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 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 […]

This challenging study piece was written as a resource for working on up-tempo fingerstyle funk grooves similar to those played by bassists such as Jaco Pastorius and Rocco Prestia. In addition to these complex fingerstyle lines, the piece also includes unison sections and chordal parts. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above in […]

This piece was originally written to represent Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power) in Giants of Bass, a book which celebrated the contributions of 26 of the world’s most influential bass players. This is a very challenging piece to play as it is built around a series of bass grooves that consist of continuous sixteenth notes. […]

This study piece was written as a resource for developing the use of harmonics on the bass. Throughout this piece, we’ll be playing lines that combine open strings with natural harmonics, as well as melody lines that include combinations of fretted bass notes and harmonics. We’ll also be looking at some ways in which we […]