In this lesson we’re going to look at the Major Arpeggio – how it’s constructed, a few basic ‘patterns’ and then some tips on learning how to REALLY learn them without the need for mindless patterns and shapes. The exercises included will help with developing your fretboard knowledge and your fundamental harmony knowledge. What Is…
This week we’re going to take a look at a bass line that all beginner to intermediate rock bass players need to master. No, it’s not a song but it’s used IN a huge number of songs. I’m talking about the 8th note Pedal bass line! We’re going to look at how to work on…
This week I’ve got a tough little exercise for you all to try: This is the One String Bass Challenge! The Challenge The challenge is as follows: Play a two feel bass line through a jazz standard progression on ONLY one string. This exercise will test your knowledge of the fretboard, your theory knowledge, your…
In this lesson we’re going to look at learning the notes on the fretboard. We’re going to use test sheets for each string in turn and then in combination. We’re also going to work on both fret markers and positions in developing our fretboard familiarity. Click Here For Lesson Material (Test Sheets)
This week we’re looking at three methods for learning the notes on the bass fretboard Method #1 Exercises: Test sheets are a great way of learning the notes on the bass fretboard. As an example, here is a simple test for the notes on the 3rd, 5th and 7th frets of the E string: This…
This week we’re looking at Active Basses vs Passive Basses. Which one is best? Or more importantly, which one is best for YOU!? What’s The Difference Between Active & Passive? So first of all, what’s the difference between passive and active basses? Well, It’s all to do with the pickups or more accurately the electronics…
In this lesson we’re looking at improving the sustain of your bass notes. No, we’re not using compression or anything like that, this is a simple tip that can be useful for many aspects of your playing in general Sustain Problems Have you ever been playing a gig or been in a band practice and…
This week we’re looking at bass straps. I’m going to give you 3 top tips on what you should be looking for in a new bass strap, how to set the height of your bass and how to securely fit the strap to your bass! Get Yourself A Bass Strap A strap is something we…