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
Broken Down: 5 Must-Know John Entwistle Bass Lines
The Ox. Thunderfingers. These are just some of the names for rock music’s greatest bass player, John Entwistle. Although during his time with the Who before his death in 2002 at age 57, Entwistle was (understandably) overshadowed by the bombastic, in-your-face nature of the Who. Smashed guitars, on-stage antics, flipped drums, Townsend’s guitar swagger, Daltrey's’ on-stage … [Read more...] about Broken Down: 5 Must-Know John Entwistle Bass Lines
Theory in 300: The Circle of Fifths
The Circle of Fifths (also referred to as the Circle of Fourths depending on the direction you’re moving on it) is a powerful visual tool for musicians. The Circle of Fifths is a visual representation of all the musical keys and their relationships to each other. The Circle of Fifths is most useful for finding the key of a song, transposing songs to different keys, composing … [Read more...] about Theory in 300: The Circle of Fifths
The Brian Gibson Interview: Lightning Bolt’s Low End
When we think of musical duos, different ideas can come to mind. A guitar-and-drum arrangement comes to mind like the White Stripes, Black Keys and Flat Duo Jets to name a few. Singer duos like Simon and Garfunkel and Ike and Tina might also come to mind. But bass and drum duos, an arrangement where the rhythm section takes charge and spearheads the band’s sound and … [Read more...] about The Brian Gibson Interview: Lightning Bolt’s Low End
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: Are There Things You Should Absolutely Learn On Bass?
Early last week I checked my Quora account to find that I had a few notifications. There were people asking me to answer some of their bass guitar related questions. One of the questions I was asked to answer was what’s the best way to practice bass guitar at home? Here were the main points of my answer: Listen to everything critically and Play something everyday It was … [Read more...] about Beginner Bassists: Are There Things You Should Absolutely Learn On Bass?
I’m Deoindra Harrell and This is How I Play
Typically, when we get submissions and stories for the How I Play series, the players being profiled tend to be in their 20s, 30s or 40s. The musicians also have some substantial experience in the music industry, publishing their own content and gigging around playing shows. A while ago I received a very enthusiastic email from a young girl (18!) named Deoindra … [Read more...] about I’m Deoindra Harrell and This is How I Play
I’m Nick Holcomb, founder of Holcomb Guitars and This is How I Play
When you think of Rhode Island, custom guitars might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But in sleepy Lincoln, Rhode Island, luthier Nick Holcomb of Holcomb Guitar's is making magic in his studio. "My introduction to Bass Lutherie was through Les Claypool and Carl Thompson", Nick explained. "I bought a bass at 14 thinking it would be similar to a guitar but I … [Read more...] about I’m Nick Holcomb, founder of Holcomb Guitars and This is How I Play
3 Things to Know Going Into Your First Jam Session
You’re browsing Craigslist and you see “bass player wanted”. You click the link and read the description. “looking for bass player to jam with/possibly start a band with. Call me if you’re interested.” You think this sounds interesting and you make the call. You’re going to your first jam session. Jam sessions can be intimidating event. While it’s immensely satisfying to … [Read more...] about 3 Things to Know Going Into Your First Jam Session
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