A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a bass clinic with none other than Joe Dart—one of the most rhythmically locked-in, melodic, and charismatic bass players of our time. In this session, Joe dropped inspirational tip after tip on groove, tone, feel, solos and more.
I’ve pulled together the 13 most valuable insights he shared, along with a few thoughts on how you can apply them to your own bass playing.
By the way, I got to meet Joe after the clinic and he was such a nice guy. He was warm, down to earth, super-chilled, and humble. This despite being a bass superstar with multiple signature basses.
He's a credit to the bass community.
1. Practice With a Drum Machine or Metronome
Joe emphasised the importance of solid timing above all else. Practicing with a drum machine or metronome isn’t just about playing in time—it’s about developing your internal clock and learning how to sit right in the pocket.
Use this chord progression along with the drum loop below and focus on your timing and keeping your lines simple:
Db7 / Db7 / Gb7 / Gb7
This progression is based on Matter Of Time by Vulfpeck:
2. Think Like a Drummer
Rather than approaching your role as “just a bassist,” think like a drummer. Joe suggested internalising drum parts, especially kick and snare patterns, so you can better lock in with the rhythm section.
This mental shift helps you groove with more intent and precision. He gets to play with awesome drummers like Nate Smith and Bernard Purdie. You don't need to play much when you have a great drummer in the band.
Use this simple line and then fill in the gaps with 1/16th note rhythms and ghost notes. You can use the pattern below and don't forget to watch the video lesson above where I demo this for you. Use the drum loop when you feel comfortable with it (or use your own).
3. Use the Octave Resting Position
Joe often keeps his left hand resting in the octave position below as a way to remain poised and ready for most groove applications. You can use the shape below to add simple notes to embellish any groove. This way, you can focus on your timing and rhythm.
4. Master Ghost Notes
Adding ghost notes into your playing gives your grooves texture and depth. Joe showed how subtle these can be—but how essential they are for creating forward momentum and rhythmic complexity.
5. Lock In With the Kick Drum
This classic advice is timeless for a reason. Joe reminded us that syncing your bass line with the kick drum—whether tightly or deliberately playing off it—can define the entire feel of a track. Here's a simple kick drum pattern that you can use with the drum loop below. It's based on Back Pocket by Vulfpeck.
6. Combine Rhythm and Melody
One of Joe’s strengths is balancing rhythmic accuracy with melodic sensibility. A great bass line grooves, yes—but it also sings. Joe encourages players to think melodically even when laying down simple lines.
7. Left-Hand Muting (Rocco Prestia Style)
Joe referenced Rocco Prestia’s legendary technique for muting strings with the fretting hand. It’s a powerful way to clean up your playing, especially when adding ghost notes or playing fast passages with clarity.
Here's an exercise from my book Complete Fingerstyle Bass Technique:
8. Borrow Ideas From the Greats
Whether it’s a groove from Bootsy Collins or a phrasing idea from Pino Palladino, Joe made it clear: steal like an artist. Learn from your heroes and reinterpret their ideas in your own musical voice.
9. Feel & Conviction Beat Everything
You can have the gear, chops, and technique—but if you’re not playing with feel and belief in what you’re doing, it won’t land. Joe’s biggest message was to play with conviction.
This is such an amazing tip. Play simple notes, in time, with feel, and conviction and that's all you need to do. You don't need fancy, pyrotechnics.
10. Accent 1/16th Notes
To really bring out rhythmic feel, experiment with where you accent within a 16th note subdivision. Accents can radically change the character of a groove. This is an excellent technique exercise too which works on control and accuracy.
11. “Ear Not Gear” (But Setup Matters)
Joe is known for his minimalist approach to gear. He believes in developing your ear, your ideas, and your touch first—but acknowledged that a well-set-up bass makes it easier to express yourself.
His signature bass sounded amazing by the way! Plus, it's a Sterling; the more affordable line of Ernie Ball MusicMan basses.
12. Strings: Flats or Dead Rounds Rock
Joe swears by flatwounds and dead roundwounds for their warm, punchy tone. It’s a reminder that old strings aren’t always bad—they’re often just broken in.
This is very much from the old school, drawing on the bass tone of players like Bernard Edwards and James Jamerson.
13. The Bootsy Collins Tip
In a famous video, Bootsy Collins offers this golden advice: “Play the one.” Joe echoed that sentiment—always know where the “one” is. No matter how complex the groove gets, grounding it in the downbeat is what makes it land.
Joe Dart PDF Download
Download the exercises and shape below.
Final Thoughts
This clinic was a goldmine of inspiration, and I walked away with more than just licks—I came away with a mindset. Joe Dart's approach to groove, feel, and simplicity is something all of us can learn from.
If you want to explore these tips further and build your groove, tone, and time, check out my in-depth technique and creativity courses.
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There are YEARS worth of practice material in these courses, all for a very reasonable one off price.
