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Opinion and Analysis in Bass Guitar

John Marley

Being a Working Musician Part 2: Pop Function Gigs

Last Updated: August 13, 2022 by John Marley Leave a Comment

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

Last Updated: August 13, 2022 by John Marley

blues in F example from real book bass guitar

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’

Last Updated: August 21, 2022 by John Marley

soloing on bass guitar practice sheet 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

Last Updated: August 21, 2022 by John Marley Leave a Comment

bass guitar soloing on chord tones - not starting on the root john marley lesson

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

Last Updated: August 21, 2022 by John Marley

diminished scale line 2 john marley bass guitar course jazz soloing lesson part 3

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

Last Updated: August 21, 2022 by John Marley Leave a Comment

Minor 2 5 1 Line Bass Clef jazz bass soloing john marley

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

Last Updated: August 13, 2022 by John Marley 1 Comment

2-5-1 bass clef example

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

Playing Jazz Bass: Learning Bossa Nova Bass Lines

Last Updated: August 13, 2022 by John Marley

Getz-gilberto (1)

When we think of jazz bass playing, the first thing that comes to mind will often be the walking bass style which is so often associated with the genre. However, jazz is a large and varied type of music which takes influence from many areas of the musical spectrum. In coming lessons, we will look at some of these styles - funk, soul, blues and this month Bossa Nova. Bossa Nova … [Read more...] about Playing Jazz Bass: Learning Bossa Nova Bass Lines

Playing Jazz Bass: Arpeggios, Passing Notes and Chords

Last Updated: August 13, 2022 by John Marley

vanguardpic1_2

In the previous lesson, we began to build a bass line for a jazz blues progression in the key of F. In this lesson we're going to explore chord types, progressions and harmony when playing jazz and playing jazz bass. Now we should have a clear idea of the root movement of the chord sequence and we've solidified the sound using the fifths of each chord. To begin to create a … [Read more...] about Playing Jazz Bass: Arpeggios, Passing Notes and Chords

Playing Jazz Bass: Why You Should Learn Jazz and How It Applies to All Bass Players

Last Updated: August 13, 2022 by John Marley

ron carter upright bass jazz bass

Firstly I'd like to thanks Mike for asking me to contribute to this great blog. I've decided to do a few jazz lessons as I'm a strong believer that learning some jazz benefits your playing in most styles of music. It's one of those genres of music that demands that you really know which notes are in which chords, which scales work over chords and where the notes are … [Read more...] about Playing Jazz Bass: Why You Should Learn Jazz and How It Applies to All Bass Players

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