Bass Lessons
Accompaniment videos are available for most studies on my YouTube channel.
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12 Bar Blues, Roots and 5ths, 2 to the Bar, in all 12 Major Keys:
12 Bar Blues In C
The I, IV, V chord progression in a form called 12 bar blues is the most common chord progression in the western hemisphere. In this exercise we do ‘4 to the bar’, ‘8 to the bar’, and 2 bar patterns
12 Bar Blues In G
A walking 2 bar pattern for the 12 bar blues in G.
12 Bar Blues In G
Variations using the minor blues scale with 8th notes also known as “8 to the bar”.
All Of Me
Scales used on the classic jazz song All Of Me. In this lesson we use All Of Me as a vehicle for understanding how to use modes and scales.
Andalusian Cadence
One of the most common chord progressions in all styles of music but especially in Spanish and flamenco genres.
Break Up Is Hard To Do
The classic blues song by Neil Sadaka in the key of C.
Chord Progressions in the Key of C
Root notes for common chord progressions in C.
Concepts in C
Roots, 5ths, neighbor notes, arpeggios, and scale are essential elements for the bass.
Green Onions
The classic rock song by Booker T and The M.G.s in the key of Fm.
Harmonized Scales in the Key of C and G
roots, 5ths, and arpeggios of the harmonized scale.
It Don’t Mean A Thing
The classic Duke Ellington tune in the key of Gm.
I’ve Got Rhythm in the key of C
The classic Gershwin song also known as ‘rhythm changes’ using root notes.
Major And Minor Scales
6 ways to play major and minor scales in the keys of C and Am.
Major Diatonic Scales
Two ways to play all 12 major diatonic scales. One with the root note on the fourth string and one with the root on the third string.
Major Pentatonic Scales
Two ways to play all 12 major pentatonic scales. One with the root note on the fourth string and one with the root on the third string.
Modes All 12 Keys
Don’t let the Greek names scare you. Modes are simply variations of the major scale.
Only You
The classic 50s song made popular by The Platters. The key of C.
Scales and Arpeggios in G
Essential scale and arpeggios in the key of G.
(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
The 1968 hit song written by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper. This is a simplified version for beginners.
Summertime
The Gershwin classic tune from the musical Porgy and Bess in the key of Am.
Sweet Georgia Brown 1
The classic swing song using the back cycling chord progression found in many swing and jazz songs. 2 to the bar using roots and 5ths.
Sweet Georgia Brown 2
4 to the bar using arpeggios.
Sweet Georgia Brown 3
4 to the bar walking bass with chromatic notes.
Time In A Bottle
The Jim Croce hit ballad from the 70s.
Triads
A triad is the smallest form of a chord. There are five types of triads: major, minor, diminished, augmented, and suspended 4ths. It is the bass player job the play the arpeggios of the triads.
We gotta Get Out Of This Place
The classic rock riff fro The Animals.
What’d I Say
The Ray Charles 1959 rhythm and blues hit.
Why Don’t You Do Right?
The 1936 tune made famous later by Brenda Lee, Jessica Rabbit, and Sinead O’Connor.