Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Rockschool
Learn to Play Bass Guitar
As the glue that holds the band together, Rockschool understands that no band can groove without a bass player who is fully in control of melody and rhythm. As you progress through your grades, you will expand your technical proficiency, develop a solid comprehension of music theory, and ultimately understand the bass’ unique role in the world of popular music.
Ability to Specialise
For every Bass Grade, students can plot their stylistic specialism, developing an in-depth understanding of the type of playing they identify with, whether this is pop, rock, metal, blues, country, funk, jazz or reggae.
Exciting Repertoire
Hand-picked tunes from some of the world’s biggest artists across a diverse range of genres, the Rockschool Bass repertoire provide students with an expansive song choice to use in their exam and for their own enjoyment.
Online Support
The Rockschool Bass syllabus is supported by walkthroughs and tutorial videos specifically produced for our YouTube subscribers.
Free Choice Pieces
In addition to the 6 pieces on offer in each of our Grade Books, students are also able to choose two Free Choice Pieces that can serve as performance pieces for the exam.
Downloadable Audio
Download all backing tracks, examples of performances and practice materials direct from us at rslawards.com/downloads.
UCAS Points
For Grades 6, 7 and 8, you can supersize your university application, with up to 30 UCAS points awarded at Grade 8.
Learn the Bass Guitar with Rockschool
Whether you’re learning the Bass or teaching the Bass, Rockschool is here to support your journey. Check out the video below to find out how this syllabus has come to life and what makes Rockschool the best option for you.
How it works
Whether you’re learning the bass independently or with a music teacher, it’s easy to get started learning with Rockschool.
01
Download the syllabus and buy your grade book
Our publications provide you with everything you need: professionally arranged and produced repertoire alongside innovative technical exercises and supporting tests.
02
Start practicing with our innovative resources
From our physical publications to our interactive e-books and Learning Platform app, our teaching and learning resources are here to support you become a better musician.
03
Sit the exam and reap your rewards
If you’re ready and want to take a Graded Music Exam, achieve your very own Rockschool qualification after putting in the hours of dedication towards mastering your instrument.
Bass Guitar
Premiere
The Bass Premiere exam is your first step to learning everything you need to know to play bass with the pros. You’ll learn the fundamentals of the instrument, and then show off your new skills at exam time by playing five tunes from the Rockschool Bass Method book.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Performance Certificate: 10 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
Rockschool Bass Method has everything you need to know to master the key skills every bassist needs. Start learning basslines, licks and riffs straight away, with over 100 audio tracks, quick-start videos and 12 lessons in six different musical styles.
Bass Method
The Rockschool Bass Method (formerly titled as Let’s Rock) has everything you need to know to get...
Graded Music Exam: Premiere
Performance Pieces
The Premiere exam lasts 10 minutes, during which you will play five Performance Pieces. There is a choice of six pieces in the Rockschool Bass Method books and an additional three ensemble pieces at the back of the book. Candidates should choose five out of these nine pieces to play in the examination.
Exam Structure
There is one type of exam available at Premiere, a Performance Certificate.
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Bass Guitar
Debut
The Debut Bass exam is for candidates who have been learning for a short time and have learnt the basic skills. There are two types of exams available at Debut, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 15 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 12 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Bass Debut Grade book is your passport to success for Rockschool’s Debut Grade exam. It covers all the core techniques required for playing beginner rock, pop, metal, country, indie and hip-hop basslines.
Bass Debut
The Bass Debut Grade book is your passport to success for Rockschool's Debut Grade exam. It cover...
Graded Music Exam: Debut
Performance Pieces
At Debut, the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute. This is so the candidate can remain focused and concentrate on the basic requirements of notation, control and sync. The pieces contain simple position work and work across strings is simple and paced.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Bass ’18
- Ray Charles – Hit The Road
- Booker T & the M.G.’s – Green Onions
- B.B. King – The Thrill is Gone
- Dua Lipa – New Rules
- Ed Sheeran – Shape of You
Rockschool Originals
- The New Black
- Eat Your Greens
- Z
- The Drifter
- Coraline
- Talking In My Sleep
Technical Exercises
At Debut there are three groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 70 bpm
Major: E, A
Minor pentatonic: E, A
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Open position chords. Individual chords will be strummed once as directed by the examiner
Major: E, A
Minor: E, A
GROUP C – Riff
In the exam, you will be asked to play the riff from the Grade Debut book to a backing track. The riff shown in bar 1 should be played in the same shape in bars 2–4. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the music in each of the subsequent three bars
Supporting Tests
Sight Reading
Tempo: 70 bpm
At Debut you will be offered a previously unseen sight reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the bottom E string. An example is shown in the Debut grade book.
The test is four bars long and made up of half and quarter notes, will be in 4/4 and at 70 bpm. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Ear Tests
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Rhythmic Recall.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 85bpm
The examiner will play you two half notes one after the other. You will tell the examiner whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first note. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in. Answers can be ‘higher/lower’ or ‘up/down’.
Rhythmic Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
Key: Low E string
The examiner will play you a two-bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the E string. You will hear the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown to you.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the rhythm to the drum backing.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument. For this section of the exam the candidate chooses the piece on which to be tested.
Music Knowledge
In Debut candidates will be asked to identify:
- The music stave and the TAB
- The bass clef
- Half and quarter note values
Instrument Knowledge
In Debut candidates will be asked to identify:
- One of the following parts of their guitar: neck, body, tuning-pegs or bridge
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Bass Guitar
Grade 1
The Grade 1 Bass exam is for candidates who have been learning for a relatively short time and have mastered the key basic skills. There are two types of exams available at Grade 1, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 20 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 15 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Bass Grade 1 book has everything you need to sit your Debut Grade exam – all in one place. It covers all the essential technique and theory you need to progress smoothly onto Grade 2.
Bass Grade 1
The Bass Grade 1 book has everything you need to sit your Debut Grade exam - all in one place. It...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 1
Performance Pieces
At Grade 1 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute 15 seconds. The length of the piece is designed so the candidate can remain focused and concentrate on the requirements of notation values, technical control, sound and sync.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Bass ’18
- The Temptations – Ain’t Too Proud To Beg
- Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
- Gnarls Barkley – Crazy
- The Cult – She Sells Sanctuary
- Mary J. Blige – Family Affair
- Talking Heads – Psycho Killer
Rockschool Originals
- Crosstown Link
- Night Ride
- Reluctant Hero
- Krauss Country
- The Open Air
- Inside The Box
Technical Exercises
At Grade 1 there are three groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 70 bpm
- Major: E, A, G
- Natural minor: E, A, G
- Minor pentatonic: E, A, G
- Major pentatonic: E, A, G
GROUP B – Arpeggios
- Major: E, A, G
- Minor: E, A, G
GROUP C – Riff
Tempo: 70 bpm
In the exam, you will be asked to play the riff from the Grade 1 book to a backing track. The riff shown in bar 1 should be played in the same shape in bars 2–4. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the music in each of the subsequent three bars.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 1 you will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the Grade 1 book.
Sight Reading
Key: A minor
Tempo: 70 bpm
At Grade 1 the sight reading test is in the form of a melody consisting of half and quarter notes in 4/4.The test is 4 bars long.
The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: C major or A minor
Tempo: 70–80 bpm
At Grade 1 the test is 4 bars long and the candidate will have 30 seconds preparation time. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide throughout this time. The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be examined.
Ear Tests
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Rhythmic Recall.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 85 bpm
The examiner will play you three notes in sequence. You will tell the examiner whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first note and whether the third note is higher or lower than the second. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in. Answers can be ‘higher then lower’ or ‘up then down’ (as appropriate).
Rhythmic Recall
Key: Low E string
Tempo: 90 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the E string. You will hear the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown to you. The test is made up of quarter and eighth notes and quarter note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the rhythm to the drum backing.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument. For this section of the exam the candidate chooses the piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions and one instrument knowledge question.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 1, candidates will be asked to identify:
- The bass clef
- The time signature
- Whole, half, quarter and eighth note values
- The difference between a major and minor chord
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 1, candidates will be asked to identify:
- One of the following parts of their bass: neck, fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, pickups or bridge
- One make of instrument other than that you are playing
- Names of the open strings
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Bass Guitar
Grade 2
The Grade 2 Bass exam is for candidates who have been learning for approximately one year to eighteen months and have established the key basic skills along with solid basic techniques. There are two types of exams available at Grade 2, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 20 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 15 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Bass Grade 2 book covers everything you need to pass your Grade 2 exam: including Latin and shuffle rhythms, scales and arpeggios, syncopation and more, across a range of styles.
Bass Grade 2
The Bass Grade 2 book covers everything you need to pass your Grade 2 exam: including Latin and s...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 2
Performance Pieces
At Grade 2 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds. The length of the piece is designed so the candidate can remain focused and concentrate on the requirements of notation accuracy, sound, technical control, articulation and sync.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Bass ’18
- Roy Ayers – Running Away
- Disclosure – Latch (feat. Sam Smith)
- Kings of Leon – Molly’s Chambers
- U2 – Vertigo
- Barry White – Never Gonna Give You Up
- Beyonce – If I Were A Boy
Rockschool Originals
- Dr Cocoa
- Crawler
- Midnight Mist
- Don’t Believe Me
- Bonecrusher
- Danzon
Technical Exercises
At Grade 2 there are three groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 80 bpm
- Major: C, G, A
- Natural minor: C, G, A
- Minor pentatonic: C, G, A
- Major pentatonic: C, G, A
GROUP B – Arpeggios
- Major: C, G, A
- Minor: C, G, A
GROUP C – Riff
Tempo: 80 bpm
In the exam, you will be asked to play the riff from the Grade 2 book to a backing track. The riff shown in bars 1 and 2 should be played in the same shape in bars 3–8. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the music in each of the subsequent bars.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 2 you will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the Grade 2 book.
Sight Reading
Key: C or G major
Tempo: 70 bpm
At Grade 2 the sight reading test is in the form of a melody consisting of half, quarter eighth notes and quarter note rests in 4/4. The test is 4 bars long. The examiner will allow 90 seconds of preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: G major or E minor
Tempo: 80–90 bpm
At Grade 2 the test is 4 bars long and the candidate will have 30 seconds of preparation time. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide throughout this time. The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be examined.
Ear Tests
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Rhythmic Recall.
Melodic Recall
Key: A Minor pentatonic
Tempo: 85 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar melody with a drum backing. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. You will play the melody back on your instrument. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the rhythm to the drum backing.
Rhythmic Recall
Key: E string
Tempo: 90 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the lowest-sounding E string. You will hear the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown to you. The test is made up of quarter and eighth notes and quarter note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the rhythm to the drum backing.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam, you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 2, candidates will be asked to identify:
- The pitch name of notes
- The meaning of the time signature marking
- Whole, half, quarter, eighth and 16th note values Q Rest values
- The construction of a major or minor chord
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 2, candidates will be asked to identify:
- One of the following parts of your bass: neck, fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, scratch plate, nut, pickups, jack socket or bridge
- The location of the volume and tone controls on your bass
- Names of all open strings
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Bass Guitar
Grade 3
The Grade 3 Bass exam is for candidates who have been learning for approximately eighteen months to two years and have established the basic skills, preliminary stylistic techniques and the beginnings of stylistic awareness through the introduction of solo and improvisation work. There are two types of exams available at Grade 3, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 25 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 20 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Bass Grade 3 book focuses on the key techniques you’ll need to master to pass your exam: including walking basslines, ways to improvise, minor and 7th arpeggios and other essential stylistic playing techniques.
Bass Grade 3
The Bass Grade 3 book focuses on the key techniques you'll need to master to pass your exam: incl...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 3
Performance Pieces
At Grade 3 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes. The length of the piece is designed so the candidate can remain focused and concentrate on the requirements of notation accuracy, stylistic techniques and articulation, control, sound, preliminary solo and improvisation elements and sync.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Bass ’18
- The Beach Boys – Sloop John B
- Pharrell Williams – Happy
- Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
- Dire Straits – Money For Nothing
- James Brown – Sex Machine (Part 1)
- The Clashing – London Calling
Rockschool Originals
- Overrated
- Old Bones Blues
- Indecisive
- Maiden Voyage
- Reggae Island
- Fallout
Technical Exercises
At Grade 3 there are three groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
GROUP A – Scales (two octaves in quarter notes)
Tempo: 90 bpm
Major: G,A, B
Natural minor: G,A, B
Minor pentatonic: G,A, B
Major pentatonic: G, A, B
Blues: G,A, B
GROUP B – Arpeggios (one octave in quarter notes)
Tempo: 90 bpm
Major: G,A, B
Minor: G, A, B
Dominant 7: G, A B
GROUP C – Riff
Tempo: 90 bpm
In the exam you will be asked to play the riff from the Grade 3 book to a backing track. The riff shown in bars 1 and 2 should be played in the same shape in bars 3–8. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the music in each of the subsequent bars.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 3 you will be offered a choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the Grade 3 book.
Sight Reading
Key: G major or A minor
Tempo: 80 bpm
At Grade 3 the sight reading test is in the form of a melody consisting of half, quarter eighth notes and quarter note rests in 4/4. The test is 4 bars long. The examiner will allow 90 seconds of preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: G major or A minor
Tempo: 80–90 bpm
At Grade 3 the test is 4 bars long. The candidate will have 30 seconds of preparation time and the examiner will offer the metronome as a guide throughout this time. The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be examined.
Ear Tests
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Rhythmic Recall.
Melodic Recall
Key: G minor pentatonic
Tempo: 85 bpm
The examiner will play you a two-bar melody with a drum backing. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. You will play the melody back on your instrument. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise after you have heard the test for the second time. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the melody to the drum backing.
Rhythmic Recall
Key: E string
Tempo: 90 bpm
The examiner will play you a two-bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the E string. You will hear the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown to you. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the rhythm to the drum backing.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam, you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 3, candidates will be asked to identify:
- The pitch name of the notes
- The meaning of the time signature marking
- Whole, half, quarter, eighth and 16th note values Q Rest values
- The construction of a major or minor chord
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 3, candidates will be asked to identify:
- One of the following parts of your bass: neck, fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, scratch plate, nut, pickups, jack socket or bridge
- The location of the volume and tone controls on your bass
- The location of the volume/gain controls on the amp
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Bass Guitar
Grade 4
The Grade 4 Bass exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately two – two and half years and have mastered the basic skills, preliminary techniques and have acquired the beginnings of stylistic awareness. Grade 4 develops further stylistic conviction and understanding through developed solo and improvisation work. There are two types of exam available at Grade 4, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 25 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 22 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Bass Grade 4 book is your essential study companion for your exam, with in-depth coverage of expressive playing techniques such as ghost notes, dynamic control and vibrato alongside deeper theoretical knowledge.
Bass Grade 4
The Bass Grade 4 book is your essential study companion for your exam, with in-depth coverage of ...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 4
Performance Pieces
At Grade 4 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes 15 seconds. The pieces are over two pages and are designed so the candidate can retain focus and concentration. Emphasis is on notation accuracy, stylistic sound and articulation, technical control including execution of instrumental techniques, developing solo and improvisation elements and sync.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Bass ’18:
- James Brown – I Got You (I Feel Good)
- Gladys Knights & The Pips – Midnight Train To Georgia
- Justin Timberlake – Rock Your Body
- Bob Marley & The Wailers – I Shot The Sheriff
- Grace Jones – Pull Up To The Bumper
- I am Not Afraid – Jill Scott
Rockschool Originals:
- 223
- Bootsylicious
- Hyde In The Park
- B & B Scene
- Noisy Neighbour
- Benson Burner
Technical Exercises
At Grade 4 level there are three groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
GROUP A – Scales (one octave in eighth notes)
Tempo: 80 bpm
- Major: F, Bb
- Natural minor: A, B, C, D
- Minor pentatonic: A, B, C, D
- Major pentatonic: F, Bb
- Blues: A, B, C, D
GROUP B – Arpeggios (one octave in eighth notes)
- Tempo: 80 bpm
- Major: A, B, C, D
- Minor: A, B, C, D
- Dominant 7th: A, B, C, D
GROUP C- Riff
Tempo: 100 bpm
In the exam you will be asked to play the riff from the Grade 4 book to a backing track.The riff shown in bars 1 and 2 should be played in the same shape in bars 3–8. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the music in each of the subsequent bars.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 4 you will be offered a choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a previously unseen test and an example is shown in the Grade 4 book.
Sight Reading
Tempo: 80–90 bpm
Key: D or G major, D or A minor
At Grade 4 there is an element of improvisation. This is in the form of a two bar development. The piece will be composed in the style of rock, funk or blues and will have chord symbols throughout. At Grade 4 the notation consists of half, quarter and eight notes, and quarter and eighth note rests in 4/4. The test is 8 bars long. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Tempo: 90–100 bpm
Key: D or G major, D or A minor
In Grade 4, the Improvisation & Interpretation test contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of two-bars of notation at the beginning of the test. You will be asked to notation as indicated and complete the test using an improvised bass line. This is played to a backing track of eight bars.
The candidate will have 30 seconds preparation time and the examiner will offer the metronome as a guide throughout this time. The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be examined.
Ear Tests
There are two tests which are: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 90 bpm
Key: D major pentatonic or B minor pentatonic
The examiner will play you a two bar melody with a drum backing. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be descending. You will play the melody back on your instrument. You will hear the test twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise after you have heard the test for the second time. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the melody to the drum backing.
Harmonic Recall
Tempo: 90 bpm
Key: C major
The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a two-bar chord sequence in the key of C major played to a guitar and drum backing. The sequence will be drawn from I, IV and V chords and may occur in any combination. You will be asked to play the root notes of the chord sequence to the guitar and drum backing in the rhythm shown in the Grade 4 book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. You will then be asked to identify the chord sequence you have played to the examiner. You will hear the test twice.
Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap for you to practise after you have heard the test for the second time. You will hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in then you will play the root notes to the backing.
General Musicianship Questions
For this section of the exam the candidate chooses the piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions and one instrument knowledge question.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 4 you will be asked to identify:
- The pitch name of notes
- The meaning of the time signature and key signature marking
- Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C., D.S., al Coda and al Fine markings
- Whole, half, quarter, eighth note, triplet eighth notes and 16th note values
- Whole, half, quarter, eighth note and 16th note rests and rest combinations
- The construction of major, minor or dominant 7 chords
- One type of scale that can be used appropriately in the solo section of the piece you have played
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 4, candidates will be asked to identify:
- Any part or control on your bass
- The function of the volume and tone controls on your bass
- The tone settings for the piece you have played on the amp and why you have chosen these settings