I used to have a hard time memorizing scales/modes while practicing them on bass not until I found a brilliant etymological piece. It described about the origin of these scales and how they're named. First start with C-major scale-c, d, e, f, g a, b, c. This progression is known as Ionian mode (natural major scale). If you transform the same hand position to other keys and play, you'll get a major scale for that key. Now, if you start from d-d, e, f, g, a, b, c, d, you'll be playing a D-Dorian scale. Similarly, play the progression e, f, g, a, b, c, d, e on your instrument and you’ll Be playing an e-Phrygian scale. Similarly, for F,G, A, and B, we have Lydian, myxo-lydian, Aeolian(minor scale) And Locrian scales respectively While memorizing first play each of the given seven scales to their corresponding Notes and then switch the same hand position to other keys. Eg; if you like to Play C-minor(c-Aeolian) scale; first play the Aeolian (minor) scale with it corresponding Note a as-A, b ,c, d ,e, f, G, A .The tablature will be: g------------------------------------------------------------------ d-----------------------------------5--7----------------------------- a------------------------5---7---8----------------------------------- e-----------5---7---8-------------------------------------------- Now, transform the tab given above in the key-A to the key-C. Just switch the string to the Higher one and deduct 2 frets. g----------------------------------3---5--------------------------------- d-----------------------3---5---6----------------------------------------- a-------------3---5---6-------------------------------------------------- e------------------------------------------------------------------------- viola! You just played C-minor scale! I hope I’ve posted some helpful materials. There may be some grammatical errors or technical too, Please inform me if I’ve mistaken somewhere. Bibs
