All the shapes in this bass guitar tutorial are fragments of larger scale patterns.
When you memorise them and then use some simple rhythms and bass techniques you get instant amazing bass lines!
Scroll down for the free PDF.
Here's a follow up lesson to this one. These shapes are all based on major patterns.
6 Very Useful Bass Guitar Patterns
To Practise
The basic idea is to take the shapes above and make music with them. You can play one or combine as many as you like together.
Then:
- Pick a shape or shapes
- Choose a very simple groove (a repeating rhythm)
- Bring it to life with great timing and expressive techniques (hammer-ons, slides, ghost notes, etc.)
- Move the red 'R' (the root note) to different parts of the neck - either the same root note or change it to make up chord progressions.
For more on rhythm, articulations (hammer-ons etc.), and patterns:
- The Most Common Rhythms & How To Make Bass Lines With Them (Also How To Play In Time)
- Play Bass With MAGIC & FLAIR!
- My Favourite Ever Bass Patterns [PENTATONICS – RnB, Soul & Motown]
Resources
100 Rock Grooves for Electric Bass
100 Funk Bass Grooves For Electric Bass
Hi Dan, great funky lesson, every one a little gem. Since watching, and learning, to create bass lines from your patterns, I found I could apply this methods to existing tracks, and adds a new dimension to creative noodling. Writing them out now, may join up the dots later. Awesome teaching Dan!! Thank you
Good stuff, Bryn!
Patterns are great to have fun during the “free time” between practicing technique, theory etc.
Absolutely!
Really enjoyed your video on 6 patterns. It’s been years since I played bass and would love to get more serious about improving.
There should be a few lessons on this site that will keep you going, especially the ones about developing – and sticking to – a practice routine. Good luck!
Thank you
My pleasure.
The lesson was very informative thank you
Thanks, Vincent.