Interval Shapes
An interval is the distance between any two notes of different pitches.
In written music the smallest distance between two notes is called a semitone. On the Bass guitar a semitone is the distance of 1 fret.
Within 1 octave of music (i.e., the range of 8 notes, e.g., C D E F G A B C), there are 12 semitones (12 frets).
There are 12 different intervals, all of which are illustrated in the following table.
- The smallest interval, is a semitone (i.e., 1 fret) this is called a MINOR SECOND. Thus if you play a note that is 1 fret above a given starting note (Root note) the interval is a minor second.
- The next interval is tone (2 frets) above the root note. This interval is called a MAJOR SECOND.
Chords, melody and scales are all made from combinations of intervals. If a Bass player is required to create or improvise a bass line for a chord progression or song they will need to know the relative positions of these intervals on the fretboard.
The easiest way to remember intervals is to remember their pattern on the fretboard.
In the fretboard diagram shown next, all the interval positions are shown relative to a given root note. Although the root note illustrated is shown on the 4th string, the relative positions (PATTERNS) remains the same regardless of where the root note is positioned.
Interval Chart
The following six exercises use the most common intervals on the top two strings (where the tapping technique is mainly used).
Let both notes ring!
When you play thirds, you have to place your right hand and arm in a lower position.
Right hand arm - and hand position for tapping.
Play the note D with your right hand thumb (T)
