Using and Understanding Scale Degrees for Bass and Guitar | Taking the Mystery Out of Music Theory

Confused by scale degrees? Don’t let music terminology stop you from learning! In this lesson I explain what scale degrees are, how we use them, and why we even care. Scale degrees simply assign numbers to the notes of the major scale. The first note of the major scale is “scale degree 1.” The second note is scale “degree 2.” You get the idea. We use scale degrees to define and describe EVERYTHING in music regarding notes and chords. If it’s a chord, note, or scale, it can be learned and understood using scale degrees. In terms of music theory, it’s like “the first day of the rest of your life.”

🎧LESSON INDEX
0:00 Let's Go!
0:47 What is a Scale Degree?
1:26 Why We Care…
1:46 Using Your Scale Degrees
4:36 Homework: Memorizing Scale Degrees

🧑 ABOUT ME
My name is Alex, and my passion is teaching music online. I’m a bass player and composer by training and trade, but what I really love to do is teach. I make my living teaching private lessons on Bass, Guitar, Piano, and Ukulele. My favorite thing to teach is theory - helping the students understand the “why” behind the music and empowering them to make better and more informed musical choices. I’m very adamant about teaching technique. This is how you gain power and control over your instrument and ultimately raise the ceiling on where your limits are and where they will be in the future.

I appreciate you participating in learning music with me, either for free through my videos or in private lessons in my virtual studio. Players of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome! There’s no music lesson I don’t love.

🎸 PRIVATE LESSONS
You can schedule lessons with me, book a free consultation, or reach out to me with questions on my website:
https://www.stepbystepmusic.com/