How To Play (a bit…) Like James Jamerson – MOTOWN Bass Lesson

If I had to recommend one bass player to listen to in order to improve your own bass playing it would be James Jamerson. He had the lot: groove, taste, soul, flair, tone, and more. 

This lesson breaks down a few simple ideas you can use to make up Motown bass lines. As with many things you'll learn with bass, much of what you find out can be transferred to other styles.

Scroll down for the PDF and backing track.


Motown Backing Track

I don't know if you caught it, but the backing track and lesson is based around some of the chords from one of the greatest bass lines of all time; Jamerson's masterpiece on What's Going On. A stunning piece of music!


Related Bass Guitar Lessons

Want to hear about my next free bass lessons? 

  • Stay up to date with one bass lesson every day: sign up to my free newsletter (form below)
  • I'll send you The Bass Guitar Resource Book for free which contains tons of important and useful bass information
  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel to improve your bass playing

I send 1 email every Sunday with free lessons, pro tips, gear, gig advice and more. Your details will not be passed on or shared with any other party. Privacy policy.

Online Bass Courses Dan Hawkins Bass Store


If you get any value from my lessons and would like to help keep this site running and the weekly lessons flowing, click the button below for a small donation. Even something small really helps me cover running costs!

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>