Music theory can seem overwhelming. Scales, modes, chords, intervals, key signatures… where are you actually supposed to start, and what do you do with the information? After years of playing and teaching bass, I think a handful of theory concepts ...
The simple idea alluded to in this lesson's title is to use various scales, modes, and pentatonics to create bass lines and fills. I've been using these musical components for decades, and they really do give you what you need ...
One of my students, Keith, is taking From Beginner To Bassist. In that course, there is a section on harmonising a scale, and in it, I stress the importance of learning to do so and why. Sometimes things don't sink ...
This was a question I got from a subscriber: "How can I incorporate music theory into my bass playing?" I think there's a lot of confusion around music theory: What is it and how can I use it? Will it ...
Arpeggios are one of the most important tools a bassist can learn — and not just for jazz.These shapes turn up everywhere: funk, pop, rock, soul, gospel, fusion… if you can outline chords confidently, you can make better bass lines ...
Yes, it's true that ninety-nine percent of the time, you won't be playing chords as a bassist. But I don't think that means you shouldn't know them. They teach you about diatonic harmony, what notes to play when you see ...
Triads are the backbone of bass playing. They are simple three-note structures derived from the notes found in scales. As a bass player, you will play them a lot. Knowing them inside out is essential, and this lesson will show ...
Learning to solo melodically on bass can feel overwhelming if you’re stuck thinking only in terms of scales or patterns. In this lesson, I’ll show you how to take triads, arpeggios, modes, pentatonics, and even the blues scale and actually ...
What exactly are chord progressions, and why should bass players care about them? While bassists rarely use full chords in most musical contexts, understanding chord progressions is fundamental to creating compelling bass lines that support and enhance the music. This ...
Most bass players approach scales the same way: running them straight up and down the fretboard. While this builds fingerboard knowledge and technique, it's only half the story. If you want to create music that moves people - not just ...