One of the key requirements for playing bass with complete freedom is to be able to move to any part of the neck and play what's in your head. When you break it down, it's a case of learning a ...

My French wife recently introduced me to L'Imperatrice, and I'm hooked. They're a Gallic band steeped in the funk of Chic and Bernard Edwards. Every song seems to contain a memorable bass hook (check out bassist David Gaugué), and that's ...

Judging from a few questions I have received recently, knowing the pentatonic shapes on bass and understanding what to do with them are two separate things. In this bass tutorial, I'll take you through all the shapes from the F# ...

My last couple of lessons featured patterns you can use in bass lines over minor and then major chords: 9 MUST KNOW Bass Patterns for Minor Chords 19 MUST KNOW Bass Patterns to use over Major Chords In each of ...

This is a follow on lesson from last week's 9 MUST KNOW Bass Patterns for Minor Chords. Next week, I'll show how to use a mixture of these patterns so, stay tuned... For now, here are some essential patterns you ...

Patterns make bass playing easier. They are simple to memorise and, once you connect the shape to a sound, they help improve your ear too. In this bass tutorial, I'll show you how to create bass lines using nine patterns ...

If you feel stuck playing bass in just one position, this lesson’s for you. I’ll show you how to break out of that box using octave shapes, fingering variations, ear training, and some practical musical examples. We’ll use the E ...

Power chords are a staple in rock, metal, and thrash music. Unlike guitar power chords, bass power chords focus on maintaining clarity and punch, creating a solid foundation for heavy riffs and driving lines. In this lesson, I’ll outline four ...

You're about to learn a pattern that you can use in bass lines, fills, and solos in a number of styles. The main pattern looks scary but, don't worry as we'll take chunks of it to create easier blocks of ...

As a bassist, mastering essential patterns is key to becoming a versatile and well-rounded musician. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fundamental bass patterns that will elevate your playing. Whether you're jamming with a band, writing your own music, ...