Bass Octave Exercise
Play the root and its octave (two strings up, two frets higher) in the rhythms shown: half notes, quarter notes, then eighth-note octave grooves. Mute the string in between. Follow the chord changes on the sheet and use a metronome from 70 BPM.
Octave patterns
Goal
Learn the octave shape well enough to play energetic octave grooves cleanly, a staple of disco, funk, rock and dance music.
How to practise
- Fret the root with your index finger and the octave with your ring finger or pinky.
- Let the index finger lightly touch the string in between to mute it.
- Pluck with alternating fingers, or with a pick if you prefer.
- Start at 70 BPM with quarter notes, then eighths. Increase by 5 BPM after clean repetitions.
- Follow the changes on the sheet, then make up your own over a loop in the progression player.
Self-check
Low and high notes should be equally strong and short notes clearly separated. Listen for the muted middle string; it must stay silent.
Next steps
Combine with root–fifth lines and use octaves to learn the neck in bass fretboard level 2. Track your tempo with the metronome.