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 A Aeolian mode (or natural minor scale) – will enable you to become comfortable with using the […]

This course is a detailed look at the Locrian mode, which is one of the less-frequently used modes. This mode works is typically used over the diminished chord and has a very dark sound. The course initially focuses on the B Locrian mode, which belongs to the home key of C major. You’ll first learn […]

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 […]

This song is one of Earth Wind and Fire’s biggest hits and features a very creative bass part from Verdine White. It was released as a single in January 1975 and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was later included on the band’s sixth album, That’s the Way of the World, […]

This song can be found on Marcus Miller’s 2005 album Silver Rain. It was originally written and released by Edgar Winter, back in 1972. This version is one of Marcus Miller’s most popular songs. All of the unison lines are played with the slap technique, and Marcus adds in a fantastic solo. As is typical […]

‘Colibri’ is the opening track from Incognito’s 1992 album Tribes, Vibes and Scribes. This album – like many in the band’s catalogue – is a goldmine of excellent bass work. The bassline from this song was written and programmed by band member Richard Bull. Regardless, it’s a superb bass part and makes for a fantastic […]

This great song is from Level 42’s 1985 album World Machine. This album was a huge success for the band, mainly thanks to ‘Something About You’, which was a top 10 hit in many countries. ‘A Physical Presence’ is the second song on the album and features a slow-tempo fingerstyle groove from bassist Mark King. […]

‘Disco Inferno’ is a song by The Trammps, a disco group that were popular throughout the seventies. The song had limited success initially but found widespread popularity after it was included on the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever. It was covered by Tina Turner in 1993 and remains a disco classic, one that’s required study […]

‘Stone Cold Bush’ is from Mother’s Milk, the fourth album from Red Hot Chili Peppers. Released in 1989, the album gave the band three hit singles: ‘Higher Ground’, ‘Knock Me Down’ and ‘Taste the Pain’. It was this track however that had the bass players hooked: Flea is on top form throughout, combining tight fingerstyle […]

‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours’ is a classic Stevie Wonder track, one that is still played live to this day. The original version was recorded at Motown back in 1970, with session bassist Bob Babbitt holding down the low end. This live version – taken from Stevie’s live album Natural Wonder – has Nate Watts […]