Introduction to Bass Guitar
Music • Year 12 • 60 • 1 students • Created with AI following Aligned with Australian Curriculum (F-10)
Teaching Instructions
Introductory lesson on bass guitar, include basic information like the names of each string(from lowest sounding it is: E,A,D,G), anatomy of the instrument(e.g tuning pegs, neck, bridge, pickups etc.). Include diagram labelling each part.
Begin with light warmup by serving metronome to 70bpm and plucking the open E string on each beat, focusing on proper muting technique by lightly resting your first finger over the rest of the open strings to dampen their sustain. Continue this with all the open strings while adjusting mute technique with left hand for proper tone and clarity by following through with each pluck to the string behind it. E.g if playing the G string, follow through with your left hand until your finger rests on the D string. Do this for 5 minutes. Introduce the concept of the 5th and octave, while asking the questions: what? why? and how?
What: the fifth serves as one of the most fundamental intervals in music, commonly heard in the power chord of pop and rock songs. located halfway between the root and octave(briefly explain a scale) which is 7 half-steps away or two frets and one string above the root.
Why: As it's such a fundamental interval, it allows us to create more movement and rhythm within our lines while not being too distracting/disruptive of the harmony.
How: Practice with a metronome on 70bpm moving between the root and fifth on the E string, paying attention to the fretting fingers while releasing each note for proper muting technique. once comfortable try on the 3rd fret of the E string(G) to the 5th fret of the A string(D).
Next, incorporate the octave into the mix! Can be found on the same fret one string higher from the 5th, e.g if starting from the 3rd fret E string(root G), the fifth would be 5th fret A string(D) and the octave 5th fret D string(G). Play the previous exercise but with the octave as the 3rd note before going back down to the root.
What: The Octave(8th) is the root note but at the next degree higher, completing and resetting our scales. Located on the same fret but a string higher than our 5th, and two frets and two strings higher than our root note. So if our 5th is the fifth note of the scale, the octave is the 8th.
Why: The octave serves as the most foundational interval besides our root note, as its note value and role in a harmonic context are essentially the same except the octave is higher in pitch(exactly double the frequency of the root). It is common in funk and disco as a way to create syncopation and groove without losing the foundation of the harmony. How: Practice the exercise from above but now instead of passing through the 5th on the way up, skip it and go straight to the octave(8th). E.g play G on the 3rd fret E string and then play G on the 5th fret D string and alternate between. Once this gets comfy try moving the octave around the fretboard for instant disco basslines! Major Pentatonics: What: One of the most important(perhaps the most) scale to understand and get under the fingers is the major pentatonic. Consisting of the Root(1st), 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th of a major scale, it is playable with various different patterns and shapes. Why: Its extreme versatility and playability on the fretboard have led to it being used in most songs/genres the world over. it contains only five notes that naturally harmonise well together and lack any dissonance. How: With our metronome at 70bpm,Start with our first finger on our C note on the 3rd fret A string and slide that finger up to the 5th fret A string(D), then using our pinky play the 7th fret on the same string(E). After this repeat the pattern of 5th and 7th fret on the D string(G and A) and then finally reach the top by playing 5th fret on the G string(C octave). Be mindful of keeping fingers close to the fretboard at all times and timing of notes. Once you feel confident with this shape try applying it to different root notes, such as F and D. Song study: “My Girl” by The Temptations Transcribe the Intro, Verse and Chorus of “My Girl”, which heaving employs the ascending major pentatonic in its iconic opening riff. Use YouTube or preffered audio software to slow down the track to a suitable tempo(I’d start slow around 75%) and start speeding up when you can play it without mistakes. If you get the first parts down and want to challenge yourself try working out the bridge and key change at the end of the song!
Introduction to Bass Guitar
Curriculum Alignment
Subject: Music
Year Level: Year 12
Curriculum Area: Australian Curriculum – Senior Secondary Music
Learning Objectives:
- Understand and identify the fundamental parts of the bass guitar
- Develop proper finger technique and muting strategies
- Learn the musical function of the 5th and octave intervals
- Explore the Major Pentatonic Scale and its application
- Apply these concepts in a real-world song study
Lesson Overview
This lesson introduces students to the fundamental aspects of the bass guitar, focusing on technique, music theory, and practical application. The lesson incorporates active playing exercises, theoretical discussions, and a guided song study.
Lesson Duration: 60 Minutes
Materials Required:
- Bass guitar
- Amplifier (if required)
- Metronome (physical or app-based)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Diagram of a bass guitar (for labelling exercise)
- Audio recording or streaming access to My Girl by The Temptations
Lesson Breakdown
1. Introduction to the Bass Guitar (10 minutes)
Anatomy of the Instrument
Using a labelled diagram, discuss the key components of the bass guitar:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Headstock | Houses the tuning pegs, which adjust string tension |
| Tuning Pegs | Used to fine-tune string pitch |
| Nut | Guides the strings to maintain correct spacing |
| Neck & Fretboard | Long wooden surface with metal frets that define pitch |
| Frets | Metal strips indicating semitone divisions |
| Body | Resonates and captures string vibrations |
| Pickups | Magnetic elements converting string vibrations into electrical signals |
| Bridge | Anchors the strings at the lower part of the body |
| Tone & Volume Knobs | Control sound output and tone shaping |
Activity:
- Label a blank bass guitar diagram
- Discuss how different materials and designs affect tone
2. Warm-Up Exercise – Open String Muting (5 minutes)
Objective: Develop plucking accuracy while controlling string sustain
- Metronome set to 70 BPM
- Pluck the open E string on each beat while muting unused strings.
- Continue with open A, D, and G strings, adjusting muting technique accordingly.
- Focus on left-hand muting**, following through plucks so that fingers rest on the adjacent string.
Key Considerations:
- Ensure a relaxed hand posture
- Avoid excessive force—precision is key
3. Understanding the 5th & Octave (15 minutes)
The 5th Interval
What:
- A core interval in harmony, found two frets up and one string higher
- Forms the basis of power chords in rock music
Why:
- Provides a full, resonant sound without clashing with chords
- Adds rhythmic movement to basslines
How:
- Pluck the 3rd fret on the E string (G)
- Play the 5th fret on the A string (D)
- Alternate back and forth in time with the 70 BPM metronome
The Octave Interval
What:
- The same note one octave higher
- Located two frets up and two strings higher
Why:
- Provides tonal variation while maintaining the same note identity
- Frequently used in funk and disco basslines
How:
- Play G on the 3rd fret E string
- Skip the 5th and go straight to the 5th fret of the D string (G octave)
- Alternate between the root and octave
Advanced Challenge: Move the octave pattern to different notes across the fretboard.
4. Major Pentatonic Scale – C Major Shape (15 minutes)
What:
- Consists of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th notes of a major scale
- A staple scale in bass playing across multiple genres
Why:
- Easy to play across the neck
- Common in blues, funk, pop, and country
How:
Practise the C Major Pentatonic Scale (C–D–E–G–A–C) with the metronome:
- 3rd fret A string (C) → Slide to 5th fret A string (D)
- 7th fret A string (E)
- 5th fret D string (G)
- 7th fret D string (A)
- 5th fret G string (C octave)
Once comfortable, experiment with the shape using F and D as root notes.
5. Song Study – My Girl by The Temptations (15 minutes)
Objective:
Analyse and play the iconic intro riff, verse, and chorus using the Major Pentatonic Scale.
Approach:
- Listen to the bassline at slowed-down speed (75%)
- Identify the intervals and note patterns
- Play along slowly before increasing the tempo carefully
Challenge Extension:
- Work out the bridge and key change section by ear
- Experiment with different rhythmic feels in the verse
Assessment & Reflection (Final 5 Minutes)
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Can you identify and name all parts of the bass guitar?
- How does your muting technique affect tone clarity?
- Do you understand how the 5th and octave shape a groove?
- Can you apply the Major Pentatonic Scale to real music?
Student Reflection Activity:
- What part of today’s lesson felt the most challenging?
- Where do you feel most confident?
- What is one thing you'd like to improve next lesson?
Extension & Homework
- Practise alternating between root, 5th, and octave on different notes.
- Learn another bassline that uses Major Pentatonics (e.g. Stand By Me – Ben E. King).
- Create your own two-bar bass riff using today’s intervals.
Final Notes for Teachers
This lesson aligns with the Senior Secondary Music curriculum, focusing on performance techniques, aural skills, and music analysis. It also covers key competencies in listening, technical applications, and improvising.
By grounding theory in real-world music applications, students engage deeply while building technical fluency. Thought-provoking questions spur critical thinking, transforming bass playing from an isolated skill into a musical conversation.
Would love to hear how this worked in your classroom! 🚀🎸
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