The Bass Guitar Masterclass

Using the minor arpeggios to create solid basslines, fills and simple improvisations over minor chord progressions.

Using the major arpeggios over major progressions, country, pop and blues grooves, and learning when major and minor pentatonics can be interchanged.

The major and minor blues scales, creating authentic blues basslines, shuffle rhythms, turnarounds and simple walking patterns.

Developing consistent timing, locking in with the drummer, using rests, note lengths, dynamics and ghost notes to build strong grooves.

Learning all five pentatonic shapes and developing confidence navigating the entire fretboard. Also learning every note on the neck.

Connecting scale patterns across the neck using two and three-string approaches to create fluid fills and transitions.

Using the natural minor scale to construct basslines, fills and melodic movement.

Understanding the major scale as the foundation of harmony and using it to create effective bass parts.

Using Dorian for funk, jazz, blues and rock grooves, with practical applications to bassline writing.

Exploring the sounds of each mode and where they naturally occur in popular music, with practical bass applications.

Connecting modal patterns across the neck and using them to create musical movement rather than relying on box shapes.

Using intervals, octave patterns, thirds, fifths, sixths, sevenths and other intervallic ideas to create more interesting basslines and melodic fills.

Understanding chord tones, tension and release, passing notes and approach notes to create basslines that support the harmony.

Learning how to identify keys, analyse chord progressions and confidently choose the most appropriate scales and notes.

Using triads, seventh chords and further extensions and arpeggios to outline harmony, improve bassline writing and navigate more complex progressions.

Learning how walking basslines are constructed using chord tones, passing notes, chromatic approaches and voice leading.

Developing techniques including double stops, harmonics, slides, muting, string crossing and efficient fingerstyle playing.

Exploring slap bass, pop, ghost notes, pick playing, funk techniques and stylistic approaches tailored to the student's musical interests.

Bringing together scales, harmony, rhythm and groove to create structured, tasteful bass parts and tasteful solos where appropriate.

Studying influential bass players and analysing their techniques, tone, groove and note choices, tailored to the student's preferred styles and musical goals.