Level 42 – ’43’

This killer instrumental track is from Level 42’s self-titled debut album, which was released back in August 1981. Featuring one of Mark King’s most complex slap grooves – together with wicked fingerstyle lines, harmonics and chordal licks – this track was a regular part of the band’s live set in the early eighties. As with all of the tracks from the debut album, this one is an excellent showcase for Mark’s unique playing style.

The majority of this track is anchored by Mark’s repeating four-bar bass groove. This is a complex lick that incorporates techniques such as fretting hand slaps and sliding tenth figures. Tenths are also used extensively in the bridge sections of the piece and outline the chord sequences very effectively. The synth solo section is supported with a sixteenth note-based fingerstyle groove, one that is tough to play at this tempo.

A full transcription of this piece can be found in The Mark King Bass Book, which is available to purchase on Amazon. The transcription is not required for the video course.