This week we’re going to look at the coolest bass line in the world ever! (IMHO!) Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick by Ian Dury & The Blockheads. It’s played by the awesome Norman Watt Roy and is one hell of a great workout and introduction to 16th note fingerstyle funk playing!
Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick
Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick contains three great riffs that all provide a challenge so we’ll have a look at all of them:
Intro Riff
Practice Track:
Verse Riff
Practice Track:
Chorus Riff
Practice Track:
Tip #1: Timing
The first note of both the Intro and Verse riffs takes place on the final 16th note of the bar. To catch that rhythm be sure to subdivide and count the 16th notes. This is essential when aiming for accuracy.
Therefore, on the count-in be sure to count 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 e and (A)
You can vocalize in any way you like so you could also count as Ti – Ki – Ta – (Ba). Or any kind of vocalization you prefer.
Tip #2: Track Your Finger Picking
One of the biggest problems you’re likely to face on a long, quick fire line like this is the fingerpicking. It’s really easy to become finger twisted and end up on the ‘wrong’ finger at certain points. Small technical issues and deficiencies can have a major impact on the feel and groove.
To remedy this problem, be sure to track which finger of the picking hand matches up to each note in the fretting hand. For example, take note of which finger you start the riff and focus on whether you alternate or rake certain notes as you work through the line. Use particular notes as waypoints as you progress.
Tip #3: Double Note Octaves
In the chorus you’ll have to contend with the doubles on the lower notes of each octave pattern. Try to stick to the same fingerpicking pattern as you work through and be consistent. I personally prefer to play with an index-middle-index pattern. Play this sequence on each octave.
Start out slow and just practice the rhythm on an F octave. Build up speed until the muscle memory is kicking in. Then try working through the riff.
Excellent lesson, clearly explained. Thank you
Wow! Gotta work on this one. Good job!!!
Awesome job as always!
Muy linda clase. Lastima la barrera didiomatica y que el traductor de Google no lo hace bien. Saludos desde Argentina y siempre te sigo. Norberto
Great bass line and great lesson.
Thanks also to make discover this song
Hey Mark, you are one BADD ASS instructor. There are many good bass instructors, but one like you, there is none greater.
Anyway, I was wondering if you could give a tutorial on “Alice In Chains, Rooster”!!!
That would be awsome!!!
Wow brilliantly explained Mark know for the crunch lol
Ahhhh! Yeah, this is one for the workout book that’s for sure! Love it.
Wow. This riff really is a marvellous workout. It took my a while to get it down rhythmically but after doing so I noticed I was far more swift and dexterous in my playing. I was able to play all the riffs/bass lines ‘under my belt’ with far more ease and fluency. I doubt I will ever play this particular piece live but it is tremendously useful and fun as a practice tool. Thank you Mark and talking bass. Again. !!!!!!!!
Wicked been struggling with that little run in the intro for years …. Sorted !! ;-) Cheers Mark
How about something from Bruce Thomas, Bassist with the Attractions ( massively underrated) same kinda of era as this blockheads number
Watching the detectives, I don’t wanna go to Chelsea ect
Prima les, goed uitgelegd en met veel geduld gespeeld. Klasse!
Hi, Mark havent touched a bass in 14 years. Your abillity to make it simple is incredable. I really apreciate your channel, keep it up,thanks much. Hal Zimmerman [AKA] Fallen Prophet
Brilliant!! Really well demonstrated, as usual. I was struggling with this but Mark makes it so easy. Thank you.