The Chromatic Scale
The notes EF and BC are always one semitone apart (one fret). All other notes are a tone apart (2 frets). Sharps (#) and flats ( b ) are found between the notes that are a tone apart.
This scale is called the chromatic scale and contains all the #’s and b’s possible. C sharp (C# ) has the same position on the fretboard as D flat (Db ). They are the same note but can have different names depending upon what key you are playing in. The same applies to D# /Eb , F# /Gb , G# /Ab A# /Bb . These are called enharmonic notes. The following diagram includes all these sharps and flats.
- The 5th fret of the E string (A note) is the same note as the open A string.
- The 5th fret of the A string (D note) is the same note as the open D string.
- The 5th fret of the D string (G note) is the same note as the open G string.
These note positions are important to remember because they are the basis for tuning your bass to itself.
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