When learning to play a mode all over the fingerboard, it’s also important to put it to use in some actual lines, so that you can hear it in action. This piece – which is based on the B Locrian mode – will enable you to become comfortable with using the mode, whilst giving your fingers a good workout at the same time.
The lessons in this course will first recap the theory behind the Locrian mode and its unique sound. They will then demonstrate how to play this study piece, section by section.
As you work through this material, you might find the following courses useful (all included in the monthly subscription cost):
Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above to get the PDF worksheet and audio files for this piece (available to subscribers only). The transcription is available with TAB and without, for those who wish to give their reading skills a workout.
This course is 28 MINUTES long and contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above:
This video is a demonstration of this challenging study piece, performed on a Mayones Viking bass strung with stainless steel Rotosound strings.
This video gives an overview of the Locrian mode, focusing on its distinguishing characteristics and which chord it is played over.
The bass plays chords during this section, interspersed with Locrian-based fills. This lesson covers bars 1-7 in the accompanying transcription.
This section features a slapped/strummed bass part that was inspired by the playing of Primus bassist Les Claypool. This lesson covers bars 8-13 in the transcription.
This is a repeat of the B section, although with a tricky ascending phrase that leads to the next part of the piece. This lesson covers bars 14-17 in the transcription.
This section features an upper register melodic line that is played using the fingerstyle technique. This lesson covers bars 18-25 in the transcription.
The final section is based on the B section, but with some additional embellishments. This section should be played very aggressively. This lesson covers bars 26-31.