MAJOR SCALES

(Ionian Mode)

Bass guitar lessons should start with a little western theory.
 
Let's see...  we've got 1 through 8 notes in our "Do, Re Mi octave, made up of two half steps (chromatic), and the rest whole steps (meaning they have a chromatic step between them).  The bottom line is that the chromatic scale is made up of twelve notes between octaves.
 
So from here out we say, "run em in all twelve keys!"   So every exercise should be perfected in all twelve keys for highest benefit.

We think of the 12 keys in terms of; C, F, Bb, Eb, G#, C#, F#, B, E, A, D & G.  I was taught to focus on a Key each month and run all of my patterns on that particular key, hence, the one year plan!

Cycle of 5ths
http://www.workingbass.com/cycle_5.htm

Make a close inspection of the Cycle of 5ths chart in the url above and pick up on the "Relative Minor" aspect of each key signature.  Notice how the number of Sharps or Flats increases depending on which direction of the cycle you are moving.  Also, we say "G#" instead of "Ab" and "C#" instead of "Db", don't we!  But you can see how the Key signatures follow the pattern, which is the basic scale theory.

Analyze the sound clip that I attached to the Cycle of 5ths graphic.  I tried to think of a pattern that would demonstrate an arpeggio of major up and minor down.  I ran it in all twelve keys in an attempt to follow the charts clicking around the cycle like a clock.  What you get is a real human interpretation of that cycle.

Notation and Fingering
http://www.workingbass.com/notation_c.htm

Have a look at this clip of the C Major scale and its "relative" A minor.  This is the "Key signature" that doesn't have any sharps or flats so there are no # or b signs at the beginning of any of the lines or spaces.  (If there were the would be placed directly after the Bass Clef on the beginning left of the line)