Night Rhythms

 This is one of my favorite songs from Lee Ritenour. 

Check out the excellent cover by May Patcharapong (Marcus Miller of Thailand).

Enjoy!

Amazing Sharay Reed

 In this video, watch the break down of Sharay reed's famous bass line.

Thanks to Scott Devine for the video.

I've been busy with my Digital Marketing learning, but no excuse for not listening to bass. 

Hope you like it.

Cheers.

Funk Slap Hammer-on

 This is simple but useful.

Keep grooving.

Great Tone - Nathan East (California Waves)

 

Nathan East recording from Lari Basilio's album: Far More

Jack Black loves Bass

 

 

 

Good to know that Jack Black enjoys Charles Berthoud's bass solo.

 

Enjoy!

Six String Bass Players You Should Know

Hi all,

Here are some famous 6 string bassists.

Enjoy!

Slap Bass - Lamar Jones

Here is another fantastic slap solo.

Enjoy!

David Dyson Mute Picking

Watch his demo after a short interview.

Homer on Bass

Check out Homer Simpsons' slap bass at the end.

Henrik Linder Bass Solo from the reharmonized 'Baby'

Check out the amazing bass solo by Henrik Linder.

Enjoy!

Federico Malaman Bass Solo

Another amazing bass solo by Italian Bassist Federico Malaman.

Enjoy!

Hadrien Feraud Bass Solo in Slow Motion

Very good finger work by Hadrien Feraud.

DR Strings - Victor Wooten

Nice sharing when Victor Wooten visited the DR Strings Factory.

Victor uses the Pure Blues DR Strings.

10 of the Greatest Female Bass Players

Who is your favorite?

Charles Berthoud

Good Pro Bassist.

Enjoy!

Run For Cover - Tabs

Hi,

This is a nice video and play-along to learn Run for Cover by David Sanborn and Marcus Miller.

Enjoy!

Beautiful Chords - Andres Rotmistrovsky

Enjoy!

Play Six String Bass?

Hi,

Check out this video by Oteil Burbridge

Beautiful chords but you probably need big hands.

Cheers!

Gary Willis - Solo

You might know this but what Gary Willis did is still tasteful.

Enjoy!

Nathan East on achieving great tone

Hi,

A quick video by Nathan East to achieve great tone.

Control is key!

Minor Pentatonic Substitutions Over Minor Chords

Hi,

A good lesson by Adam Nitti.

Have fun!

Marcus Miller Sire Bass Clinic

Hi,

If you are curious how to create the Marcus Miller tone using the Sire bass, this video will help you.

Amazing demonstration!

Enjoy.

7/4 funky Groove - Henrik Linder

Hi,

Good stuff by Henrik Linder.

Like the space at the beginning of the groove and slowly build up.

Enjoy!

Elephant Gym

Another band with nice bass tapping and groove.

Enjoy!

Joseph Patrick Moore

Another awesome Bassist.

Enjoy!

Federico Malaman Slap Lesson

Just enjoy it. Don't be stress.

Solo over ii V I

A clear and simple way to learn soloing over ii V I by Daric Bennett.

Have fun!

Amazing Bass Techniques

Check out Nathan Navarro 40 techniques in one bass solo.

Nice bass as well.

Cheers

BackBeat

Hi,

I received this BackBeat wearable and portable rumble pack where you can feel the vibration as you play the bass. This is helpful especially for players who are using in-ear monitors.
This device is also a practice amp (like a headphone amp) where you can carry it anywhere.
A nice case, a charger, and an instrument cable are given when you order the BackBeat. 

Have fun.

Sire Marcus Miller V9 Bass

I had the privilege of trying the Sire Bass V9 and is amazed by the tone.

This bass uses 18v battery with 3 band EQ and the option of choosing passive or active.

The top plate of the body is covered with solid maple top and quilted veneer over the ash body.

A beautiful Jazz bass at an attractive price.

Give it a try!

Nice Chops by Ida

Enjoy the playing of Ida Nielsen.

Helpful walking bass lesson

Hi,

Check this out.

Apply these formulas and there you go.

Cheers!

Melvin Lee Davis' Bass Tip

Such a nice and groovy bass line.

Enjoy!

Bass Tone - Jeff Berlin

Hi,

This is a good tips by Jeff Berlin.

Tone is subjective.

Hope this helps.

Great is the Lord - Which bass do you like?

Hi,

In this video, Timon played excellently demonstrating three different basses.

Which is your favourite bass?

Enjoy!

Improvisation with Chord Tone

Hi,

It is great to watch Malaman Federico playing bass.

Check this video.

Enjoy.

Rich Brown - Solo on ii V I

Hi,

This video is helpful.

Have fun.

One Chord Jam - Nathan East

Good stuff by Nathan East and Paul Gilbert.

Simple but helpful.

Have fun!

Nice Voicings on Bass

Hi,

Try this lesson by Rufus Philpot playing chords on bass.

Enjoy!

Annie Clements 60s Jazz Bass

Hi,

Check this out.

Good old Fender.

Cheers.

Abraham Laboriel Groove

Just for enjoyment!

Alex Lofoco - Me and my bass guitar lesson (Victor Wooten)

Good lesson.

Although he is using a fretless bass but the concept is the same on fretted bass.

Enjoy

Play Chords - Janek Gwizdala

Hi,

Another helpful lesson by Janek.

Enjoy!

Secondary Dominants

Hi,

This is a good video to learn about secondary dominants.

Learn the progression and try it on the bass.

Cheers!

Making Music Your Career - Damian Erskine

Hi,

This is a good read for those who are thinking of becoming a full time musician.

Do read this before jumping into it.

http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2017/09/06/making-music-your-career/

Cheers,

Chord Tone on Bass - Joe Hubbard

Hi,

This is advance to me.

Have fun!

Groove Lesson - Damian Erskine

Hi,

Check out this groove lesson using an Am Pentatonic.

Have fun!

Rufus Philpot - Practice Tips

Hi,

Check out this lesson by Rufus Philpot

Have fun.

Improvise over ii V I using Minor Pentatonic

Hi,

Another good lesson by Adam Nitti.

Nice playing need not be complicated.

Cheers

Simple Nice Minor Pentatonic Lesson

Hi,

Check this out.

Nice groove!

Enjoy.

How to improvise a solo - Marcus Miller

Hi,

Check out this lesson by Marcus Miller.

Have fun!

Tap Bass - Stu Hamm

Hi,

This is a good lesson to start learning tapping on bass.

Simple and nice.

Enjoy!

Funk tips

Hi,

Check out this video by Andre Berry.

Have fun.

Sequencing Exercise

Hi,

This is a helpful exercise by Adam Nitti.

This is better than practicing major scale up and down the frets.

Happy practicing!

In-ear Monitors

Hi,

In-ear monitors are getting quite common in the band.

Check out this simple video that shares when we need it.

There are digital ones in the market now.

Have fun!

Dave Larue Slap Bass Example

Hi,

Check out a sample from Dave Larue's DVD.

A nice "click" sound to give that snare drum feel.

Add that Pentatonic scale in and you got it!

Have fun.

One Chord Walking Bass

Hi,

This lesson by Jim is worth watching. I benefited from it.

Your walking bass will surely improve.

Give it a try.

cheers!

Malaman's Improvisation

Hi,

In this video, Federico Malaman improvised over C D Em9 chords.

 

Simply amazing!

Enjoy.

Capo on Bass

Hi,

Capo is a good friend of guitarists but can we bass players use it?

Check out this video by Adam Neely.

 

Have fun with the cool tips.

Cheers.

Don't Overplay - Worship Band Workshop

Hi,

This is a good demo in a Worship band setting about over playing.

Less is more!

Cheers.

Cool Young Female Bass Players

Hi,

Like to introduce three young cool female bass players.

1.

Mohini Dey from India (Mumbai) influenced by dad (Sujoy Dey) who plays the bass. She started learning bass at a young age of 3 and by 10 she is already doing concerts and recordings.

2.

Tal Wilkenfeld from Australia was voted "The Year's Most Exciting New Player" in a Bass Player Magazine in 2008. She supported musicians such as Jeff Beck, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and others.

3.

 Alissia Benveniste born in Geneva is "funk newcomer with some serious skills and impressive co-signs", according to Huffing Post. Check out her "Let it Out" Live at Berklee College of Music.

Man in the Mirror

Hi,

A nice bass cover by Andres Rotmistrovsky.

Enjoy!

Slap Bass Secret #1 - Miki Santamaria

Hi,

I believe you will benefit from this Slap Bass Secret by Miki Santamaria.

Nice tone too.

Cheers!

Bebop Lessons

Hi,

Check out this lesson by Tony Grey on Bebop.

Have fun!

Funkulator Slap Bass Tone Shaper

Hi,

Just received this Funkulator Slap Bass Tone Shaper from a friend.

A good tool to get if you want to achieve a crunchy slap tone.

Have fun!

Bass Soloing

Hi,

Check out this video by Bugra on soloing and his choice of strings.

I use D'addario strings too.

Music is a language.

Hope you learn something.

Cheers

My First Bass Video

Hi,

Even though this is a starter series but there are some advance concept in this video.

It is available in DVD as well.

I was surprised I still have the VHS.

Cheers!

Bb7 Blues Walking Bass Line

Hi,

Another great lesson by Jeff Berlin on walking Blues bass line.

Have fun.

Cheers!

Slap Bass - Think like a drummer

Hi,

Happy New Year.

Some of us are familiar with the para diddle drum pattern.

A few bassists have utilize it onto the bass and in this video Stu Hamm demonstrated how it works.

Have some Funk!

Joe Hubbard Bass Lessons

Hi,

Joe Hubbard is the teacher of Pro bassists.

In this lesson, he will share some cool ideas of improvisation in the style of James Jamerson.

Take your bass and give it a try!

Federico Malaman & Anton Davidyants

Hi all,

I really enjoy watching Federico Malaman on the bass.

Check out this cool video of the duet.

Be inspired!

Major 7 Chord Tones with Approach Notes - Jeff Berlin

Hi,

This is a useful lesson by Jeff Berlin.

Hope the exercise can help you.

 

Have fun!

What's Going On - Bass Track

Hi,

I have just edited this post because the version by Thundercat was removed on youtube.

Check out this version of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" just bass track by original bassist James Jamerson.

This is a good tune for all bass player to learn.

Give it a try.

Cheers.

Marcus Miller Sire Bass Interview

"Nowadays its so important to put instruments in young people's hands."

Enjoy!

Pentatonic Ideas

Hi,

Adam Nitti shared a concept of playing the 2nd and the 5th when improvising over a minor chord.

For example, instead of playing a C minor pentatonic scale over a C minor chord, you can also play the D minor and G minor pentatonic scale over the C minor chord.

Check out his video below for further explanation:

Another thought came to me is to use the F major Pentatonic (which is the same notes as D minor pentatonic) and the Bb Major Pentatonic (which is the same notes as G minor pentatonic).

Have fun!

Bass Lesson - Norm Stockton

Hi,

Some good advise from Norm Stockton.

Emotion instead of intellectual.

Happy grooving!

The Sun Don't Lie

This album by Marcus Miller was released in 1993.

There are 11 tracks and I recommend all bass players to listen.

Some of the techniques used by Marcus here are widely heard by many other players now.

Enjoy!

Sunday Morning (Maroon 5)

Hi,

 Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 is a nice and simple song using ii V I progression.

 There is an interesting part at the bridge portion.

Listen to the audio to follow the timing of the line.

Have fun!

Bass and Vocals

Hi,

Singing with guitar and keyboard is beautiful but what about with just one bass?

Cheers!

Slap on Flat Wound Strings

Hi,

Most of us will probably be using Round Wound strings especially if you are into slapping.

I chance upon this video of Alex Lofoco where he slaps on Flat Wound strings.

In this video he used a Laurus Quasar T900 XR bass. I first saw this brand by another incredible bassist - Federico Malaman.

Enjoy!

Mixolydian Scale

Hi,

Mixolydian scale is an useful scale to use over dominant chords and in the Blues genre.

The scale degree is as followed: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 

So if you are playing over a C7 chord, you can use the C Mixolydian scale which is also the 5th mode of the F major scale. 

C Mixolydian: C D E F G A Bb 

You can also play the C Mixolydian scale over C9, C11 and C13.

Try the C Mixolydian scale over a Fmaj7 chord too.

Have fun. 

Roland Micro Cube Bass RX

The Roland Micro Cube Bass RX been around for at least 6 years and definitely a good amp to have if you need something that is battery powered.

Beside being portable, the built in tuner, amp modeling and drums machine are other reasons to check out the Roland Micro Cube Bass RX.

Enjoy!

Whole Tone Scale

Hi,

Some of you may come across chords like C7#5 or C7b5.

What scale should you play over? You can try the Whole Tone Scale.

C Whole Tone Scale - C D E F# G# Bb

The scale degree - C (1) D (9) E (3) F# (b5) G# (#5) Bb (b7)

It will also work for C9#5 and C9b5.

Cheers,

Bobby Vega

I think all bass players should check out Bobby Vega.

He is currently working for EMG pickups as a representative and clinician.

His playing is very funky and he can use the pick, finger or thumb.

Enjoy!

Isn't She Lovely - Bass Chords

This is a simplify version of the bass tutorial I saw for Victor Wooten's version of Isn't She Lovely.

The aim is to try the beautiful voicing of the chords on bass.

Enjoy!

Run For Cover - Marcus Miller

Hi,

This is how I would play "Run For Cover" by Marcus Miller.

I think his version is more complicated. This is just the first part.

It is a fun piece to attempt.

Give it a try.

Sir Duke

Hi all,

This is a good exercise for practicing arpeggios.

The basic intro of Stevie Wonder's Sir Duke (not 100% accurate).

Enjoy!

Aeolian Scale - Sinister Minister

Hi,

Practicing scales can be a boring process but if it is musical, you can enjoy the exercise.

When you practice this tune Sinister Minister by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (Victor Wooten), you are actually practicing the Aeolian Scale too.

You can either pluck or thumb. The x is the mute which gives the groovy feel.

Give it a try.

Cheers!

FretWraps - GRUV GEAR

Most of us bassists who watched Victor Wooten talks about using the hair tie to mute the string would probably borrow one from our female friend or spouse to give it a try.

Now with the Fretwraps by GRUV GEAR, we can save the trouble and get a better control of our playing. This adjustable strap dampen the string and cut away unwanted ringing. Definitely worth get one especially if you are into tapping.

Give it a try!

Keys to Improvise

Hi,

I probably copy this from somewhere when I was doing my research on improvisation some years ago. Check it out.

1. Listen to what you want to learn (genre).
2. Learn the melody.
3. Play the 3rd, 5th, 7th of every chord - don't start on the root note.
4. Transcribe a solo or melodic fragments, Learn or transcribe all or part of a solo. Pick one that is attractive to ear and playable.
5. Soloing is a language, just like talking. Let the music breathe.

Hope this is helpful.

Blue Bossa Feel

Hi,

This is a simple ii V I exercise in key of D with a Blue Bossa Feel.

You can repeat this loop again and again. This exercise uses a lot of 5th.

Go listen to the actual Blue Bossa and check out the actual chord progression and practice it.

It will be something like this: Cm7 Fm7 Dm7(b5) G7 Cm7 and etc.

Have Fun!

Circuit Breaker Instrument Cable

The circuit breaker instrument cable by Planet Waves is very useful. Before using this cable, whenever I need to plug out to check my tuning (not using clip on), I need to turn off the volume and on it again when ready. With the circuit breaker, just press the button and it will cut the signal.

Also "Planet Waves Cables utilize the latest technologies to ensure low capacitance and impenetrable shielding. Lower cable capacitance allows your instrument's brilliance, presence and character to be transmitted to the amp ensuring that the signal going into the cable comes out of the cable with the utmost transparency."

Forgetting the technical terms, this cable helps to give a good tone.
If you are looking for new cables, why not give this a try. You may like it.

Diatonic Chords Walk Down

Hi,

An exercise to help practice our Arpeggio but in a more interesting way.

We will walk down the diatonic chords in a C major scale in the 5713 pattern.

I resolved back to the C note when we reached the first few frets.

You can practice walking up and changing the pattern as well.

This is a good way to expand our solo capabilities too.

Have fun!

BeatBuddy: Revolutionary new pedal for bassists

Hi, a new pedal is launching and I think this will help us bassists. Support the product! Check out the demo video at http://mybeatbuddy.com.

Check out the press release:

Miami Beach, FL (Dec. 16, 2013) -- It is a rare occurrence that a company releases a musical device that is truly innovative and grants musicians previously unobtainable abilities. Singular Sound announces the launch of their crowdfunding campaign to begin the production of the BeatBuddy -- the first guitar pedal drum machine.  

“Drummers are hard to come by, and drum sets are even harder to carry,” said David Packouz, Founder, “and drum machines are practically useless for jamming or live performance. The BeatBuddy is the first product to solve this fundamental problem. It's the power of a drum machine, but the simplicity of a pedal.”

Features of the BeatBuddy include:

• Hands-free live control of the beat: Inserts fills, transitions from verse to chorus, adds accent hits (e.g. cymbal crashes or hand claps)

• Pre-loaded with 10 drum sets and over 200 songs

• Any custom beat or drum set can be loaded through included computer software
• MIDI Sync: Integrates with other MIDI devices
• Convenient small single-pedal format

In addition, Singular Sound will host a forum in which BeatBuddy users can upload and share their custom beats and drum sets. The BeadBuddy is not just a pedal -- it’s a platform.

The BeatBuddy will retail for $350(USD), but early birds who help fund the production through Singular Sound’s Indiegogo campaign will be able to score one for as little as $179 (USD). However, that price will only be available for the first 500 supporters.

For further information on the BeatBuddy and to back the project today, visit: igg.me/at/BeatBuddy

Media contact:

David Packouz, Founder/CEO

david@mybeatbuddy.com

305-793-3413

Half Step Below

Hi,

This is a nice exercise to practice your Arpeggio and making it sound more interesting and a little jazzy.

Just add a note half step before your chord tone.

The above outline a Gmaj7 chord.

Try playing the exercise over a Gmaj7 chord and hear how it sound.

You can also try a whole step before your chord tone.

Have fun!

Good Tone

Hi,

Recently I've been thinking about achieving a nice tone in my playing. Some people said it's the player and not the gear. I personally think it's both.

I would like to list down a few factors that may affect the tone.

1. Player's control (fretting & plucking)
2. Bass with good action
3. Experiment with the knobs. Which pick ups to use, preamp and etc
4. Pluck near neck pick up or near bridge pick up
5. Better pick ups
6. Good bass amp
7. Parametric EQ (and other effects)
8. String brand & gauge
9. Wood (body & neck)
10. Neck through or Bolt on

Hope you can get the tone you want for your genre.

Cheers

Small hands

Hi,

For those who are like me with small hands, this article is for you.

Ibanez bass is famous for their slim neck and comes with good wood and electronics.

The above is an Ibanez SR 500 with Mahogany body and Bartolini pick ups.

Since the neck is slim, I can play faster and the bass is 24 frets, which makes it easier to play higher up the neck.

The pricing is not high compared with basses with similar specifications.

Do check it out in the music store near you.

Cheers! 

ii V Sub

Hi,

I was reading on adding substitute chords to the static V7 chords.

Let's learn some simple Jazz together.

Say we have a progression like this: Eb |Eb |D7 |D7 |Eb |Eb |C7 |C7 |

We can use the ii V substitute to make it more interesting.

It will become like this: Eb |Eb |Am7 |D7 |Eb | Eb |Gm7| C7|

The reverse is true. So if you have a progression like Am7 D7, it can become D7 D7.

Have fun!

Chromatic with Double Stop

Hi,

Just want to show a simple exercise with a combination of chromatic notes and double stop.

Basically you can loop this exercise and add your own notes.

The low E note with the double stop will give you a nice E chord.

Enjoy!

Slap Arpeggio - Mark King

Hi,

This exercise helps you to play "Lessons in love" by Level 42.

The chords are G B7 Em C.

The challenge is to get a consistent sound when slapping the arpeggio.

Have fun!