Learn Pentatonic Positions in 7 Days
One scale to rule them all.
Late beginner bassists
If you’re feeling stuck in your fretboard and want to learn how to move freely across the neck, this is the class for you.
7 days
Nick will guide you through 7 days of step-by-step instruction with daily practice plans and assessments.
Fretboard freedom
By the end of this challenge, you’ll be able to visualize your entire fretboard and play pentatonic basslines in any key.
Take the next step
Once you've mastered this challenge, keep learning with more challenges and guided Learning Pathways.
What you'll learn
Each day, Nick Cisneros shows you how to internalize a new position of the pentatonic scale, note by note. You'll leave this challenge with a strong mental map of your fretboard that'll set you up to improvise and write your own basslines.
- Move freely across the neck
- Break out of box-shape playing
- Turn scale shapes into real music
- Visualize the pentatonic scale everywhere
Curriculum
Stay focused with this step-by-step learning program designed by our expert team of music educators.
Your guided Challenge
In this 7-day Challenge, Nick will help you improve your fretboard knowledge through mapping out the five positions of the pentatonic scale across the entire neck. Each day includes engaging exercises and a jam so you can apply each concept in real time right away.
Pentatonic review
Kick off the class by learning the theory behind this valuable scale and how it relates to the major scale.
This overview of the pentatonic scale will help you start off the on right foot as you build out your pentatonic foundation in the rest of the class.
Position 1: G major pentatonic
Start with the root-note position and learn some helpful techniques for playing smoothly and with more speed.
After drilling through the scale, you’ll apply it musically by learning a bassline.
Positions 2 and 3
Keep that fretboard exploration going and learn how starting a bassline on a note other than the root can unlock some tasty sounds.
You’ll also work on strengthening your note-recognition skills as you get higher up on the neck.
Positions 4 and 5
As you ascend the fretboard, you’ll work on improving your muscle memory for these new shapes. You’ll also learn how to apply these higher notes in different musical situations, including solos and the bridge of a song.
We'll finish off the lessons with some different pentatonic exercises to add to your daily practice routine.
Performances
To tie a bow on the class, you'll learn songs that directly incorporate the techniques and scale positions you worked on. You'll get interactive TAB and a backing track for each song so you can dial it in with Nick and on your own.
Day 1. Pentatonic review
Start mapping out the pentatonic scale on the E string. These are your starting points for each position of the scale, so it’s essential to visualize where they are along the string.
Whether you’re brand new to bass or a seasoned bassist, it’s never a bad idea to review the pentatonic scale and understand how it relates to the major scale.
To set you up for success, Nick walks you through mapping out the scale along the E string so you know exactly where each position starts. Plus, you’ll start training your ears to internalize the sound of the pentatonic scale.
Day 2. Position 1: G major pentatonic
Take your first steps toward fretboard mastery with the root-position pentatonic scale and tips for smoother playing.
Gaining easy access to all of the notes within the pentatonic scale is essential for creating confident basslines. That’s where the positions of the pentatonic scale come in handy.
You’re learning how to play every note without shifting your hand up and down the fretboard. Nick will also share some technique tips for playing faster lines in position.
Days 3-4. Positions 2 and 3
In these lessons, we’ll continue unwrapping the gifts of the pentatonic scale. You may not be as familiar with the notes this high up the fretboard, so you’ll also work on note recognition. Never a bad thing!
Day 3. Position 2 from the 2nd
Sometimes, you want to start your bassline on a note other than the root note. Well, this position gives you access to different paths to reach the root note on the D string by starting on other notes of the scale.
Day 4. Position 3 from the 3rd
Time to dust off those upper frets. Since this part of the neck might be new to you, you’ll focus on saying the note names out loud as you memorize the shape itself. End the day by learning a fast-paced groove in position and jamming with Nick.
Days 5-7. Positions 4 and 5
In these final lessons, you’ll complete your pentatonic journey and continue applying your new knowledge with musical grooves. Playing this high up the fretboard means that your basslines will really cut through the mix.
Day 5. Position 4 from the 5th
This shape includes a nice number of notes below and above the root note. It’s always good to have that flexibility when you’re writing your own basslines.
Because the frets are closer together, you have the option to play each fret with each finger. Combined with hammer-ons, you can really pick up the speed here.
Day 6. Position 5 from the 6th
Final position! This position just happens to also be position 1 of the minor scale. It’s also very finger-friendly, making improvising a bit easier. You’ll learn a lazy funk-rock groove to end the lesson.
Day 7. All positions
You’ve officially covered the entire fretboard. Now, it’s time to go the extra mile and drill these positions daily until you know them like the back of your hand. Fortunately, Nick’s got some fun and musical suggestions for exercises to add to your daily practice routine.
Performances
Now that you’ve unlocked the fretboard, you’ll apply your new skills and knowledge to two original performance pieces. One is a country-rock song that will have you travelin’ that long and winding road of the pentatonic scale. Then, you’ll lay things back with a chill reggae tune in positions 3, 4, and 5.
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