Scales: MILLPAD Method

Recently a classmate of mine taught me a interesting way to play scales of 2 octaves, probably because I kept questioning myself if there was a more effective way to play scales. Well, for me this new method made it easier for me the play scales on the bass, so I thought I would just share with you. I call this method: MILLPAD. Basically, it's formula of finger patterns that help you play your scales in different mode, using these 3 finger pattern in a certain sequence.

Why MILLPAD? What does it stand for?

• Mixolydian (V)
• Ionian (I)
• Lydian (IV)
• Locrian (VII)
• Phrygian (III)
• Aeolian (VI)
• Dorian (II)

Basically if you guys are wondering what these foreign language is, it's Musical Mode. In order to fully appreciate this, it is important to understand what musical modes are. But basically modes are scales in a particular. Each of these technical names just tells us which note this scale starts with. Modes will take the key signature of that particular key.

Like for example, Ionian mode on C Major means that the scale is made up of starting from C, D, E...A , B, C

And if I say, Dorian on C Major, it's a scale starting from D, E, F...B, C, D. Notice that there is no F# or C# or Bb in the scale starting with D, simply because this scale takes on the key signature of the key the Mode is on.

And so on...

so before we get confused about Modes, let's reveal the formula...

(Sorry I'm meant Pattern 1, 2 & 3)

Basically, this diagram shows the different fingering pattern for each mode you are suppose to play. Like if the sequence is a Dorian ---> Mixolydian, you play pattern 3 followed by pattern 1 again.

(I'm naming the different fingering as 1, 2, 3 to help the explanation below.)

All scales/modes follows this sequence of fingering patterns,

Mixolydian (V), Ionian (I), Lydian (IV), Locrian (VII), Phrygian (III), Aeolian (VI), Dorian (II) and back to Mixolydian again.

Depending on what scale you play, you start off with different modes and follow the sequence when playing an ascending scale. If you are playing a descending scale, just follow the sequence backwards.

Let's look at the first example in the C Major Scale (Ascending, 2 Octaves).

• First we must agree that, Major scale = Ionian Mode:

So we start off with Ionian, and follow the MILLPAD sequence. In this case will be:

• Ionian ---> Lydian ---> Locrian ---> Phrygian ---> Aeolian
• Pattern 1 ---> Pattern 1 ---> Pattern 2 ---> Pattern 2---> Pattern 3:

Notice that each pattern is made up of only 3 notes? So basically, once we have completed one pattern, we move on to play the next string with next coming pattern, only at the G string do we have to slide 1-2 frets and play the next pattern (this is an exception for 6 string bassist)

So if we were to play C Major scale, descending the sequence would be,

• Aeolian ---> Phrygian ---> Locrian ---> Lydian ---> Ionian
• Pattern 3 ---> Pattern 2 ---> Pattern 2 ---> Pattern 1 ---> Pattern 1

Just basically a reverse of the ascending scale.

Let's look at another example to get it right.

Here we are going to play a C Natural Minor Scale (2 Octaves, Ascending)

Agree that Aeolian Mode = Natural Minor Scale

Now let's figure out the MILLPAD sequence for the Natural Minor Scale. It should be,

• Aeolian ---> Dorian ---> Mixolydian ---> Ionian ---> Lydian
• Pattern 3 ---> Pattern 3 ---> Pattern 1 ---> Pattern 1 ---> Pattern 1:

So once again you notice this same pattern again, after 3 notes you either change strings of change position on your fretboard. And descending scale would just basically be the reverse MILLPAD sequence. For me, I find this a very good tool to use as it helps me play bass in different modes quickly, Thus, I won't find it hard to play any scale starting from any note in the scale because of this formula. Apparently my friend who introduced me to this said this came from Victor Wooten. Still, I'm very grateful to her for imparting her secret to me. I hope this will help you guys to play scales on the bass guitar more efficiently. Once again, don't believe everything I say, try it for yourselves!

Feel Free to post any questions in the comments.

Practice Diary for Bass Guitar

Hi people, for now, this blog with be used as my practice diary. Basically I will be posting up the different things I am doing to improve myself on my selected instrument - the bass guitar.

Well, I started off with bass a during Secondary 4, and I have never played it consistently, it 's the curse of a multi-instrumentalist. It's only once in a while when there's a need for a bassist, do I get a chance to properly sit down and practice the bass.

Over the years I found some weaknesses I have with playing the bass (as with a lot of other instruments I play).

• Little control over the instrument, which leads to inconsistent volume, rhythm.
• Little knowledge on scales, and different melodic fills on the bass
• Little Stamina in playing a full song, especially fast punk rock song which require continuous fast fingering.

So in this performance, I aim to:

• Be able to play the bass tight in a band, and have good control over it by playing bass more in every opportunity possible.
• Be able to keep time well, by practicing with my 'best friend', click
• Train up stamina, by playing more songs and practicing finger exercises and scales
• Learn how to play gospel style bass - from fills to its grooves, by imitation and application.

Hope to hear from you guys how else I can improve my skills on the bass. Some of these goals may not be accomplished during the course of study, but I'm sure it will be accomplished sooner or later...