GerdO

https://joshfossgreen.com/hit-me-with-your-rhythm-stick-bass-lesson/ http://four-strings-basslessons.blogspot.com/2013/01/special-request-hit-me-with-your-rhythm.html https://ebassguitar.com/lessons/yt058-how-to-play-hit-me-with-your-rhythm-stick/ https://www.talkingbass.net/the-coolest-bass-line-in-the-world-ever/

First of all, the scale of choice has to have all the chord tones. Then, the more tones the scale has together with the acutal key the better. Sometimes you just try and let decide your ear.

For me this: says only that the chord symbol C7(b5) defines 4 notes, wich is nothing unusual. All 4 tone chords define 4 tones. All 6 tone chords (like C7(#11) define 6 tones. Wich scale to play when the chord is played depends strongly on the tonal context. But in many cases the WT/HT scale can be played when a C7(b5) is sounding. Assume the sheet shows a G7 chord and the tune is written completley in c-major. The first scale choice will be c-mixolydian, because that is the 5th mode of the g-major scale and the G7 is the 5th chord of the g major scale. Now assume the tune is written completley in c-minor. Then the first choice to play over G7 would be the phrygian-dominant scale, wich is the 5th mode of the harmonic minor scale . Chords don't imply scales. The choice of the appropriate scale to play depends on the chord sounding and the actual tonal context ( and: taste, not to forget).

One possibility for C7(b5) is the halftone-wholtone scale. Afaik in englisch/american terminology also known as "c diminished scale" C- Db - Eb- Fb (=E) - Gb - G - A- Bb - C The scale constists of 8 tones, not 7 as usual. A common scale for C7(#11) is c lydian scale, the 4th mode of the g major scale. C - D - E - F# G - A - B. Not?

Philip Ball: The Music Instinct.

[quote name='Rocker' timestamp='1509220306' post='3397435'] I am in my 60s, took up bass a few years ago and love it. Still play 6 string electrics and have done so for yonks. I know very little theory and zero about reading sheet music. One of the reasons to learn to read is that someone on this site publishes bass transcriptions in sheet music format. Considering I am not brilliant at reading tab, would it be a waste of time and money to learn how to read? In other words is it too late to learn? [/quote] For me it didn't take long until I could use notated music like tabs. Every minute I invested in the learning process was worthwhile. Being able to read unknown music straight off the sheet at a gig is a much more difficult task that can take you several years to master.

[quote name='subaudio' timestamp='1501278063' post='3343847'] Could anyone recommend a book full of study pieces that concentrate on notes rather than timings. I'm not looking for songs, I'm looking for exercises and studies. Simple is good. [/quote] The walking bass lines Grangur has provided seem to be a good start. Virtually no rythm, just pitches. If you want more try one of these: Walking in the footsteps of: Paul Chambers Walking in the footsteps of: Sam Jones.

I use MuseScore, wich is free .