Have you ever found yourself playing the same bass lines over and over again, feeling stuck in a rut? I’ve been there too. One technique that you can use to open up possibilities is displacement. This powerful method not only adds complexity to your bass lines but also helps you break out of repetitive patterns, giving your playing a fresh new sound.

What is Pentatonic Displacement?

Pentatonic displacement is a technique where you shift the starting note of a pentatonic scale, creating new and interesting patterns while maintaining the original notes of the scale. This approach can drastically alter the feel and phrasing of your bass lines, making them more unpredictable. Learn more about pentatonic scales in my comprehensive guide.

Why Use Pentatonic Displacement?

• Creativity: By shifting the starting point of your pentatonic scale, you introduce variety into your playing, which can inspire new ideas.
• Technique: Practicing pentatonic displacement can help you become more comfortable navigating the fretboard, improving your overall technique and fluidity. Check out my exercises to enhance your technique.
• Complexity: This technique allows you to create more complex and interesting bass lines, which can make your playing stand out.

Pentatonic Scale Used:

• Modes of the G Major/E Minor Pentatonic: The phrase starts with a G major pentatonic at the 12th fret, descending and following the modes starting from G, D, B, A, G. Review all modes and scales to deepen your understanding.

Displacement:

• Definition: Shifting the starting note of the scale pattern to create different rhythms, syncopation and groupings.
• Purpose:
  • Adds variety and complexity to bass lines.
  • Enhances melodic creativity.
  • Improves technical proficiency and finger independence.

Pentatonic Displacement Video Example

Notes Groupings:

• Shift the starting point of the scale within the measure. Play the G major pentatonic scale descending, ensuring the starting note of the next mode is the end of the previous phrase. Explore rhythmic motifs and how to use them in your playing.

Rhythmic Displacement:

• Example: Repeating the starting note twice to shift the scale shape and ending the entire phrase with quarter note triplets using a B minor 7th arpeggio.

Practical Exercise:

• Displace the G major pentatonic scale (and all its modes) starting from different notes each time and at different beats within the measure.
• Exercise: Play the G major pentatonic scale starting on the B note (4th fret, G string). Descend using the following sequence: BAGE DBAA (last A is an octave higher) GEDB AGE.

Applying Pentatonic Displacement

Improvisation:

• Use pentatonic displacement to create solos and bass lines that stand out.
• Experiment with different starting points and rhythms to add variety.
• Start improvising from the 7th fret of an Emin chord, use the Emin pentatonic and displace the starting note every two beats to create a shifting rhythmic feel.

Bassline:

• Apply pentatonic displacement techniques when writing bass lines.
• Create interesting and complex bass parts by displacing scales and altering rhythms.

Practice Tips:

• Start slow and gradually increase the tempo. These exercises can be challenging if you haven’t done them before. Ensure you have control of the shapes before attempting with a drum loop. Explore my practice routine.
• Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the technique.
• Record yourself playing and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Try It Out!

Give these exercises a try and see how pentatonic displacement can transform your bass playing. Not only will this technique help you break out of old habits, but it will also add a new level of sophistication to your lines. Share your progress in the comments below!