As I write this in the first week of 2024, I'm on a major quest to improve my bass playing. I think it's really important to define what good bass playing means to you and what kind of a bass player you want to be.
For me, it means:
- Impeccable timing
- Creative note selection
- Tasteful playing
- Amazing bass tone
- Accuracy and fluidity
By thinking about this, I know what I need to work on. I also know I have a lot of work to do!
This bass tutorial was written to give you some ideas in your own bass playing. Make sure to scroll down and download the free backing track and PDF for this lesson.
Cm / Gm / Bb / F Backing Track + Useful Bass Shapes
If you'd like more lessons on the subject of bass practice and developing a routine, these lessons will help you:
- What To Practice When You Have NO Time!
- 10 Creative 5 Minute Bass Practice Sessions
- 30 Minute Bass Guitar Practice Routine
- The BEST Bass Practice Routine For You [& The 3 Types Of Practice]
Hi Dan, loved this lesson. I am trying to find where to download the backing track and I do not see a download button. Would you mind directing me to the download?
Thank you!
Thanks, Sam! There are three dots to the right of the audio bar. If you don’t see that on your browser, send me and email (dan@onlinebasscourses.com) and I’ll send it to you.
Hello Dan, I can’t find this download either, would you kindly send it to me also chazromano@gmail.com
Hi Chaz. You might be trying to download it on a phone or tablet. You can only download it on a desktop or laptop (by clicking the three dots on the right of the audio bar). Not to worry, I’ve just emailed it to you.
Hi Dan,
I really enjoy your lessons. Got a couple of your books and the online Funk course, which I need to get back too. Thanks!
Thanks, Randy! Glad you’re enjoying the lessons and course.
Hi Dan
I go through every one of your lessons and try to apply in my playing. Every day is a school day as we say and every day we learn a little more.
Many thanks
Al
Thanks, Al! There’s always something new to learn.
Can’t find downloads. Please advise. Thanks
The audio bar has three dots on the right hand side. The PDF has a download ‘button’ on the top bar. If you have a browser where those are not showing, send me an email (dan@onlinebasscourses.com) and I’ll send them to you.
cant find the backing track for this lesson.. sorrrrrrrryy
It’s under the video. Three dots on the side of the audio bar… If you can’t see that, send me an email (dan@onlinebasscourses.com) and I’ll send it.
forget my comment found the backing track…it was only right in front of me…
Cool!
Love your melodic backing tracks. They give us something to really dig into our techniques without worrying about speed.
Thanks.
Thanks, Rick.
sorry but i dont understand…….. first you say this backing track is in the key of Bflat… i would of thought it was in C…. then if i understood correctly… for example… when the chord is playing in the key of G ,, i could play fill ins in the key of Bflat… sorrrrry again but i just dont get it… what am i missing here
You’re missing or getting confused with a few things, Tom (not to worry! It can be confusing at first).
It can’t be in the key of C because that key has no sharps or flats plus there’s a C MINOR chord in the progression, not C MAJOR. So that rules C Major as a key out.
This key – Bb major – has these notes: Bb C D Eb F G A. Bb Major and G Natural Minor are related keys (https://onlinebasscourses.com/lessons/relative-major-and-minor-scales/) and contain the same notes. G Minor is G A Bb C D Eb F (see how that’s the same notes as Bb Major just starting from a different place?).
You might be getting chords and keys mixed up. A key is basically a scale. That scale (major or minor) produces 7 different chords (https://onlinebasscourses.com/lessons/theory/bass-guitar-music-theory-7-arpeggios-c-major/).
This chord progression takes 4 chords from the key of Bb Major. Since it’s related to G Minor, that’s why G Minor or Bb Major ‘fits’ over everything. Hope that helps…
hey dan thanks for taking the time.. thats amazing of you. yes i better understand,, but it also confirms that i need to put some study time in…. i would like to buy your course lifetime… but i am a little leary about my card on internet… i can send u a cheque to a post office box address if ok with you… and you can give me access to the course once you cash it in…. let me know if this is ok…….
Study time is key, that’s for sure! I need to put more time into my own bass playing this year. Unfortunately I don’t think I can accept cheques where I live and I don’t have a PO box. If you email me (dan@onlinebasscourses.com) we might be able to sort something out…
Recently Learning bass watching your video,I know the scales but I can’t able to align perfectly with rhythm, learning a lot from your guidance ,thanks
Great to hear that – thanks!