Combined Techniques Study

It’s not uncommon for multiple techniques to be used within a bass part. With that in mind, this piece provides an opportunity to switch between fingerstyle and slap bass grooves. This piece was originally inspired by Parliament and Funkadelic, and as a result, many of the fingerstyle sections are performed with an envelope filter pedal. […]

READ ARTICLE

Slap Bass Study #4

This study piece has a disco feel and as a result, the bass part is heavily based around root-octave figures. Early albums by Jamiroquai were a significant influence in the composition of the piece, and so there are many ideas here that are often found in Stuart Zender’s playing. These include sliding octave figures, and […]

READ ARTICLE

Fingerstyle Study #2

This piece is a fingerstyle funk workout that is suitable for players who are comfortable with the basic mechanics of the technique. This study was written in the style of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius and was inspired by a piece called ‘The Chicken’. Although originally written by Pee Wee Ellis, this track became one of […]

READ ARTICLE

Slap Bass Study #1

This slap bass study features a relatively sparse bass part. The line was inspired by ‘Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)’, a classic song by Sly & The Family Stone. This song holds an important position in the history of the slap technique as it is considered to be one of the first recorded […]

READ ARTICLE

Harmonics Study

This study piece explores the ways in which harmonics can be used on the bass guitar. Harmonics are often used in solo compositions, but they can also be used within basslines, as is the case here. This piece will demonstrate how harmonics can be used to add melodic interest to your lines. It will also […]

READ ARTICLE

Plectrum Study #2

This study piece is a classic rock-themed workout for your plectrum playing. Rock basslines can be great fun to play, particularly if they involve doubling riffs with the guitar, playing fills, and moving melodically between chords. All of these elements are present here, making this a great piece to get your teeth into. Don’t forget […]

READ ARTICLE

Fingerstyle Study #3

This disco-themed study piece is a great workout for the fingerstyle technique. The bass plays a key role in this style of music, often playing melodic, chord tone-based lines, as well as the more obvious root-octave grooves. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above in order to download the PDF transcription and audio […]

READ ARTICLE

Two-Handed Tapping Study

This study is a solo piece that is suitable for players who have covered the fundamentals of the two-handed tapping technique. As you’ll discover, being able to play in two parts of the neck simultaneously will allow you to create sounds that are not possible with more conventional bass playing techniques. Don’t forget to hit […]

READ ARTICLE

Slap Bass Study #2

This study piece will help you to incorporate several phrasing techniques into your slap bass playing. These include hammer-ons and pull-offs, trills, vibrato and slides, all of which will really help bring your lines to life. You’ll also learn how to control note length when using the slap technique. Don’t forget to hit the Download […]

READ ARTICLE

Plectrum Study #1

This piece is a pop punk style track that is a great workout for your plectrum technique. Learning this piece will encourage you to consider the correct application of down and upstrokes. Despite the quick tempo, you’ll hopefully find this piece easier to learn than it sounds. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button […]

READ ARTICLE