Chapter 4
Notes in Open Position
OK, now that you’ve got a handle on your right hand, it’s time to start incorporating the left hand for more than just deadening strings. Open position refers to a location on the fretboard where your first finger is in line with the first fret. This is also sometimes called first position.
Now we’re going to learn some notes that we can access while in open position.
String 4
As you know by now, the open fourth string is the note E. If we play fret 1 of string 4, we’ll get an F note. Remember to press the string directly behind the fret—not on top of the fret and not too far back from the fret.
F Note on String 4
Let’s try putting that note to use in a couple of examples. Remember what you learned in Chapter 3!
Example 6
Example 7
Don’t “Fret” the Soreness
When you first start playing bass guitar, the finger tips of both hands are going to get sore. This is because they’re being used in new and very specific ways and is perfectly normal. Eventually, you’ll develop calluses on your finger tips and the soreness will go away. Depending on your practice routine, this could take weeks or months, but rest assured: the soreness won’t last too long.
Now let’s try another note. We’ll play G with our fourth finger on fret 3 of string 4. You should also press down with your third finger (behind the fourth) whenever you can, just to add extra support. You can also play this note with your third finger if you’d like. If you do, go ahead and support it with your second finger. In fact, any time you play a note with a finger other than your first, it’s a good idea to provide support with other fingers.
G Note on String 4
Example 8
Example 9
Faster, faster, faster!
It’s a common misconception that playing slower notes is easier than playing faster notes. While it’s true that more dexterity is required to move your fingers quickly and precisely, it’s no easier to play slow notes well than it is to play fast notes. This means playing them right on the beat and not “rushing” ahead or “dragging” behind. To this end, a metronome is your best friend. This is a device that keeps perfect time for you at whatever tempo you select, whether slow or fast. Metronomes are relatively inexpensive and can even be downloaded for free as apps on your smartphone. Turn it on, set it to a slow tempo—say, 72 beats per minute—and try playing the examples in this book. It’s guaranteed to help your “time” (your ability to play notes at the proper tempo without rushing or dragging).
In this next example, really concentrate on playing every note right on the beat and giving the rests their full duration.
Example 10
String 3
Let’s move on to the A string now. Use your second finger to play fret 2 of string 3. This will produce the note B.
B Note on String 3
Example 11
To play the C note on fret 3, use either your fourth finger (supported by the third) or your third finger.
C Note on String 3
Can You Spot the Dot?
When you see a dot next to a note, it increases the value of the note by one half. So, a dotted half note lasts for three beats, and a dotted quarter note lasts for one-and-a-half beats.
Don’t rush!
Example 12
Example 13
String 2
As you know, string 2 played open is a D note. Now try using your second finger on fret 2 to play an E note. This note is one octave higher than the open E (fourth) string.
E Note on String 2
Now add the note F on fret 3 with either your third or fourth finger. This note is—you guessed it!—an octave higher than the F note on fret 1, string 4.
F Note on String 2
Pay attention to the rests here!
Example 14
We’re beginning to move from string to string a bit more quickly here. Make sure that you can perform this smoothly at a slower speed before playing it fast.
Example 15
This next song makes use of a 3/4 time signature. This means that there are three beats per measure, with the quarter note still getting the beat. To get a feel for this, count along while you play: “1–2–3, 1–2–3.”
Example 16
String 1
The first string produces a G note when played open. To play an A note, use your second finger on fret 2. This is one octave above the open A (third) string.
A Note on String 1
For the note B at fret 4, shift up the fretboard slightly and play it with your fourth finger. In fact, when playing the A note at fret 2 before or after this B note, you may want to just relocate to second position and use your first finger for the A note and your fourth (or third) finger for B.
B Note on String 1
The rhythm is a little tricky on this one, so listen first and count along!
Example 17
Be sure to cut off the notes for the rests in this one. There should be a full quarter note of silence in-between each note.
Example 18
Song 1: Amazing Grace
Now let’s put all that work to use with our first song: the gospel standard “Amazing Grace.” This song is in 3/4 and uses mostly dotted half notes. Remember to plant your thumb on the E string when you pluck the open D string in measure 14, or else the E string will ring through, which won’t sound good.
Note: The capital letters above the music are called chord symbols. We’ll look at those in the next chapter.
What’s Up with the Measure at the Beginning?
You’ll notice that there’s a measure at the beginning of the song with nothing but a quarter rest. This isn’t an error; it’s called a pickup measure, and it’s there to account for the fact that this song doesn’t begin on beat 1. If you sing this song, you’ll notice that the word “amazing” begins before everything else. The “a-” is sung, and then everyone joins in on the “-mazing” part. So we say the “a” begins on beat 3 of the pickup measure, which is why there’s a quarter rest there.
Note: The pickup measure is normally not included when counting measures; therefore, the first full measure is considered “measure 1.”
Example 19
Amazing Grace
Song 2: Deep in the Heart of Texas
Now let’s check out “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” This song is in 4/4, and we’re playing what’s known as a two-feel. This means we play two notes every measure—typically, the root and 5th of the chord. We’ll look at roots and 5ths a bit later in the book. You have a few muting issues to deal with in this one—namely, the open D string. The first instance is in measure 4, where the open D is followed by the open A string. As you pluck the A string, you’ll need to lay your left-hand fingers down on the D string to quiet it. When you play the G note at fret 3 of string 4 in measure 5, make sure that the underside of your fret-hand fingers is touching the A string so it will be muted, as well. The same can be said for the open D string in measure 7, where you play the G again. In verse 2 (“The sage in bloom…”), notice that there are a few variations to keep it interesting. In measure 11, we go up to an E note on string 2 (the 3rd of C) instead of down to the 5th. In measure 15, there’s a little walk-up on string 3 that connects the G to the C. This is a very common device.
Example 20
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Song 3: E Minor Rock
Here’s a rockin’ tune in E minor that mixes in a fair share of rests. For each rest, remember to lay your left hand lightly on the strings to quiet them while your plucking hand prepares to pluck the next string.
Major and Minor Keys
Songs are said to be in a certain “key” because of the chords they use and which one feels resolved, or like “home.” If a song is in a major key, the resolving chord—the one that feels like home—will be a major chord. Both “Amazing Grace” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas” are in a major key. This song, however, is in a minor key: E minor. Major songs tend to sound happy, bright, or uplifting, whereas minor songs sound dark or sad.
Example 21
E Minor Rock
