Pedal chain order and how to set up a pedal board are the biggest questions among bass players and musicians looking to take their tone and performance to the next level. It only makes sense. Whether we’re embarking on learning a new musical skill or something completely different like model making or website design, we want to know what are the best practices. What are the … [Read more...] about How to Set up a Pedal Board for Bassists
Lessons and Tips
Double Stops on Bass: What They Are & How to Use Them Effectively
Back when I was just getting started on bass, I was equally interested in music composition and writing music beyond just bass guitar. But what was very frustrating at the time was that I really only knew how to play bass. Just starting out, bass guitar was the only instrument I had in my arsenal. I didn’t have a more ‘traditional’ composition instrument like a guitar or piano … [Read more...] about Double Stops on Bass: What They Are & How to Use Them Effectively
Being a Working Musician Part 2: Pop Function Gigs
In the last part of this series, we looked at how to approach playing jazz gigs. We learned that some jazz gigs are based around being creative and playing original music. We also learned that some are more about providing a service for functions such as weddings and corporate parties. Function gigs are a great way to make a very respectable income as a musician. They demand a … [Read more...] about Being a Working Musician Part 2: Pop Function Gigs
Being a Working Musician Pt. 1: A Day in the Life of a Working Bass Player
For many bass players, it is a dream come true to be able to make a living from playing music. Viewed by some as a risky career choice due to its artistic nature, this isn’t the case if you combine a sense of professionalism with a dedicated work ethic. Doing this will ensure a very rewarding career financially and artistically. Over this series of articles, we will examine … [Read more...] about Being a Working Musician Pt. 1: A Day in the Life of a Working Bass Player
Soloing on Bass Guitar: Soloing Using ‘Continuous Chord Tones’
Have you ever wondered how some bass players solo’s just seem to flow so smoothly from one note to the next? I certainly did, particularly with players such as Jeff Berlin & John Patitucci who have an effortless command of the instrument. In the previous lesson, we looked at soloing using chord tones starting on the root and avoiding starting on the root. The next step of … [Read more...] about Soloing on Bass Guitar: Soloing Using ‘Continuous Chord Tones’
Jazz Bass Soloing Pt. 4: Soloing Using Chord Tones
So far in this Jazz Bass series, we have looked at constructing bass lines and soloing using a number of ideas including major 2-5-1 progressions & minor 2-5-1 lines and diminished scale patterns. If there is one thing we need to have a firm grasp of when playing a solo, it’s using chord tones. If you have played jazz gigs in the past, you’ll be familiar with the situation … [Read more...] about Jazz Bass Soloing Pt. 4: Soloing Using Chord Tones
Jazz Bass Soloing Pt. 3: Soloing Over The Half/Whole Diminished Scale
The half whole diminished scale is one of the most commonly used scales in jazz soloing. Its main function is to add alterations to dominant 7 chords. This creates a great deal of tension which usually resolves when the dominant moves to the tonic chord. I have included a PDF which explains the alterations added to a dominant 7 chord, 2 lines which use the diminished … [Read more...] about Jazz Bass Soloing Pt. 3: Soloing Over The Half/Whole Diminished Scale
Jazz Bass Soloing Pt. 2: Soloing Over the Minor 2-5-1 Chord Progression
In the previous lesson about jazz soloing, we looked at soloing over the 2 5 1 chord progression in major keys. It is just as common to come across a 2-5-1 progression in a minor key. The theory behind soloing over the chords remains the same but the chord types change. A 2-5-1 progression in C major would give us these chords - Dm7, G7, Cmaj7 where as a 2-5-1 progression in … [Read more...] about Jazz Bass Soloing Pt. 2: Soloing Over the Minor 2-5-1 Chord Progression
Jazz Bass Soloing: Soloing Over A 2-5-1 Chord Progression
In previous lessons, we have looked at creating a solid walking bass line to fulfill our supporting role in a jazz ensemble. The bass also has a rich history as a solo instrument in Jazz. From the blues inflected double bass solos of Ray Brown to the electric bass bebop of Jeff Berlin. Soloing can be a daunting prospect so it helps to break a piece down in to manageable … [Read more...] about Jazz Bass Soloing: Soloing Over A 2-5-1 Chord Progression
Beginner Bassists: Focus On Playing Your First Notes First
I had a very special opportunity to interview Thomas Risell, better known as Marlowe DK two weekends ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pzq-FGj12o You’re probably wondering, ‘hey - where’s that interview?’ Well, this is a big interview for me personally. It’s the first interview I’ve done via Skype so there is a lot of video, a lot of audio and a lot of room to have … [Read more...] about Beginner Bassists: Focus On Playing Your First Notes First