Two-Handed Tapping Study #2

This slow tempo two-handed tapping study is a solo piece that features simple melodic ideas integrated with accompaniment parts. It’s also a great example of how chords and arpeggio-based ideas can be performed using the technique. As you’ll hear, this can be very effective. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above in order […]

READ ARTICLE

Fingerstyle Study #1

This study piece was written as a resource for playing sixteenth note-based fingerstyle grooves at slow tempos. It’s also a great work-out for tightening up your fretting hand fingerings and strengthening any fingers that might be weaker. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above in order to download the PDF transcription and audio […]

READ ARTICLE

Fingerstyle Study #2

This challenging study piece was written as a resource for working on up-tempo fingerstyle funk grooves similar to those played by bassists such as Jaco Pastorius and Rocco Prestia. In addition to these complex fingerstyle lines, the piece also includes unison sections and chordal parts. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above in […]

READ ARTICLE

Fingerstyle Study #3

This piece was originally written to represent Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power) in Giants of Bass, a book which celebrated the contributions of 26 of the world’s most influential bass players. This is a very challenging piece to play as it is built around a series of bass grooves that consist of continuous sixteenth notes. […]

READ ARTICLE

Harmonics Study

This study piece was written as a resource for developing the use of harmonics on the bass. Throughout this piece, we’ll be playing lines that combine open strings with natural harmonics, as well as melody lines that include combinations of fretted bass notes and harmonics. We’ll also be looking at some ways in which we […]

READ ARTICLE

Plectrum Study #1

This study piece is a funk rock track written in the style of bands such as Extreme, Aerosmith and The Electric Boys. It was composed as a resource for working on more complex rock bass picking lines, where the bass plays a more active role, often doubling tricky lines with the guitar in addition to […]

READ ARTICLE

Plectrum Study #2

This plectrum study illustrates how a pick can be used to play funk and R&B lines, as popularised by bassists such as Carol Kaye and Bobby Vega. This piece was written as a practice resource for working on sixteenth note-based funk lines and strummed chordal parts and is great fun to play. Don’t forget to […]

READ ARTICLE

Plectrum Study #3

This piece was originally written to represent legendary session bassist Carol Kaye in Giants of Bass, a book which celebrated the contributions of 26 of the world’s most influential bass players. This study is a great workout for your plectrum technique: the bassline for is based on a continuous sixteenth note feel, which is something […]

READ ARTICLE

Two-Handed Tapping Study

This study was written to demonstrate the complex, chordal lines that can be performed using the two-handed tapping technique. As such, it features an advanced application of the tapping technique. It is therefore recommended that you work through these lines very slowly to begin with, allowing yourself the time to correctly develop the required coordination […]

READ ARTICLE

Contemporary Techniques Study

This challenging piece was inspired by the work of virtuoso players such as Victor Wooten, Michael Manring and Jeff Schmidt, all of whom have been very successful in combining multiple techniques into one seamless performance. Consequently, this piece requires a solid grasp of a wide range of techniques such as slapping, strumming, tapping and palm […]

READ ARTICLE