This lesson provides strategies for how to memorize notes on the bass. Learning the notes will help with understanding songs, scales, patterns, keys, timing…most aspects of playing bass.
Important Point: Memorizing the notes will make you a better bassist. But you don’t have to memorize them all before learning other aspects of playing. Try to include learning them as a regular part of your practice routine. If you do, you’ll eventually commit them to memory!
There is no easy or magical method, strategy or trick for memorizing the notes. However, there are a lot methods that can help. Here are a few that I myself and others have found to be effective:
Say or Sing the Notes Out Loud
Whenever you are practicing, say or sing the notes out loud. This would apply to anything you are playing – scales, songs, patterns, etc. Saying or singing the notes out loud as you play them is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to commit them to memory. Do this when using the methods we list below (or other methods that you find or create).
Learn the Natural Notes on the Fret Markers in Alphabetical Order
Play all the natural notes on the fret markers in alphabetical order. Start with the E string and finish with the G string. The notes will be played in this order:
- E string (3rd, 5th, 7th frets) G A B
- A string (3rd, 5th, 7th frets) C D E
- D string (3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th frets) F G A B
- G string (5th, 7th, 9th frets) C D E
Below is a diagram showing the natural notes on the fretboard markers.
Learn one string at a time: It may be helpful to learn these notes one string at a time. Start with the E string and learn those notes, then learn the A string, D string, and G string. Once you have each string memorized, play them all together at once.
The Learn the Sharps and Flats in Between
Once you have all the natural fret marker notes memorized add the sharps and flats.
Below is a diagram showing the sharps between the natural notes on the fret markers. Starting with the E string, play them in alphabetical order: G, G#, A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E.
Below is a diagram showing the flats between the natural notes on the fret markers. Starting with the E string, learn them in alphabetical order: G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, Gb, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C, Db, D, Eb, E
Learn one string at a time: Again, it may be best to learn these notes one string at a time. Start with the E string and learn those notes, then learn the A string, D string, and G string. Once you have each string memorized, play them all together at once.
Learn Four Frets at a Time
With this method you are basically learning 4 frets at a time on each string going from lowest (E) to highest (G). Start with frets 1 – 4, then learn frets 5 – 8, then learn frets 9 – 12.
Below are diagrams showing the notes four frets at a time on each string with sharps:
First 4 frets with sharps:
Second 4 frets with sharps:
Third 4 frets with sharps:
Learn Sharps then Flats: Start by learning the notes as sharps. Then learn them as flats.
Below are diagrams showing the notes four frets at a time on each string with flats:
First 4 frets with flats:
Second 4 frets with flats:
Third 4 frets with flats:
Learn one string at a time: Again, it may be best to learn these notes one string at a time. Start with the E string and learn those notes, then learn the A string, D string, and G string. Once you have each string memorized, play them all together at once.
Study the Notes, Write them Down, Test Yourself
Here’s a method you can use anywhere without needing your bass.
Print out a diagram of a blank bass fret board – click here for one. Or you can draw your own.
Review and study a section or pattern of notes. For example, you could study where all of the natural notes are on the E string, or study where all of the C’s are located, or study the notes in certain scales, arpeggios, fills, licks – whatever you choose.
On the blank diagram, write down all of the notes for the pattern you studied without looking. Check your work and repeat until you have that pattern memorized.
Here are two diagrams for reference showing all of the notes on the first 12 frets with sharps and flats:
In Conclusion
As mentioned above, there is no easy or magical method, strategy or trick for how to memorize notes on the bass. The methods listed above can be effective at helping. So try to include them as a regular part of your practice routine. Or find/create any method that works for you. Just keep working at it, and you’ll eventually commit the notes to memory!
Fast Track Yourself to be a Master Bassist
Teach Me Bass Guitar (TMBG) is one of the most comprehensive, effective, and entertaining bass education programs anywhere outside of a major music school. Whether you’re a new player or someone who has been playing for years, this course covers everything! From basics to advanced techniques like slapping, to modes and essential theory – it is exactly what you need for success! Click here to visit their site.
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