This is a jazz-funk composition that is based around some heavily syncopated bass grooves that are challenging to both read and play. It also makes use of sliding octave figures and unison licks and features some slippery bass fills. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above in order to download the PDF transcription […]

This piece is a jazz-funk fingerstyle workout built around harmony that is relatively static. As a result, the bass part has more of an improvisational feel to it, with there being a lot of opportunities to play fills and develop the fundamental parts. The piece also includes an eight-bar bass solo, meaning that there’s plenty […]

This piece is a solo bass composition that explores the use of the chordal fingerstyle technique. This technique requires the player to play the strings using the thumb and fingers of the picking hand in a similar manner to the way acoustic guitarists often play. Although there is limited call for this technique on bass, […]

This study piece explores how tenths can be used effectively on the bass guitar, both as a support for a melody, and as part of a groove. This piece features a melody line that is similar in style to ‘Dune Tune’ by Level 42, as well as a tricky fingerstyle funk groove. Don’t forget to […]

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 […]