Bass Tutorial One

The bass has a particular role in the ensemble. The following principles should be applied:

1. The bass should carry the rhythm forward
2. The bass should nail down the root
3. The bass should illustrate the chord changes
4. The bass part should not be boring and overly repetitive
5. The Groove should be maintained
6. Improvisational flourishes should be used reservedly unless soloing
7. The bassist must achieve a good bass tone
8. The bassist must play hand in glove with the drummer

In order to fulfill the principle roles of the bass the bassist must learn chord theory, harmony, and time. Ear training is very important for the bassist as well. The better the ear is developed the better the musician, the better the bassist.

First steps:

1. Learn every note on the neck
2. Practice the major scale, first on the E string only.
3. Then on the A string, the D string, and the G string.
4. Then play those scales faster, and faster, and faster

This is the end of Tutorial One. When you have mastered these ideas proceed to the next tutorial.

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