This harmonics study is a solo bass composition that really explores the potential of harmonics. In working through this piece you’ll hear how harmonics can be used to play melodic ideas, and how they can be combined with fretted notes to create very full sounding chords. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above […]

This study is a rock track written with a focus on playing more complex sixteenth note-based lines with the plectrum. It also features some unison lines that were inspired by bands such as Mr. Big and Extreme.  Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above in order to download the PDF transcription and audio […]

This study piece has a funk flavour and is played with a swung sixteenth note feel. Although this might feel unusual to begin with, you should find that using a plectrum lends itself well to this kind of line and once you get it right, it’ll feel great to play. Don’t forget to hit the […]

This slap study is written in 12/8 time and is therefore played with a shuffle feel. Playing slapped lines against this feel is far less common than playing over straight sixteenth note-based grooves and as a result, is something that many bass players struggle with. In addition, this piece also features tenths, popped double stops, […]

This is another study piece that has been written as a resource for working on playing slap grooves over the shuffle feel. This is something that bass players typically find quite challenging, but once you have the feel down, they are fantastic to play. This piece also makes use of tenth intervals, strummed chords, popped […]

This study piece has a rock/funk feel that is similar in style to Flea’s work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was written with a number of intermediate level techniques in mind, specifically the use of tenths and fretting hand slaps. This piece also includes a challenging bass solo. Learning this piece will certainly […]

This piece has a heavier feel to it and was written as a resource for practising sixteenth note-based slap grooves at slow tempos. When playing slapped parts at higher tempos, the fretting hand tends to share the burden, but when playing slower, it’s more common for the thumb to handle the bulk of the work. […]

This two-handed tapping study is an unusual piece of music in that it is played over an almost completely static tonality and doesn’t have a top line in the traditional sense. The bass is used in a highly rhythmic fashion, creating a continuous sixteenth note pulse. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above […]

This slow tempo two-handed tapping study is a solo piece that features simple melodic ideas integrated with accompaniment parts. It’s also a great example of how chords and arpeggio-based ideas can be performed using the technique. As you’ll hear, this can be very effective. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above in order […]

This study piece was written as a resource for playing sixteenth note-based fingerstyle grooves at slow tempos. It’s also a great work-out for tightening up your fretting hand fingerings and strengthening any fingers that might be weaker. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above in order to download the PDF transcription and audio […]