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Learn your instrument

Bass

Hold a groove with roots, octaves and fifths, and lock in with the drums.

Before you start

A steady pulse and a feel for dividing the beat in two.

Start Bass
Listen to a study from the first lesson: Low-register role and string orientation

The lessons

  1. Low-register role and string orientation. Learn the strings and what the bass does in a band. Open
  2. Note length and dead space in time. Control when each note starts and when it stops. Open
  3. Roots on changing chords. Play the root of each chord as the harmony changes. Open
  4. Octaves and fifths with economy. Add octaves and fifths to give the line movement. Open
  5. Eighth-note groove and ghosted space. Play an eighth-note groove with space inside it. Open
  6. Approach notes and voice leading. Lead into each new chord with a passing note. Open
  7. Bass with drums and guitar. Lock in with the drums and leave room for the guitar. Open
  8. An eight-bar bass line and recovery. Play an eight-bar bass line of your own and recover from slips. Open

This is general practice guidance. For pain or strain that lasts, stop and see a qualified teacher or clinician.