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Link to paste into iTunes: http://www.billbentgen.com/podcast/bass_scales.xml
You can subscribe directly from the iTunes store by doing an author search on Bentgen under podcasts.
Each scale is preceded by a one-measure dominant or diminished 7th chord leading into the scale.
Each scale is played 5 times. Repeating the scale is more beneficial than playing it only once.
The scales are played as two groups of four eighth notes. This way you can make the second half of the scale mirror the first half of the scale for major scales, and you can compare the half-tone placement in the two halves of the scale when playing the minor scales.
The tempos range from ♪ = 120 to ♪ = 250. There are 384 individual files or podcasts.
Subscribe to the podcast with iTunes or whatever program you use to collect podcasts
If you don't have a 5-string bass, delete the podcasts labeled as such before you download all of the files.
Click on the scales you want or "Download All" if you want them all.
Set up smart playlists to group the files. As an example, you can use the criteria "Name contains mm=120" to put all of the files with the tempo in one playlist. You can also just drag groups of scales to regular playlists.
Sort each playlist by title
Start playing at the top of the playlist and all scales will play through low to high.
If you don't want to play the enharmonic scales (although you should), uncheck or delete them.
A book of 3 octave scales with the fingerings I use can be downloaded by
right clicking here.
Use your own fingerings and vary them as you see fit.
I download the playlists to my iPod and play them through an iHome while I practice. You can also play the iPod through your stereo or powered speakers.
Use a different bowing each time you play the scale. For example:
Take frequent breaks.
Spend lots of time on the slower scales before you move to faster tempos.
Even when you can play the scales at the faster tempos, practice at the slower tempos is beneficial.
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