IMPROVE your skills (theory, dexterity, ear training, etc.) using these
free resources. Below is our growing collection of lessons several artists
and authors have contributed, all available for download at no cost. A
big thanks to everyone who makes this possible.
If you have something you would like to contribute or share, please let
us know. You get full credit, plus the opportunity to assist your
brothers and sisters in bass.
|
NEWEST LESSONS ADDED: BASS TIPS BY BASSBOOKS.COM & JAIME DAVID VAZQUEZ |
BASS TIPS:
Time to Change the Strings? |
Jaime explains how to tell if your bass is asking for new strings.
|
BASS TIPS:
The I-V-vi-IV Progression |
Jaime lays out a very common chord progression that bass players must know and understand.
|
BASS TIPS:
Mixolydian Flat-6 Mode |
Jaime presents a sound jazz players will love.
|
BASS TIPS:
Latin Jazz Bass |
Jaime explores the basics of playing Jazz with Latin American rhythms.
|
BASS TIPS:
Basic Bass Tumbaos, Part 3 |
Jaime brings arpeggios into the basic patterns of the salsa genre.
|
BASS TIPS:
Basic Bass Tumbaos, Part 2 |
Jaime continues his series on how to play the basic patterns of popular Latin dance music.
|
BASS TIPS:
Basic Bass Tumbaos, Part 1 |
Jaime kicks off a series focussed on how to play the basic patterns of popular Latin dance music.
|
BASS TIPS:
Warming Up with a Metronome |
Jaime discusses the benefits of using a metronome, specifically for warming up before playing.
|
BASS TIPS:
Scales and Modes for Rock |
Jaime highlights the importance of scales and
modes used on the bass, either for grooving or soloing, in the rock music genre.
|
BASS TIPS:
The Scale/Mode Approach Method |
Jaime explains how to use scales and modes as colors in creating walking bass lines.
|
BASS TIPS:
Bass Guitar Tunings |
Jaime presents the common tuning schemes for 4-, 5-, and 6-string basses.
|
BASS TIPS:
Slap Basic Patterns, Part 2 |
Jaime builds on his introduction to slap technique.
|
BASS TIPS:
Slap Basic Patterns, Part 1 |
Jaime introduces the thumb slap and offers some excercises to perfect it.
|
BASS TIPS:
3-Note-per-String Technique
|
Jaime offers 3-note-per-string exercise patterns based on the major scale and the natural minor scale.
|
BASS TIPS:
Broken Thirds |
Jaime offers broken thirds as a useful pattern for playing scales for warmup and exercise.
|
BASS TIPS:
Passing Notes
|
Jaime explains the concept of passing notes, which carry you fron one note to another.
|
BASS TIPS:
Emphasizing Key
Scale Tones |
Jaime explains how to know which notes within a scale are the most important for the playing of the moment.
|
BASS TIPS:
Seven Essential Scales
|
Jaime lays out the first scales every bass player must know.
|
BASS TIPS:
Augmented Intervals |
Next in his study of intervals, Jaime looks at augmented intervals.
|
BASS TIPS:
Diminished Intervals
|
Jaime introduces the dark and dissonant diminished intervals.
|
BASS TIPS:
Minor Intervals |
Next in his study of intervals, Jaime looks at minor intervals.
|
BASS TIPS:
Major Intervals
|
Jaime continues his study of intervals by discussing the major intervals, and the musical emotions they express.
|
BASS TIPS:
Perfect Intervals |
Jaime starts an analytical study of intervals, beginning with the perfect intervals.
|
BASS TIPS:
Tempo Changes
|
Jaime introduces the "speed up" and "slow down" tempo changes: accelerando and ritardando.
|
BASS TIPS:
Pop Rock |
Jaime examines some basic elements of the 1950s-based Pop Rock style.
|
BASS TIPS:
The Eights
|
Jaime demonstrates "pumpin' eights," the common rock cluster of eight fast notes.
|
BASS TIPS:
The 32nd Note |
Jaime looks at the super-quick 32nd note.
|
BASS TIPS:
The Sextuplet
|
Jaime examines the tricky and useful six-part beat.
|
BASS TIPS:
Pitch: Reading Fundamentals |
Jaime starts at square one on pitch and reading notes.
|
BASS TIPS:
What Is a Bass Riff?
|
Jaime explains and demonstrates the various meanings of this oft-used term.
|
BASS TIPS:
Recording the Bass |
Jaime offers an introduction to recording with modern technology.
|
BASS TIPS:
Grooving with the Root
|
Jaime demonstrates how rhythmic variations allow grooving on a single note, the root.
|
BASS TIPS:
Syncopated Eighth Notes |
Jaime presents exercises in synopated rhythms.
|
BASS TIPS:
Chromatism
|
Jaime discusses the value and application of the chromatic scale.
|
BASS TIPS:
drop Tuning |
Jaime explores the depth and power of drop-D tuning.
|
BASS TIPS:
Tapping the
Bossa Nova
|
Jaime demonstrates how to tap the clave while grooving the bossa nova.
|
BASS TIPS:
Reinforcing Your Knowledge of the Fretboard |
Jaime shares an easy exercise he learned from Joe Satriani.
|
BASS TIPS:
Practicing Synchopation with Scales
|
Jaime shows how playing scales can be turned into an effective exercise for practicing 16th-note synchopation.
|
BASS TIPS:
Chords and Arpeggios |
Jaime shows how the notes may be the same but the playing is not.
|
BASS TIPS:
Enharmonics
|
Jaime defines for you exactly what "enharmonics" are.
|
BASS TIPS:
Learning the Melody |
Jaime explains how first learning a song's melody on your bass is key to developing great basslines and solos.
|
BASS TIPS:
The Dilemma of 6th Chords
|
Jaime explains a simple way to better understand the often elusive 6th chord.
|
BASS TIPS:
Slur |
Jaime introduces the concept of the Slur, a series of notes following a single pluck.
|
BASS TIPS:
First and Second Endings |
Jaime spells out how multiple endings are annotated in written music.
|
BASS TIPS:
Grace Notes |
Jaime explains grace notes in their various applications.
|
BASS TIPS:
The Accent |
Jaime shows how notes played with special emphasis add rhythm and expression to music.
|
BASS TIPS:
Palm Muting |
Jaime introduces the technique of damping strings with the plucking hand.
|
BASS TIPS:
Vibrato |
Jaime looks at this expressive effect, but warns, if you are playing a fretless instrument, this is NOT a mask for poor intonation!
|
BASS TIPS:
Tremolo |
Jaime explains the rapid repetition of one or two notes we call tremolo.
|
BASS TIPS:
Bend and Release |
Jaime explores the very expressive technique of bending and releasing strings.
|
BASS TIPS:
The Bass Clef: More Notes |
Jaime explains what we do when the notes we need extend beyond the staff.
|
BASS TIPS:
The Bass Clef |
Jaime lays out a basic introduction to the notes of the bass clef.
|
BASS TIPS:
Alternate Tunings |
Jaime offers several common alternatives to EADG you can use to support your technique and change tonal colors.
|
BASS TIPS:
Chord Inversions |
Jaime shows how to add to your harmonic options by raising a chord's lowest note up an octave: in Inversion.
|
BASS TIPS:
Suspended Chords |
Jaime examines how to build and use Suspended Chords, which can add tension and release to your progressions.
|
BASS TIPS:
Tonal Colors, Part II |
The Minor Sound: Jaime explains the intervals of the natural minor scale.
|
BASS TIPS:
Tonal Colors, Part I |
Sounds are colors. Here's a look at how notes and the intervals between them create a specific effect.
|
BASS TIPS:
Silence and Sound |
Just as important as the notes you play, the spaces between them -- the rests -- give shape and feeling to your music.
|
BASS TIPS:
The Shuffle Feel |
When we're talking about playing a shuffle feel, all we have to do is think about the subdivision of the basic pulse into groups of three, called triplets. |
BASS TIPS:
Sevenths, Part II |
A seventh chord is the combination of a triad and an interval of a seventh. Jaime David Vazquez will teach you seven types of seventh chords. |
BASS TIPS:
Sevenths, Part I |
A seventh chord is the combination of a triad and an interval of a seventh. Jaime David Vazquez will teach you seven
types of seventh chords. |
BASS TIPS:
Triads |
The basic chords are known as triads. They are created with a root, third, and fifth. There are four kinds of triads and they are found in the Major (or diatonic) scale. |
BASS TIPS:
Double-Stops
on the Bass |
What is a double-stop? A double-stop is when you play two notes at
the same time. You can play a double-stop on adjacent strings or on
nonadjacent string. |
BASS TIPS:
The Hammer-On &
The Pull-Off |
When we're playing our basses, there are a lot of techniques that we can use, but there are two basic techniques that are very useful for grooving and soloing. These techniques are the hammer-on and the pull-off. |
BASS TIPS:
Scale Shapes On The Fingerboard |
For every scale and mode there are a variety of shapes on the fingerboard. Shapes are patterns and is very important to know and understand every shape and their fingering. |
BASS TIPS:
Barring |
Barring is a common technique where one finger lays flat and press down across two or more strings in the same fret. This technique is very good for the concept of economy of motion. |
BASS TIPS:
Mastering The Double
Thumb Techninque - Part III |
Welcome to the last part of the series of Bass Tips for Mastering The Double Thumb Technique. During the past few months we were dedicated to work with the right hand and the left hand for developing the sound and the application of the technique with the basic rhythmic figures. Finally, I have to say that there are a lot of possibilities for the application of the technique, so feel free to experiment and try all these ideas. |
BASS TIPS:
Mastering The Double
Thumb Techninque - Part III |
Welcome to the last part of the series of Bass Tips for Mastering The Double Thumb Technique. During the past few months we were dedicated to work with the right hand and the left hand for developing the sound and the application of the technique with the basic rhythmic figures. Finally, I have to say that there are a lot of possibilities for the application of the technique, so feel free to experiment and try all these ideas. |
BASS TIPS:
Mastering The Double
Thumb Techninque - Part II |
Welcome to the second part of the series of Bass Tips for Mastering The Double Thumb Technique. Last time, We were dedicated to work with the right hand, developing the sound and the application of the technique with the basic rhythmic figures. This time we will focus on the left hand. |
BASS TIPS:
Mastering The Double Thumb Technique - Part I |
Do YOU wanna play the double thumb technique like Victor Wooten and Marcus Miller?
Well, here I have some basic and easy to understand exercises for developing an accurate performance of the popular technique. |
BASS TIPS:
Pedal Tones |
The pedal tone also known as pedal note and pedal point is when you play a stationary or fixed single note(root/bass note) over chord changes. This form of playing is used in all styles of music to create tension. |
BASS TIPS:
3/4 Swing |
All swing music is not written in 4/4 time, sometimes it is written in 3/4 time. Some examples of famous jazz standards in 3/4 time include "Bluesette" and "Footprints". |
BASS TIPS:
Playing a 2 Feel |
When you are playing swing, you must know the '2 feel' interpretation. This style of playing is very used in jazz standards. So, go ahead! Let's swing with a '2 feel'. |
| BASS TIPS:
Practice All |
What I'm talking about is to play a chord and then play a phrase,
a melody, a riff, a motive, a lick, etc., using the chord tones, the
scales and the modes. Of course, you can add the chromaticism
and all the techniques that you want to use. The possibilities are
endless. |
| Moving Around The Neck |
Do you want to play out of the box?
Issues with the fretboard? Problems with your fingering?
Don't worry! You can work it out by using the slide techniques. |
| String Skipping:
Warming Up! |
A very good way to practice your string skipping technique is by warming
up with the scales and modes. Why? Because you will get used to the
application of the technique in a very practical way. The
possibilities are endless. |
| The Blues
Composite Scale |
If you are a jazz or a blues bass player you must know the
blues composite scale. The possibilities of the scale are amazing,
it doesn't matter if you're grooving or soloing. The scale sounds
great and it will give you a lot of colors and flavor to your bass
licks, fills, grooves, etc. Get your bass and check it out! |
| Riffin' A Solo |
Welcome to Bass Tips!
A riff is a short melodic or rhythmic phrase that it is repeated. A riff can be a chord pattern too. You can use a riff for an accompaniment and for soloing, especially the one that it is repeated in improvisation. Riffing is a very common approach for solos. It can be applied to all styles of music. |
Adapting Your Scale
and Mode Patterns
for Soloing |
When you are improvising, a good way to create and establish a vocabulary is by adapting the melodies, phrases, etc., to all scales and modes. For that, you must take into account the intervals, the sequence of the notes and the amount of notes of the scale or mode. You will notice that there is a pattern to follow in the process of adaptation. |
| Tips For The
Bebop Scale |
If you are a bass player who likes to do bass solos and you are into jazz improvisation, you must know that the Bebop Scale, also known as the Bebop Dominant Scale, is essential to define the jazz sound in your playing. It has been used by jazz musicians like Charlie Parker, Joe Pass, Bud Powell, etc. There are other Bebop Scales, these scales are the Bebop Major, Bebop Minor, etc. But the Bebop Dominant Scale is the most common. Let's find out! |
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NEWEST LESSONS ADDED: MIKE OVERLY
This collection of lessons contributed by Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia, it's play-along
audio CD, Bass Fretboard
Facts and the Fretboard
Flashcards for 4, 5
& 6 String Bass.
|
Playing Jazz,
Part 4 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, expands modal improvisation to include the natural minor scale modes.
|
Playing Jazz,
Part 3 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, extends the definition of improvising to include choosing a mode.
|
Playing Jazz,
Part 2 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, takes the next big step in jazz playing: improvisation.
|
Playing Jazz,
Part 1 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, offers a first step for getting serious about learning to play Jazz well.
|
Melodic Minor
Cross Correlations
Part 7 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, wraps up his exploration of the melodic minor scale's modes. |
Melodic Minor
Cross Correlations
Part 6 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, continues his deep dive into the modes of the melodic minor scale.
|
Melodic Minor
Cross Correlations
Part 5 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, continues his exploration of the melodic minor scale's modes. |
Melodic Minor
Cross Correlations
Part 4 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, continues his deep dive into the modes of the melodic minor scale.
|
| Tonal Center Domino vs Modal Domino |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, clarifies the difference between Tonal Center and Mode. |
Melodic Minor
Cross Correlations
Part 3 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, continues digging into the modal magic of the melodic minor scale.
|
Melodic Minor
Cross Correlations
Part 2 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, presents the melodic minor dorian mode. |
Melodic Minor
Cross Correlations
Part 1 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, begins an introduction to the many uses
of melodic minor modes.
|
| Plectrum |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, discusses the humble pick and its role in bass playing. |
Counterpoint
Part 1 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, presents rhythmic counterpoint as an interplay between melody and harmony.
These concepts and much more are thoroughly presented in Mike's excellent book, Tone Note Music Method For Bass Book 1. Check it out here:
TONE NOTE MUSIC METHOD FOR BASS, Book 1
|
| Learning Levels |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, proposes a much more detailed list of experience levels than simply Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Where do you fall? |
Explicit vs.
Implied 2 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, considers what is and isn't apparent in chord notation. |
| Song Algorithm in Bass EncycloMedia |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, explains a song's "recipe" -- its algorithm -- in Bass EncycloMedia. |
| Reason vs. Purpose |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, explores another key distinction. |
| Tonal Center Number vs Tone Number |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, wades into some critical distinctions in discussing tonal centers. |
Key vs.
Tonal Center |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, helps clarify some confusion with naming. |
Unlimited vs.
Limited |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, discusses the surprisingly liberating effect of creative constraints. |
| Definition vs. Meaning |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, begins an exploration of the difference between objective and subjective expression. |
| Minor Pentatonic Cross Correlations |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, presents many minor
pentatonic scale tonal possibilities when cross correlated with more complex harmonies. |
| Major Pentatonic Cross Correlations |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, presents many major
pentatonic scale tonal possibilities when cross correlated with more
complex harmonies. |
1-3 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 6 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, introduces the sixteenth-note triplet in a 1:6 rhythm ratio. |
1-3 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 5 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, introduces the 2-3 rhythm ratio
by examining the quarter note triplet. |
1-3 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 4 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, uses the triplet to create a shuffle rhythm. |
1-3 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 3 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, examines multiple variations on the rhythm of the triplet. |
1-3 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 2 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, applies the eighth-note triplet in a familiar Bach melody. |
1-3 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 1 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, introduces the triplet, a single beat divided into three counting parts. |
1-4 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 3 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, goes a little deeper into the 1:4 rhythm ratio by examining the dotted eighth note. |
1-4 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 2 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, continues with the 1:4 rhythm ratio by presenting two sixteenth notes beamed to one eighth note, and one eighth note beamed to two sixteenth notes. |
1-4 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 1 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, continues to build on his previous rhythm lessons by introducing the 1:4 rhythm ratio, one beat with four counting parts.
|
1-2 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 4 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, defines syncopation and notates a
syncopated rhythm three different ways. |
1-2 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 3 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, shows three ways to tie three eighth notes: Equivalence, Preferred and Traditional.
|
1-2 Rhythm
Ratio, Part 2 |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, builds on the previous lesson and expands on how one beat is divided into two counting parts. |
Holistic
Overlapped Forms |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, presents a new and exciting way to visualize the fretboard of a 5-string Bass. |
1-2 Rhythm
Ratio |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, explains how to practice the basic building blocks of rhythm: the 1-2 ratio is one beat divided into two counting parts. |
Repeat
Repeatedly |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, explores a new layer of complexity in following repeat signs. |
1-1 Rhythm
Ratio |
GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, explains how to practice the basic building blocks of rhythm: the 1-1 ratio has one beat to one counting part. |
Two-Octave
Z-Angle Scales |
In this video lesson, Mike Overly, GRAMMY® nominated music educator and author of Bass EncycloMedia, shows you how to apply the Z Angle to efficiently play two-octave
scales on a 4 string bass. |
Popular Song
Form, Bass |
In this useful presentation, GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, explores the parts
of the
popular song form. These include: the intro, verse, pre-chorus,
chorus, interlude, bridge, vamp, solo, coda and Ad Libitum. |
Minor Scales of
Major Significance |
In this great lesson, Mike Overly, GRAMMY® nominated music educator and author of Bass EncycloMedia, presents the major scale and its relative natural minor scale, clarifies the major pentatonic scale and minor pentatonic scale, and reveals the minor pentatonic scale's relation to the minor hexatonic scale. |
| Bass Tone Rows |
In this video lesson, GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly, author of Bass EncycloMedia, presents 13 iconic bass riffs used in the songs of Eric Clapton, James Brown, Herbie Hancock, SRV, Elvis, Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Albert King and others. |
| Teaching Bass at Home |
Teaching Bass at Home Mike Overly, GRAMMY® nominated music educator and author of Bass EncycloMedia suggests that before your child asks you to teach them to play bass, be sure to read this article so you know what to say and do. |
| Bass Clef
Note Reading |
Mike Overly,
GRAMMY®-nominated music educator and author of Bass
EncycloMedia introduces you to the
essential elements of reading Staff Notation in the Bass Clef. |
Intro to the Tone Note
Music Method for Bass |
Intro to the Tone Note® Music Method for Bass ~ Mike Overly,
GRAMMY®-nominated music educator and author of Bass
EncycloMedia introduces a 21st Century revolution in music and bass instruction
that will have a beginner of any age playing music on the bass quickly
and developing technical skill effortlessly. |
| 12
Sounds, 21 Symbols and 15 Keys |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia explains why there are only 15 “traditional”
major scales, in 15 major keys, with 15 major key signatures. |
| All The Chords I Needed To Know, I Learned At My First Lesson |
Mike Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia enfolds five movable major chord forms into one holistic
fretboard. |
| Bass
Harmonic Numerics |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia presents important insights into the creation of
"harmony numerals" which guarantees harmonic success in
all keys.
|
Bass
Patterns:
In and Out of Sync |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia, delivers 12 essential 12 bar bass patterns - plus
a bonus bass line from the genius of Ray Charles. |
| Bassists or Bass Player? |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia presents an incomplete alphabetical listing of influential rock, metal, pop, fusion, Latin, funk, punk, country, reggae, blues, and jazz musicians of both double bass and electric bass.
|
Bowling for Rhythm:
the 7-10 Split |
In this lesson, Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia compares splitting eighth notes with a quarter note to
Ray Charles picking-up a 7-10 split in bowling! |
| Do Re Mi |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia presents Solfege and explains what Julie Andrews, Guido of Arezzo, Giovanni Battista Doni, Isaac Newton and Sancte Iohannes have to do with its development.
|
First Inversion
Hit Songs |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia explores first inversion harmony and applies it to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, and many others. |
| Glossary
of Music, Bass and Musician |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia, defines words and terms that every musician playing
bass should know.
|
| Harmony Rhythm’s Fatal Flaw Part 1 |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia explains the problem of Meter Slashes and presents the solution! |
Harmony
Symbolism |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia reveals the Nine Essential Triads based on Three Types. |
Hit
Song Harmony
and Progressions |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia recaps the development of harmony from 1722 to
the present and then updates this knowledge so that you can play
18 Hit Songs.
|
| How
to Make a Short Song Long |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia introduces music's most common "signs of direction"
- the repeat signs. |
| Improve Your Improvisation |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia defines improvisation and presents three types of chords, arpeggios and scales from which to choose. |
| Interstellar Music |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia travels deep into outer space to bring you a special extraterrestrial Golden Record! |
| Learn Bass in a Flash |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia reveals the unique differences and the many benefits to be gained from using Bass Fretboard Flashcards from 12 Tone Music Publishing. |
| Learning
is a Process |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia, invites you to read a list of student questions
that will lead you from the 'tempo of thought' to the 'tempo of performance'.
|
| Major Scale Harmony Spelling |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia shows how to spell 49 different harmonies with only
seven major scale letters. |
| Mother Nature + Father Time = Rhythm |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia shows what happens when Mother Nature and Father Time get together. |
Music Math:
2 + 2 = 3! |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia explores the mysteries of "music math"
and discovers the basis of all harmony - nine triads. |
| Natural Fun Outside the Box |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia explains how to play in "extended" position
on a 4, 5 or 6 string bass. |
| Nature of the Sign |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia brings clarity and simplicity to understanding the difference between the certainty of key signature and the probability of key. |
| Parabola
of 4th and 5th Intervals |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia “cleans the slate” and presents a new
view of the incorrectly named “circle” of 4ths and 5ths. |
| Sign Before Symbol |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia explores the similarities and differences between sign and symbol so that you may play with speed and clarity. |
The Curved
Line Sign |
Mike Overly,
GRAMMY®-nominated Music Educator and author of Bass
EncycloMedia
reveals the origin and evolution of the Ligature: now known as the Tie, the Slur and the Phrase. |
| The Process of Progression |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia asks: What Type of Student Are You? |
| Tonal Center Modulation |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia teaches you to identify a song’s “changing keys” by the harmony progression. |
| The
Whole Truth About Bass TAB |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia clarifies TAB notation and then illustrates its complete
structure. |
| The
Z Angle Unison Connector |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia reveals 7 one octave major scale "forms"
and then shows how to connect forms to create two octave major scales
on the bass. |
| What
a Coincidence: Unison Tuning |
Mike
Overly, author of Bass
EncycloMedia unfolds the absolute, perfect and relative tuning
process of the 4 string bass. |
| |
|
NEWEST LESSONS ADDED: JOHN FALSTROM
This collection of lessons contributed by John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4
|
EADG 4: Part 75
Keep on Learning |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, talks about the value of continuing to learn: learning songs, your craft, how to work with others in a band, and more. |
EADG 4: Part 64
Putting Your Stamp on It |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses the importance of not just playing a piece of music, but making it your own. |
EADG 4: Part 22B
Blues-Rock in E |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, offers a look at advanced bass theory using the modal system. |
The Big Boppers perform
Mr. P.C. by John Coltrane |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, shows how it's done in a 1991 recording of his band playing a Coltrane composition, named in honor of bassist Paul Chambers. |
EADG 4: Part 69
Handling Life's Curveballs |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses how to manage unexpected changes in your music career and your life. |
EADG 4: Part 59
Shuffling the Deck |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, talks about breaking out of a rut and fending off musical boredom. |
EADG 4: Part 50
Wearing Your Own Shoes |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, talks about feeling comfortable with what you play, and playing what you feel comfortable with. |
EADG 4: Part 30
Questions with John: Strings |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, offers valuable insight into the various types of strings, cleaning, changing schedules and more. |
EADG 4: Part 72
Double Stops |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses and demonstrates double stops and how they relate to musical technique and musical situations. |
EADG 4: Part 32
Questions:
Short Scale Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, answers questions about the history and benefits of short-scale basses. |
EADG 4: Part 73
Musical Terms for the Bass Guitar |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explores a range of musical terms as they apply to the bass guitar. |
EADG 4: Part 45
Inspiring Practice
Spaces |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses how to make your practice space inspirational. |
EADG 4: Part 34
Proper String Changing Technique |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, walks us through the correct way to change bass strings. |
EADG 4: Part 76
Double Octave
Natural Minor
Scales |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, emphasizes horizontal movement on the fretboard using double octave scales, natural minor in this case. |
EADG 4: Part 74
Double-Octave Major Scales |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, challenges you to "play horizontal," up the fretboard, using double-octave scales. |
EADG 4: Part 26
Adam's Apple
and the Fender
Jazz Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, works out a Fender Jazz Bass on the Aerosmith song, Adam's Apple. |
EADG 4: Part 1B
Right Hand Technique and Major Scales |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates the right-hand fundamentals in bass playing. |
EADG 4: Part 6
Bass Gear and
Effects Pedals |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, shares his thoughts on basses, amps and effects pedals. |
EADG 4: Part 33
Doctor Doctor and the Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates this great 1975 instrument to the 1974 UFO song. |
EADG 4: Part 12
Beginner Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, shows how to approach the bass for the first time, and how to coach someone just starting out. |
EADG 4: Part 71
The Climb |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, introduces a technique exercise to give your fingers a fun workout. |
EADG 4: Part 12
Beginner Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, shows how to approach the bass for the first time, and how to coach someone just starting out. |
EADG 4: Part 35
Hello Hooray and the Gibson SG Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates the tonal qualities of the Gibson SG bass guitar as he plays along with the 1973 classic from Alice Cooper. |
EADG 4: Part 16
Different Ways of Playing the Scales |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates the value of breaking up scales into different patterns. |
EADG 4: Part 7
Seventh Chords in Major Keys |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates the 7th chord patterns and shapes for major keys, using the D Major scale in this example. |
EADG 4: Part 4
Chords in Major Keys |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explores further the building of chords in the major keys. |
EADG 4: Part 3
Natural Minor Scales |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates natural minor scale patterns. |
EADG 4: Part 2
Arpeggiated Major Chords |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, presents the basics for playing major chords on the bass. |
EADG 4: Part 70
EADG4 Jam #1 |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates some fine free-form improvisation that will inspire any player. |
EADG 4: Part 77
Double Octave
Mixolydian Modes |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses and demonstrates the double octave Mixolydian mode, showing horizontal movement on the fretboard. |
EADG 4: Part 68
Open String Studies |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, presents the use of an open string as a "pedal point," a sustaining tone underlying other notes. |
EADG 4: Part 78
Double Octave
Dorian Modes |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, presents the important Dorian Mode scale over two octaves of the neck. |
EADG 4: Part 67
Technique Exercises |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, offers basic exercises to get you playing, and playing better, when it just seems you can't make progress. |
EADG 4: Part 79
Setting Up Your
Bass Guitar |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, walks through the tools and procedures for adjusting a bass to play and sound its best. |
EADG 4: Part 66
Modes |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, walks you through scales in the various modes, and shows how they will tell you the key. |
EADG 4: Part 58
Scale Patterns:
The Bird |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates and discusses a scale pattern he calls "The Bird." |
EADG 4: Part 65
Chords |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, takes an up-close look at chords, showing their shapes, strumming patterns, fingerpicking, and arpeggios. |
EADG 4: Part 57
Scale Patterns:
Peddle/Point |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates and discusses the peddle/point scale pattern and gives additional tips on improving technique. |
EADG 4: Part 63
Chord Arpeggios:
Third Inversion |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, expands even more on chord note playing by discussing the third inversion. |
EADG 4: Part 56
Scale Patterns:
Scales in Seconds |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates the tricky technique of adding seconds to the notes in a scale. |
EADG 4: Part 62
Chord Arpeggios:
Second Inversion |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, expands on chord note playing by discussing the second inversion. |
EADG 4: Part 55
Scale Patterns:
Scales in Octaves |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates and discusses scale patterns in octaves and gives additional tips on improving technique. |
EADG 4: Part 61
Chord Arpeggios:
First Inversion |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, defines the "first inversion" in playing chord notes, and stresses how important and commonly used it is. |
EADG 4: Part 54
Scale Patterns:
Pattern in Thirds |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explains how scale patterns can be healthy exercises and creative inspiration. |
EADG 4: Part 60
Chord Arpeggios:
Root Position |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, emphasizes the need for a bass player to know chord notes and changes. |
EADG 4: Part 10
Minor Pentatonic Scale |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, looks at the highly useful Minor Pentatonic scale. |
EADG 4: Part 47
Applying the Modal
System to Blues Rock |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, goes deep on how to use the Modal System in playing Blues Rock. |
EADG 4: Part 44
The Modal System Up Close: Locrian |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explores the Locrian Mode. |
EADG 4: Part 53
Scale Patterns:
4-Note Pattern |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explains the drill of playing scales in 4-note patterns to develop your fingering. |
EADG 4: Part 43
The Modal System Up Close: Aeolian |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explores the Aeolian Mode. |
EADG 4: Part 49
Memorizing an Order for
the Circle of Fifths |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, offers a neat pattern for practicing scales (played musically!) following the Circle of Fifths. |
EADG 4: Part 52
Scale Patterns:
3-Note Pattern |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explains the value of breaking scales into three-note clusters. |
EADG 4: Part 42
The Modal System Up Close: Mixolydian |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explores the Mixolydian Mode. |
EADG 4: Part 41
The Modal System Up Close: Lydian |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explores the Lydian Mode. |
EADG 4: Part 48
Memorizing the Notes on the Fretboard |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, says, "Memorizing the notes on the fretboard is a must." Then he helps you to do it. |
EADG 4: Part 51
Scale Patterns: Ascending and Descending |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates some valuable exercises using basic scales. |
EADG 4: Part 40
The Modal System Up Close: Phrygian |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explores the Phrygian Mode. |
EADG 4: Part 46
Applying the Modal System to the 12-Bar Blues |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, shows how to create the Blues scale. |
EADG 4: Part 39
The Modal System Up Close: Dorian |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explores the Dorian Mode. |
EADG 4: Part 38
The Modal System Up Close: Ionian |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, explores the Ionian Mode. |
EADG 4: Part 9
The Major Pentatonic Scale |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, reveals the magic of this classic scale. |
EADG 4: Part 8
Tips, Insights and Techniques |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses and demonstrates Muting, Vibrato, Bends, Slurs and more. |
EADG 4: Part 28
Note Relationships to Root and Notes Below the Root -- Major Scale |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates the important intervals and shapes to know in the notes of the Major Scale. |
EADG 4: Part 19
The Fretless Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, shares his insights into the special tones and playing quality of the fretless bass. |
EADG 4: Part 1A
Fretboard and
Technique |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, extends his introduction to the instrument by inviting you to play to a beat to help memorize notes. |
EADG 4: Part 11
Acoustic Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, shares his insights into the "hidden treasure" that is a bass guitar with air in it: the acoustic bass. |
EADG 4: Part 1
Bass Fundamentals |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, starts from the beginning, introducing the instrument and the right way to approach it. |
EADG 4: Part 18
Analyzing Songs |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, shows how to analyze a song by applying various music-theory principles for the bass guitar. |
EADG 4: Part 5
Modal System
for Bass, Part 1 |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses the seven modes and how they are used in creating bass parts. |
EADG 4: Part 17
Practice Schedule |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses dividing your practice time into four tried and true categories. |
EADG 4: Part 25
The Art of
Improvisation |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses the art of improvisation and how it can improve your bass playing. |
EADG 4: Part 21
Playing the Melody
as a Bassist |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates using the acoustic bass to play melody lines in a song. He also demonstrates chord strumming and arpeggios. |
EADG 4: Part 16
Different Ways of
Playing the Scales |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses and demonstrates various patterns to learn and practice scales. This video accompanies pages 92 through 94A of the textbook EADG4 Theory Textbook for Bass Guitar. |
EADG 4: Part 31
Radar Love and the
Danelectro Longhorn Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses and demonstrates the tone, function, and use of the Danelectro Longhorn Short Scale Bass. John demonstrates the tone of the bass as he plays along with Radar Love by Golden Earring. |
EADG 4: Part 29
Breaking the Law and the Fender Precision Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates the tone and features of the Fender Precision Bass to the Judas Priest hit 'Breaking the Law'. John then discusses and gives insight into this essential piece of musical equipment |
EADG 4: Part 37
Building a Bass Line |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses techniques from his textbook on how to build a bassline. John works with the key of D major to demonstrate various techniques. |
EADG 4: Part 27
Easy Livin' and the
Fender Telecaster Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates the tones of the Telecaster Bass guitar to the classic Uriah Heep song Easy Livin'. John then shares his insights into what makes this guitar so important to a band's rhythm section. |
EADG 4: Part 36
The Chromatic Scale |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, demonstrates and discusses the Chromatic Scale. |
EADG 4: Part 24
Highway Star and the Rickenbacker Bass |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, plays the bass line from the Deep Purple Classic Highway Star. John then explains the Rickenbacker Bass Guitar and the tone that it brings to rock music. |
EADG 4: Part 22A
The Blues - Blues Rock |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, discusses and demonstrates the blues scale and blues rock chord progression. Using the key of E major, John explains the 'blue notes" and music theory. |
Bass Guitar
Fretboard |
John Falstrom, author of EADG 4, and Bob Wille provide a tremendous Fretboard chart (pdf format) that they created last month. Enjoy! |
| 7th Chords in Major Keys |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides
an illustrated explanation of the seven 7th chords in all 15 major keys; circle of fifths order. Also includes the "assigned" mode that gets played against each of the seven 7th chords.for memorizing the notes on the Bass Guitar. |
| 7th Chords in Major Keys (part 2) |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides
an explanation and breakdown of the 7th chords in chord, scale and arpeggio format. |
| 7th Chords in Natural Minor Keys |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides
an illustrated explanation of the Seventh Chords In Natural Minor Keys. |
| Bass Guitars |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides shares insight to the importance of having a versatile and varied collection of Bass guitars. |
| Classic
Chord Chart |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides a guideline to understanding and making it easier
to read/create Bass lines from the chord symbols on a chart. |
| Chromatic Analysis |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides
a Circle of Fifths chart of all 15 major scales (keys) and the note relationships to the Root of the twelve (12) different notes in music. |
| Different
Ways of Playing |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides scale and mode exercices that should be be played
and memorized in specific note patterns. |
| Different
Ways of Playing Part II |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides part II of scale and mode exercices that should be be played
and memorized in specific note patterns. |
| Essential Insights For The Bass Guitarist |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides essential insights for the Bass guitarist. |
| Four
String Exercise |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides various finger position excecises designed to devlop
dexterity in your fretboad hand. |
| Key
Signatures |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides this tutorial on learning Key Signatures. |
| Memorizing The Notes On The Bass Guitar |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides
a great lesson for memorizing the notes on the Bass Guitar. |
Musical
Terms |
A 2 page explanation of Musical Terms for the
Bass Guitar by John
Falstrom |
| Practice
Schedule |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides a guideline to managing your practicing time into
these four "tried and true" categories. |
The
12 Bar Blues
Standard Form |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides a explanation and breakdown of the standard 12 Bar
Blues. |
The
12 Bar
Jazz Blues Form |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides a explanation and breakdown of the 12 Bar Blues in
Jazz form. |
| The
Blues Scale |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides a explanation and breakdown of the Blues Scale. |
| The
Blues Scale With Added Flat 5th Note |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides a explanation and breakdown of the Blues Scale. |
| The Harmonic Minor Scales |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides
an explanation and breakdown of the Harmonic Minor scales. |
| The Modal System |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides
an explanation and breakdown of the The Modal System. |
| The
Natural Minor Scales |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides a explanation and breakdown of the Natural Minor Scales. |
| The
Pentatonic Scale |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides a explanation and breakdown of the Pentatonic Scale. |
| The Vertical and Horizontal Approaches |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, explains the two ways to approach the chord changes in a song: "The Vertical Approach" and "The Horizontal Approach." |
| Tips
Of The Moment |
John
Falstrom, author of EADG
4, provides some timeless and priceless advise in the lesson. |
| |
|
| JERZY DROZD |
The Ultimate Guide
To Perfect Bass
Setup |
Compliments Jerzy Drozd (Jerzy Drozd Basses).
It covers exactly what it says:
Everything You Always Wanted
To Learn and Know
About Perfect Bass Setup
Here is what you will learn with this Guide:
-
General cleaning procedures of fretboard, bridge, electronics
-
Correct string installation
-
Setup techniques for neck, bridge and pickup adjustment
-
Advanced Setup techniques for necks with double truss rod system
-
and more...
Swing on over to their website to get your FREE copy!
(newsletter signup is required) |
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