can you start the scale on any G inside the position without looking at the tab?
Next steps
Revise the major scale for bass and read scales and modes on bass and the major scale lesson. Explore all positions in the scale explorer and test yourself with the bass fretboard worksheet.