Today, I want to share one of my all-time favourite techniques that can transform your playing and add serious groove to your bass lines—the disco doubles technique.
Shout out to one of my subscribers, Gail, for suggesting this lesson. I even think she might have come up with the term "disco doubles"!
Whether you're diving into classic disco tracks or looking to spice up your funk or pop playing, mastering disco doubles will give your bass lines that infectious, danceable feel. When you use them with octaves, the magic happens.
Scroll down for the free PDF containing all the lines for this lesson.
What is Disco Doubles?
Disco doubles, simply put, involve playing two consecutive notes on the same string in quick succession. This creates a rhythmic, driving pattern that is the heartbeat of many disco tracks.
They mainly use the ubiquitous octave bass pattern which you'll learn in the lesson if you don't already know it.
Imagine the iconic bass lines of songs like "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)" by Chic or "YMCA" by Village People—those grooves are built on this technique.
The following exercises and bass lines will help you master the technique.
Classic Disco Bass Songs
YMCA by the Village People with Alfonso Carey on bass is a classic example of the disco octave technique (check out the chorus!).
Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah) by Chic is another classic. The great Bernard Edwards is on bass. It sounds (and looks on the video) like his iconic "chucking" technique. You can learn all about that here.
Mastering the disco octave technique takes time so don't be in a rush. Slow things down and build up a solid foundation from good mechanics. If you feel any pain, stop your practice session for the day. This will ensure you're strain free and you build up your muscles gently. As ever, daily practice is key!
