· I
VISIt Hal Leonard Online at
www.halleonarcl.com
,I
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
CD Tracks
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Goal Statement ................................................ 4 Acknowledgments .............................................. 5 Using the CD .................................................. 5 About the Notation .............................................. 6
PART 1 Some Basic Tips on Playing ....................................... 7 ~e Right Hand Position ......................................... 7 The Left Hand Position ......................................... 10 The Chromatic Warm-Up Exercise ................................. 11 Let's Add the Metronome ....................................... 12 The Root-Five-Octave Exercise .................................. 12 First Things First: Here's the Neck ................................. 13 The Major Scale and Numerical System ............................ 16 The Open String Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Basic Rhythms ............................................ 19 Take a Little Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
PART 2 Play the Root . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Using the Octave .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........... 23 Adding the Fifth .............................................. 24 Approach Notes ............................................... 26 Chromatic Approach ...................................... 27 Scale Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Dominant Approach ...................................... 30
1-8 9-12 13-16 17-19 20-22 23-25
PART 3 Box Shapes, Pentatonic Scales, and Blues ........................... 32 The Walking Blues Line ................................... 36 New Rhythms ................................................ 38 Anticipating the Downbeat ................................. 38 Upbeats ................................................ 40 Sixteenths .............................................. 40 Wrapping It Up ............................................... 42 Full-Length Tunes ............................................. 42 About the Author .............................................. 45
26-29 30-32 33-37 38-39 40-45 46-48
INTRODUCTION The term "rock music" describes anything from Elvis Presley to Limp Bizkit. So how can one book teach you how to play rock bass? The answer is pretty simple. All styles of rock-or even better, all styles of music-place certain universal demands on the bass player: 1. Play the root of the chord. 2. Use note choices that create the desired sound. 3. Keep a steady tempo. 4. Play rhythmic material that supports and defines the groove. 5. Keep the form of the song intact. 6. Create bass lines that do all of the above. When you look at it that way, it's not too much to ask. Bass playing-particularly rock bass playing-is not all that complicated. It's possible to get a grasp of the basics and be out there playing in a band in a very short time. As a matter of fact, many players in today's top bands had little or no experience with the bass before they joined their groups. That's both good and bad news. The good news is, you can learn enough to be a "functioning" bass player and get in a band very quickly. The bad news is, many players never go beyond the absolute entry level of playing, and spend their entire musical lives with no clue about what they're doing or how to get better. As a result, there's an awful lot of slop out there passing for bass playing, and that influences the next generation of players to be just like their sloppy heroes. Rather than attempting to debunk the great myth of rock 'n' roll, my point is this: It's EASY to learn how to create good, solid, musical bass lines; so why shy away from the process? Lots of young players believe that it's "all about the feeling," and that learning something will make them "feel the music less." Guess what? the exact opposite is true! Think of your favorite song, and think about how much you love hearing it, the feeling you get when you listen to it. Now, imagine that you can PLAY your favorite song-you know every lick, the names of the notes, where they are on your bass, and exactly when it goes to the bridge-every little detail. Imagine the feeling you get listening to that song with all of that behind you. It's a lot more powerful, isn't it? Instead of some mysterious thing that you don't understand, but like, the song becomes something that you know intimately-and love! Listening becomes an active experience, because you know that you CAN play it, you KNOW what it is. That's the experience we're going for in this book.
GOAL STATEMENT The goal of this book is to help you learn how to create your own bass lines. Sure, you can just follow the guitar player's left hand your whole life, but playing a bass line that works perfectly for the tune, makes people bob their heads or dance, and that YOU created is a lot more satisfying. Rather than just showing you a couple of cool licks, this book's goal is to familiarize you with the most important concepts for constructing a bass line, and how to find options. This book will place some reasonable demands on you as a learner. It will force you to think and discover things for yourself. This may not work for everyone; some people just want to be shown what to do and leave it at that. Even if that IS what you want, this book will still be of help. But the best part of what we're going for happens when YOU take the steps to figure out what you're doing on the bass. By the time you've absorbed the material in this book, you will have learned everything you need to be a real bass player, one who understands what he/she is doing and can come up with the perfect line for any musical situation-on the spot.
4
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Special thanks and much love to Dawn Friedland for her unconditional love and support; to Aimee Friedland for helping me remember what's most important in life; and to the rest of my family for their help and support through the years. Thanks to Carvin Guitars, LaBella Strings, Bergantino Cabinets, and Fishman Transducers for the terrific tools to work with. Thanks to Jim Roberts, Karl Coryat, Richard Johnston, and Bill Leigh-my editors, past and present, at Bass Player magazine-for giving me the opportunity to present my voice as a teacher to the bass playing world. Thanks to everyone at Hal Leonard Corporation for the chance to write books that reach people. Thank you to all the musicians I've played with, for showing me what makes music great. Thanks to my many students who have served as "guinea pigs" for all my materials; your learning process has been MY learning process. Many thanks to all my teachers, guides, and healers in the living and in spirit for their blessings.
USING THE CD The CD that comes with this book will be your band. Playing bass by yourself is important when you need to learn things, but when it's time to put those things into action, you need other musicians to hear how they work. Bass playing is primarily about supporting the music, so this CD will be your workshop. The music uses a split mix with the drums, guitars and keyboards in the left channel, and the bass in the right. This lets you hear the bass part clearly so you can learn it, and allows you to pan it out and play with the other instruments on your own. next to it has a number that corresponds to the CD Each example in the book with an icon track number. Each example will have a two-measure count-off: two half notes and three quarter notes, leaving beat four blank. For example: 1... 2 ... 1,2,3, ... (play). While rock 'n' roll is a pretty diverse genre, I tried to come up with examples that are fairly common to the style. It may not sound exactly like Green Day or The Red Hot Chili Peppers, but the basic idea is the same: you have some chords and you have a groove; play something that works. For the recording, I programmed all the drums and keyboards, dusted off my guitar chops (which peaked at age 16 and have steadily declined ever since), and played the bass parts. Hope you enjoy playing the tunes! While the examples will be used to demonstrate specific ideas, you can use any example to practice any idea we talk about. There are also some full-length tunes in the back that will give you the chance to test your physical and mental stamina.
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5
ABOUT THE NOTATION Most of the rock-oriented bass books you see are written with tablature (or tab for short). The purpose of this is to make it easy for students to get something under their fingers. I believe tablature has its place, and I have used it in my own teaching. However, in most of this book, we're going to do it a little differently. Tab gives you fret numbers on individual strings to show you exactly WHERE to play the notes on the neck of the bass. That's a limiting approach, because there is always more than one way to play any given bass line; the same note in music notation can show up in as many as four different locations on a four-string bass. Even if you only have two choices, it's in your best interest to know them both. Rather than tab out every possible way for you to play something, I'm going to help you understand your fipgerboard well enough so you can find these alternatives yourself. That is one of the big differences between a bass player and a bassist. Anyone who picks up a bass and plunks out a sound is, by definition, a bass player. But someone who has an understanding of what they're doing with the instrument is a bassist. The "delivery system" for this information will be fairly simple: you will have fingerboard grids laying out the names of the notes on the neck, and you will learn the various major scale positions and the numerical system that accompanies them. Using the scale numbers, you will learn to find your note choices on the fingerboard in several locations. The bass lines will be written in standard notation-you always see that in tab books anyway-and underneath each note will be a scale number or a group of letters describing what that note is doing. (For example, chr would mean the note above is a chromatic approach.) This way, you understand how the bass line is constructed, which in tum lets you find different ways to play it, as well as transfer the information to another key, another song, or another band. So be prepared for a very different approach to learning the bass. As I said, it's going to challenge you to learn, rather than show you licks. The good news is, it's actually very easy. There is no bad news.
6
PART 1 Some Basic Tips on Playing Thi s book is not intended to be about bass techn ique; it's about learning what to pl ay. However, many of you have never played at all and may not know exactl y how to pl ay the bass. To make it simple, here are a few suggestions accompanied by pictures-I'm told they' re worth a thousand words. Find a comfortable height fo r the bass. It 's important not to strain any part of your body while pl aying; tension and strain can lead to phys ical problems like tendo niti s, carpal tunne l, and other fun stuff. The good news is that it 's easy to avoid these probl ems. Ju st make sure you're comfortable whil e pl aying; don' t te nse up o r strain the hand s. Ho ldin g the bass too low creates an ex treme bend in the left wri st and destroys your ability to move freely on the fi ngerboard. It may look cool and "rock 'n' roll ," but trust me: you won' t become much of a player with thi s approach. On the other hand, putting the bass up too high results in an extreme bend in the right wri st. Thi s puts pressure on the right hand and causes troubl e. You may also fee l your ri ght shoulder getting sti ff from being scrunched up. Find a middl e position (photo I) where you have good access to the bass neck with the left hand , and a relaxed bend in the right hand. Thi s will allow you to play fo r long peri ods of time without pain . Photo I. .Jus t ri ght
The Right Hand Position Let the fin gers of your right hand fall naturall y over the strings (see pho to 2); don' t curl them up and don' t fo rce them out straight. Start by resting your thumb o n the top o f the pi ckup, but don' t get too anchored there-you' ll be mov ing it soon. Pl ay the string by putting the pad of your fin ger on top of the string (see photo 3) and pulling down and across the string. Don' t pluck the string from underneath .
Photo 2
Photo 3
Alternate between the first and second fi ngers and pl ay the E string re peatedl y. Listen to the sound you produce; keep the volume and tone consistent by using the same amount of fin gertip and strength to pl ay each note. Whe n you get co mfortable with the basic moveme nt, play Example A. If you're playing 7
with a metronome or drum machine, di al in a tempo around 90 bpm (beats per minute). The note value 01' each note is a haif n.ote, whi ch gets two clicks or beats. Play it as slow ly as necessary to ma ke sure you get a cl ean sound from each note, and keep a steady tempo.
Ex. A. Open E String Beat: I
~
2
I
3
4
2
I;
I
-(9
3
4
:11
J
Move across to the A string now. Again, put the pad 01' the Fingertip o n top o f the strin g and pull dow n and across . The Finger should come to rest against the E string at the end of the stroke. Thi s helps keep the E string from ringing and insu res that you're getting the proper angle o f "attack" on the string.
Photo 4. End 01' Stroke
Pl ay Exampl e B on the ope n A string, with the same attenti o n to detail that you used o n the E string.
Ex. B. Open A String Beat: I
~
2
J
3
4
J
2
kl
3 n
4
j
:11
When pl ay ing the 0 string, drop your thumb so that it rests on the E string (see photo 5). Thi s accompli shes two things: it mutes the E string, and it helps preserve the proper ang le 01' attac k on the D string. Keeping the angle 01' attack consiste nt leads to a consistent tone. You may want to use a little more Fingertip on the 0 string, as it's thinner and has less botto m to the sound . A little more " meat" on the string will g ive it a Fatter sound and help it matc h the E and A strings. Practice Example C. Phot o 5. Drop Ihe Thumb
Ex. C. Open D String Beat: I
~r 8
2
3
r
4
2
Ef
3 (9
I
4
:11
Play ing the G string requires you to mute both the E and A strings . You can do thi s o ne of two ways: you can drop the thumb onto the A string and lea n it agai nst the E string (photo 6) ...
Photo 6
. . .or you can keep the thumb on the E string and use your ring fin ger to mute the A. T his may be a little tricky at first, but it's worth learning. if you ever move up to a fi ve-string bass, you' ll need to use both muting techniques to keep your bass quiet whe n you play the G string.
Photo 7
You' ll definitely want to use a little more meat on the G string to make the sound fatte r. The G is the ski nniest string on the bass, so you' ll need to make thi s adj ustment so it can match the E string in volume and " fatness." Play example D.
Ex. D. Open G String Beat: I
2
3
4
2
3
4
9
The Left Hand Position Proper left hand pos iti on wi ll all ow you to play the bass with greater flexibility. Sure, you see lots of guys in videos holding the neck like a baseball bat. It looks cool and macho/rock ' n' roll, but it also severely limits your potential on the bass. It's best to learn how to play with effective technique first. Thi s way, if you want to relax and play with "gorilla hands" once in a while, it 's okay because you're not stuck there. Let your technique adapt itself to the demands of the music. Pounding away on the root may not require the ultimate in technical mastery, but playing a cool fill might! Keep your thumb low on the neck, and parallel with the frets .
Photo 8
Let your fingers stay open and relaxed over the strings; don't force them to stretch o pen or cram them together.
Photo 9
10
The Chromatic Warm-Up Exercise Here is a great warm-up exercise that works the left and right hands together. It's very simple to remember, and it will help you develop you r coordination and timing when practiced wi th a metronome (which should be all the tillle once you've learned the mechanics). Thi s exercise develops what is know n as the "onefinger-per-fret" fingering system. It's something we use for playing lines that include sca le and chromatic runs. Keep in mine! that it 's not the only way to approach the neck-we' ll look at another system soo n- but it 's often the most effic ient. Rather than trying to stretch with the lef1 hand, pivot with the thumb in between playing with the second and third fingers. T hi s will eliminate stress when you play. Never force the hand; tension will always cause problems.
Photo 10. The Pivot
Ex. E. The Chromatic Warm-Up Exercise
2
2
3
4
2
4
2
4
4
4
3
4
3
J 4
4
3
Once you've comp leted thi s pattern, move it up one fret and repeat. Continue moving up one fret until you hit the seventh fret, then change directi ons and move it down one fret eac h time. Pay attenti on to the tone and vol ume of each note. Even though you're focused on the left hand, don ' t let the right hand slip into bad habits. Remember to mute the E ane! A strings with the thumb as you move to the D and G. 11
Let's Add the Metronome Now that your hands are comfo rtable with this exercise, let's take it to the next level. Adding a metronome will help you develop your timekeeping. Why is thi s important? Because ultimately, it doesn' t matter how fast you can pIHY, how clever your ideas are, or how cool you look with your bass; if you can't keep time, you are essenti all y worthless as a bass player! Harsh words, but true words. Keeping time and making the music groove are the most important parts 01' your job. I have wri tten extensive ly on thi s subject in the pages of Bass Player magazine. You can find an articl e called "The Metronome as Guru" on my webs ite at http://www.edFried land .com/articles. html.lt·s a very detailed program for building your inner clock. I've also included that information and much more in a chapter 01' my book The Working Bassist's Tool Kit (BackBeat Books). As you become more seri ous about bass pl aying, you wi ll find thi s inform ation invalu able, For now, let's start with somethi ng simple. For every note you play in the previous chromatic exercise, let the metronome cli ck twice. (Technically, that makes them hall' notes). Srart thi s at a tempo between 60-80 bpm (beats per minute), and stay foc used on the tempo. Are you speeding up? Well , the n ... chill out, relax, and LI STEN. Are you slow ing down? Well , then get on the bus man, don't get left behind ! LISTEN ' That's the key to success in all areas 01' mu sic-li stening.
The Root-Five- Octave Exercise Another very important fingering pattern to learn is the root- jive- octave (or R-5-8) position. These three notes (the root or " I," the 5th or "5," and the octave or "8") Form the foundation of bass playing in all styles of music. The R-5-8 positio n form s what I call the box shape. The box shape helps save strain on the left hand when you're playing repetiti ve octave-type lines. Play the root with the first finger and the 5th with the fourth finger. Kee p the first knuckle of the Fourth finger arched a bit, and playa little more on the tip.
Photo 11
To play the octave, llatten out the knuck le of your fourth fin ger and roll across to the next string, playing the note wi th more of the finger pad. It's a little tricky at first, but once you get the hang 01' it, your playing will ll ow. We bassists play up and do\vn the R-5 -8 all the time, so you' ll need to get used to it.
Photo 12
12
Here's a great exercise to help you get the R-5-8 position working. Practice it slowly to get your hands used to the roll with the fourth finger. Once you have the mechanics of the exercise smooth, play it with a metronome, starting around 50-60 bpm. The first two notes of the measure are quarter notesthey get one click each. The third note is a half note; that gets 2 clicks. As you get better at this exercise, gradually increase the tempo. When you've completed the exercise, play it starting on the first fret of the A string (which is a Bb note) and repeat the pattern. Ex. F. The Root-Five-Octave Exercise
.•
I
I
• T
J
ft
A
.
B
-
I I
"
...
L
~
ft
.,.
.,.A ft
.....-1
I
I
oJ
ft
oJ
-
'If ......
,.
I I I
~
oJ
~
...
I
I
v
~
v
.,. A
0
I I
I
.r~
I
I
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~
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I
ft
v
ft
v
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I
I
.,
".,
" >I
" II ....v I
...IV "
ft
V
I
•
?
I I I
-
1,0
I
'ft
...IV "
,. v
"
IV
II ., "
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u
...
I I I
A
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ft
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+tv
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a
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ft
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v
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,
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II II II
II II II
The chromatic exercise and the root-five-octave exercise are enough of a technical foundation to establish our goals for this book. You can always play them faster or slower to make them more challenging. There are LOTS of other things you can do to develop your technique, and I suggest you continue to search out the information. But I said playing rock bass was easy, and I meant it. So ... let's move on to learning about your fingerboard.
First Things First: Here's the Neck The key to this method, and to bass playing in general, is knowing your fingerboard. The notes on the neck may seem like a lot to remember at first, but if you look closely, you'll see that it's all laid out very simply. To begin with, here is a grid of every note you have on the neck from the nut to the twelfth fret. The note on the twelfth fret (marked with double dots) is the same note as the open string, just an octave higher. Once you're above the 12th fret, all the notes repeat in the same order of appearance. 13
Notice that the note names follow the alphabet from A to G. In between most notes there is an accidental, a sharp or flat note. The exceptions are between E and F, and between Band C. Each accidental note can be called by two names, either a sharp or a flat (notated with # and b, respectively). Which name you use depends on a few things-for now, it's just important that you recognize that they are the same note, so learn both of them.
Fig. 1. Fretboard Diagram
3
2
fret:
4
5
6
7
8
10
9
II
12
Since you'll be looking at written notation, let's get familiar with the notes on the fingerboard. Reading notes is actually very simple, once you connect the picture to its location on the neck. As you'll see, most of these notes show up in more than one place on the fingerboard. You will soon learn the secret to figuring this out, but for now, refer to the fretboard diagram when locating the notes in the next few examples. Bass players read music written in bass clef, also called the "F clef." The name indicates that the two dots in the clef symbol surround the line where the F note is written. The notes are written on a fiveline grid called the staff. The notes get higher in pitch and move up the alphabet as you move up to higher lines and spaces on the staff.
Fig. 2 bass clef •
higher notes
~:~1:~~~.............-~;z-~""""""'-~»~·~~~11 +-the staff • lower notes Here are the notes on the E string from open E to the fifth-fret A. Except for the A, each of these notes in this range occurs in only one place on a four-string bass. The A on the fifth fret is also the same written note as the open A string. Ex. 1 2
2
3
4
0
#0
~o
~o
F
F#
a~
a
#0 a'
fret: 0
9: ..aE
4
5
f,« •
~.,
N
A
II
Here are the notes that occur on the first five frets of the A string. The D on the fifth fret is the same written note as the open D string. You will also find all these same notes located on the E string from the fifth fret to the tenth fret. We'll look at how that works in a minute. Ex. 2 fret: 0
9:
14
2
3
4
4
5
.1
#u
~o
qo
i.
n· '
~o
go
A
A#
B~
B
C
C#
D~
D
1/
Here are the notes on the first five frets of the D string. They can also be found on the A string, from the fifth fret to the tenth fret. The open D at fret 0 is also the same D that shows up at the tenth fret on the E string. The D# fEb is on the eleventh fret, and the E is the twelfth fret on the E string. The F, F# /G~, and G can be found by continuing up the E string past the twelfth fret. You may not use these locations much, but it doesn't hurt to know they exist. Ex. 3 fret: 0
9:
0
0
3
2
10 0#
&••
gu
E~
E
4
10
0
F#
F
4
5
bll
gIl
a~
a
II
Now for the notes on the first five frets of the G string. If you've figured out the pattern, you already know that these notes also occur on the D string from the fifth fret to the tenth fret. They can also be found on the A string from the tenth fret to the fifteenth fret, and they also show up on the E string from the fifteenth fret to the twentieth fret. As I mentioned, these are not the most popular locations for these notes, but they ARE there. Ex. 4 fret: 0
~:
1
II
#11
~o
a
a#
N
2 0
3
3
jo
bo
4
5 -e-
0
II B~
AI
A
B
C
Let's take a closer look at how the same note shows up in more than one place on the neck. Understanding this is one of the keys to fingerboard mastery. Let's use the A on the top line of the staff: Ex. 5
II A
This note is commonly played on the second fret of the G string. But, if you go down one string ("down" meaning to a lower-pitched string) and count up 5 frets ("up" meaning toward the higher notes), you'll find the exact same note. If you repeated this pattern from the A on the seventh fret, D string, you'd find the same note on the twelfth fret, A string. This "one string down, five frets up" pattern works all over the fingerboard for any note. Fig. 3 fret:
2
3
4
5
6
7
Once you understand this pattern on the neck, your life as a bass player becomes much simpler. Remember, except for the first four frets on your E string, EVERY note on the bass can be found in at least two locations. Make it a point to practice everything with this in mind-you'll be glad you did. The next important fingerboard pattern to learn is the octave shape. "Octave" refers to the number eight, like in the word octopus. In this case, it means that you playa note (which becomes your root, or 1), count up eight notes along the major scale (do-re-mi-fa-sol-Ia-ti-do), and you wind up at the same note you started with (do)-only it's an octave higher. The root-octave pattern is used often in all styles of bass playing. It allows you to create the feeling of movement, and still only play the root note. 15
The octave shape on the fingerboard is easily learned. Playa root anywhere on the E or A string, then count up two frets and up two strings. That note is one octave higher than the root. The two notes have the same letter name, but are separated by the other notes of the major scale. The root and the octave can be interchanged freely. As you learn more, you'll see how the different octaves affect the feel of the music. The lower notes create more of a foundation, while the octaves can create a feeling of "lift" in a groove. Here's the note G on the third fret of the E string, and its octave (with the major-scale notes in between): Ex. 6 one octave
9:
0
J
J
j
2
3
4
r
'F
F
5
II
7
6
lower octave G
II
8 higher octave G
Here is how the shape looks on the fingerboard. Play the root with the first finger and the octave with the fourth finger (this reduces strain in the hand). Fig. 4 2
fret:
11
I·
1
4
3
5
I· i
.1
1two smngs up
G
•
two frets up
This shape will always produce an octave on the bass (assuming it's tuned properly!). But just to make things interesting: Remember how you can find notes in more than one place? Well, this particular octave G can be found in two other locations. The key to finding them is the first pattern we talked about (Fig. 3, on page 13). Use the pattern going up and down from the fifth fret on the D string, and you'll find the same note is the open G, and the tenth fret of the A string. On the staff, the note is written only one way (as in Ex. 6), but you can play it in any of these three locations. Which one should you use? The answer depends mostly on which note you play before it, and which note you play after it. A general rule to follow is this: make your fingering as easy as possible-if it lays well, it plays well.
The Major Scale and NUl11erical Systel11 The next important piece of business to learn is the major scale and its corresponding numerical system. Musicians of all types use this system to describe music. Melodies, bass lines, chord structures, chord progressions, modulations, and more can be described with the number system. We've already seen how the octave is eight notes up the major scale from the root. We use the same system to identify every other note in the scale. Example 7 is the C major scale. Every note is numbered 1 through 8. I've also included the solfege syllables (do, re, mi, etc.) as they are familiar to anyone who's ever had to sit through "The Sound Of Music." These syllables are used worldwide in reference to the major scale. I've also included a simple "universal" fingering for the scale. This fingering gives you a major scale starting from any note on the E or A string, from the second fret or higher. (We'll talk about the exceptions soon.) Ex. 7. C major scale scale #:
16
1
2
9:
••
0
finger:
do 2
re 4
4
5
.,
0
,.
mi
fa
3
2
sol 4
6
7
0
0
8
-a-
II la 1
ti 3
do 4
Let's see how the scale maps out on the fingerboard grid. Starting on the E or A string, put your second finger on the root and follow the fingering. The scale numbers will conveniently fall under the same fingers in any key. Very simple! Fig. 5 fret: G
o A E
2
--
A(5) E(3)
3
--
4
B (7)
F(4)
-
C(l)
5
C(S) -G(5) --D(2)
Because this fingering pattern is universal to all keys, and almost the entire fingerboard, it serves as a handy reference map for the numerical system. If you put your second finger on the root and follow the fingering, the rest of the numbers will conveniently fall under the same fingers in any key. Very simple! To help you get used to this system, and its grid pattern, practice these two numerical sequences. Start in the key of C, and reference Figure 5 to check out what you're playing. Then move to a new key, any starting note on the E or A string, on the second fret or higher. Play the scale in the new key and figure out the names of the notes (refer back to Fig. 1, page 12, whenever needed). Then play the sequences in that key. Pay attention to: 1. the fingering 2. the scale numbers 3. the note names If you can keep track of all three, you'll be in good shape.
The following sequence has you playing all the intervals from the major scale. The distance from 1 to 2 is called a 2nd; the distance from 1 to 3 is called a 3rd; from 1 to 4 is a 4th; 1 to 5 is a 5th; 1 to 6 is a 6th; 1 to 7 is a 7th; and 1 to 8 is an octave. Play these slowly and listen to the sounds they create. Being able to recognize these intervals by ear is very helpful. Numerical Sequence #1
1-2-1-3-1-4-1-5-1-6-1-7-1-8-8-1-7-1-6-1-5-1-4-3-1-2-1-1 This next sequence is a very common chord progression; it may sound familiar to you. It shows up frequently in jazz, swing, and pop music of an older vintage. Again, start in the key of C and check yourself against the grid in Figure 5. Make sure you can recognize all the notes in this sequence by their names as well as their numbers. Pick other keys to work on; you have a total of 12 keys to choose from, but for starters, use the most common ones like G, D, A, E, F, and Bb. The other keys are less common, but eventually you'll need to know them all. Numerical Sequence #2
1-6-2-5-3-6-2-5-1-3-4-2-3-6-2-5-1 Hey, remember how I said notes can be found in more than one location? Well, that's true for these sequences too. They won't fall under the fingers as naturally as they do when you stay in the major scale position, but just for a fun challenge, look for them in another location on the neck. I guarantee you'll learn something new and useful.
17
THE OPEN STRING POSITIONS As I mentioned before, there are some exceptions to the universal major scale position. They are different because they use the open strings. Starting a major scale on the open E string makes the universal fingering impossible, yet we use the open E string all the time. You'll need to figure out THIS position! Here is a fingerboard grid of the E major scale in the open E position. Fig. 6 DI (3) A (4)
-
E(8)
Cl (6)
B (5)
P# (2)
E(1)
~
01 (3)
Here is how this scale looks written out on the staff. I've included the fingerings and solfege syllables too.
Ex. 8. E major scale-open position scale #:
,:
~
finger:
do 0
8
4
5
6
7
el
0
Uc •
10
II
#0 mi
fa 0
la 4
ti
do 2
2
3
#0 re
4
sol 1
1
"
The open E position also works for an A major scale starting on the open A string; the fingering and numeric placement of the notes are the same. Now let's look at the other open-string position: for the F major scale, starting on the first fret of the E string. This scale uses the open A for the 3rd note, and the open D for the 6th. This position also works for a B~ major scale starting on the first fret of the A string. Fig. 7 2
fret: D(6)
-
A(3)
-
E(7)
B (5)
4
3
5
-
F(8) C(5)
~
~
F(l)
0(2)
Here is the F major scale written out on the staff. Notice how the fingering uses the first and fourth fingers for the whole steps between F and G, and B~ and C. This reduces strain in the hand. Never force the hand open, or you're asking for problems down the road.
Ex. 9. F major scale scale #:
9: finger:
2 u
0
do 0
re
3
4
5
6
7
8
.,
~o
II
0
II
0
mi 4
fa 0
sol 1
la 4
ti 1
do 2
II
Once you get comfortable with the open string positions, go back to the numerical sequences and play them in the keys of E and F. While you're at it, play them in A and Bb in open position as well. Get comfortable in open position; you'll spend a lot of time there.
18
The Basic Rhythms Before we can move on, you'll need to learn some basic rhythms. Example 10 illustrates the most common rhythms used in this book. There are many other rhythms to learn, but we're going to keep it simple. The first rhythm (A) is the whole note; it gets four beats in standard 4/4 time. The second measure (B) shows half notes, which, as we've seen already, get two beats each. (C) is four quarter notes; each receives one beat (as we've seen in Ex. F). The eighth note (D) is worth half a beat; there are two eighths per quarter note. The counting pattern for eighth notes is: "one-and, two-and, three-and, four-and." The numbers are the downbeats and the "ands" are the upbeats (or sometimes called offbeats). Dotted rhythms might seem a little tricky, but they are easy to get used to. You've heard them before; it's just a matter of learning to recognize the picture that goes with the sound. (E) starts with a dotted quarter note. The dot equals one half of whatever rhythm you put it next to, so a dotted quarter note equals one and a half quarter notes-or, simply, the duration of three eighth notes. The count for this rhythm is "one-and-two." The dotted quarter note is shown paired with an eighth note-one of the most popular rhythms in music. Ex. 10 (A) whole note
9:j
(B) half notes
(C) quarter notes
r
Ir
0
2
3
4
2
Ir 4
3
(D) eighth notes
9:
r
r
r
r
2
3
4
(E) dotted quarter notes (plus eighth notes)
j
r r
E
E
E
+
2
3
r Ir'
+
4
+
+
+
(2)
~
r'
+
3
p I +
(4)
+
Take a Little Rest Example 11 shows you the rests that correspond with the rhythms shown in example 10. You don't play a rest, but you do have to count it. The rest acts as a placemarker in a measure of music, taking up the same amount of space as the rhythm it corresponds to. If you don't give the rests their full count, the feel of the music gets messed up. Honor your rests! Ex. 11
(A) whole rest
(B) half rests
(C) quarter rests
9:j
II 3
2
4
3
2
4
(D) eighth rests
:):
!j
I
I
I
2
3
4
(E) dotted quarter rests (plus eighth rests)
!j
!j
!j
!j
j'
!j
j'
+
2
+
3
+
4
+
Is' +
(2)
!j
s·
+
3
!j +
(4)
I
+
Study these rhythms and rests carefully. in Part 2 we'll start using them to create simple bass lines.
19
PART 2· Play the Root Now that you have some basic "how-to" stuff under your fingers, let's get down to actually playing some bass lines. The most important aspect of bass playing is to play the root of the chord. It's simple: when you see a chord symbol, or someone tells you a chord name, the root is the same as the letter name. For example: the chords E7, E minor 7th, E major 7th, E diminished 7th, E augmented major 7th, and E minor (major 7th)-all have the same root-E! It's up to you to decide which E you need to play. From your exploration of the fingerboard, you've discovered that you have at least seven E notes (more if you have over twenty frets, or a five- or six-string bass). Each E has its own particular function and flavor. For simplicity's sake, let's stick with the LOW ones; after all, you're a bass player and that's what we do-play low notes. Let's look at how to put this idea into action. Before you play, you should always tune up. If you have a tuner, great-use it now. If not, here are the open strings to tune up with.
Q TUNING NOTES: G-D-A-E TRACK 1
Here's a very simple chord progression. Coincidentally, it uses three chords whose root notes are open strings. Be sure to mute the open D and A strings as you move back down to the E string. Notice that under each note is the letter R, which stands for Root. The root is the same as "1" in the numerical system you learned earlier; they are interchangeable. From now on, you'll see the numbers (and other markers, as they're introduced) under the notes. This will help you learn how the line is functioning, which makes it easier to find the notes in other places on the fingerboard. We'll learn to play this example with three different rhythms. First, solid quarter notes:
Q
TRACK 2
E
,: %
D
A
J J J J IJ J J J R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
A
Ir r r r R
R
R
R
IJ R
Play 4 limes
J J J R
R
R
It's amazing how something so simple can sound so cool, isn't it? Get into the habit of finding new locations to play the same note. Check out the following fingerboard grid, and play the last example using some of the new note locations shown.
Grid 1 fret:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Now that you've experimented with different note placements, let's learn this example with other rhythms. First, we'll use the dotted quarter/eighth-note rhythm. Notice that it has a distinctly different feel from the first example. Also notice that the kick drum part matches the bass line. This is a very common approach in the rhythm section (bass and drums) for all kinds of music. The kick drum is one of the most important things to listen to when deciding what rhythm to choose for your own lines. While you're listening to the differences, also pay attention to how the guitar part has changed; the whole progression has a totally different feel.
20
:11
0>
TRACK 3
E
9:%
D
A
;.
jJ
;.
J, 1 J.
R
R
R
R
R
J~
J.
j)
R
R
R
1
A
F'
~
F'
~
R
R
R
R
Play 4 times
I J.
J~
J.
J~
R
R
R
R
:11
The next rhythm is the classic "pumping eighth-note" feel. This is a great way to make a tune move. Pay close attention to the consistency of your eighth notes-make sure they are rhythmically accurate, consistent in volume and tone. Again, notice how the drum and guitar parts have changed to match the bass line. These decisions are made during band rehearsals, so you need to be prepared to change your part to accomodate the melody and feel of a tune-after all, we are there mainly to support the music.
TRACK 4
A
E
D
A
,: i J J J J J J J J I J J J J J J J J Ir j j R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
RRRRRRRR
rj
Play 4 times
r IJ J J J J J J J :11
j j
RRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRR
Let's practice this a little more. Here's another progression; it's 1-6--4-5 using the numerical system. Once again, we're only playing root notes. I've started with the low G on the third fret of the E string-it's the only location for that particular G. The next note is the open E string. The most logical place to play C is the third fret of the A string. D can be played either as open D, or on the fifth fret of the A string.
0>
G
TRACKS
:): %
Em
D
C
Play 4 times
J. J J J I; ; J J IJ J J J Ir R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
F F F
R
R
R
:11
R
Did you notice that the second chord is an Em (minor) chord? No problemo-play E, and you're all set. Before we use the other rhythms, let's check out the fingerboard grid and see where else these notes can be found.
Grid 2 fret:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
The grid goes up to the tenth fret, where you can find D on the E string and G on the A string. There are several places to find the roots of this chord progression; get familiar with many different ways to put them together. Look for ways to play them close to each other, although it is also common in rock bass to slide allover the neck-you can play this entirely on the E string if you want to. It's kind of cool to slide into your notes sometimes, and the C and D notes on the E string carry a lot of weight. There is no 21
"wrong" way to do it-as long as you're playing the correct root-but keep in mind that the line has more integrity if you don't make huge jumps in register. For example: open G to open E, to fifth-fret C on the G string, to open D. That combination jumps register three times and sounds too choppy. Get the picture? To try out the next rhythm, let's go back to the first set of note choices with a variation on the dotted quarter/eighth-note pattern. This time, make it a quarter note with an eighth rest on beats 2 and 4, and play an eighth-note "pickup" to beat 3 and beat 1 of the next measure. This is a great way to tighten up the feel by leaving those beats open for the snare drum to hit alone. It's a subtle way we can affect the groove.
G
TRACK 6
C
Em
jl I J
j
R
R R
R
¥
)J J
R
R
¥
j) I J R
R
D
..
¥
R
;1
J
R
R
..
J)
j
R
Ir
Play 4 times
¥
r
~
R
¥
~
:11
R
R R
Did you notice how the drums and guitar sound different from the previous track? There are many styles that can be called "rock," and many ways to play within any given style. You will need to be able to play your bass lines with several approaches. By listening to the music, you willleam to instinctively play the right groove. This time, it's back to pumpin' eighth notes. Hey, it beats pumpin' gas!
Q) G
TRACK 7
c
Em
D
Play 4 times
rj
,: i J J J J J J J J 1 J J J J J J J J 1 J J J J J J J J 1 j j j R R R R R R R R
R R R R R R R R
R R R R R R R R
r
j j
:11
R R R R R R R R
Now it's your tum to do your own thing. Here's a new progression, but there's no specific line written. You won't be reading bass lines when you play rock 'n' roll, so get used to making your own choices. Take this example and run it through the same process: find the roots all over the neck, look for configurations that lay well together without skipping register, and play it with different rhythms.
Q)
,: i
TRACK 8
C
Am
,•
I'
••
Am
9: :
22
II
••
I
••
:
I ••
II
••
I
C
I
D
G
I
I
I
••
••
II
••
I'
••
E
G
I
II
,•
••
••
II
:
I
••
:11
Using the Octave Octaves are wonderful things. They allow you to create movement on a chord and still play just the root. The octave is the same note as the root-just 8 notes up the major scale-so you can always use it. Switching octaves gives the bass line a lift; you can definitely hear and feel the movement. Octaves are also a good way to switch to a higher register on the neck. Perhaps the most famous use of octaves in rock is "My Sharona" by The Knack. And, of course, there is 90 percent of everything recorded during the disco era... Here's a line that uses the root and octave to create movement while on a chord.
0>
TRACK 9
Em
9:j
G
A
C
C J J IJ J r J J J F J IJ J J r IJ R
8
R
R
R
R
R
8
R
8
R
R
R
R
8
:11
R
Now let's play this progression using the octave to jump registers.
0>
TRACK 10
Em
9:j
G
C
A
J J F F Ir
r r J IJ J J C Ir r J J
R
8
R
8
8
8
8
R
R
R
R
8
8
8
R
:11
R
It's a subtle difference, but you can hear how the octave is used for different purposes. In bass playing, the fine details make it happen. Now let's use the octave with some other rhythms. First, we'll use the dotted quarter/eighth-note rhythm. I'll mix up the function so we'll have movement within a chord, and register changes. I'll also add another four bars to the previous progression to give us more room to work with.
0>
TRACK 11
G
Em
9:j
J. R
R
9:
8
C
jJ I J.
]J J.
R
R
R
R
C
r·
J.
Jl
J.
Jl
R
R
R
R
R
R
8
R
1
W C·
8
8
8
W I r·
8
8
l
l
I J. R
J)
J.
J)
R
R
R
8
G
A
D
~
D I g"
A
J)
r·
p I r·
R
8
8
8
8
R
R
Notice that in some measures I didn't use the octave at all. Just because you can use it, doesn't mean you have to use it.
23
Now here's the eighth-note version. With this rhythm, the octave acts as a nice accent to the beat. It can be used to switch registers too. Again, notice that there are measures where you stay on the root.
0> TRACK 12
9:1
Em
G
A
JJ
J J J J j J IJ J JJJ J J J IJ J J J J J J J iJ. .]. . .J] . . . JJ ] ] RRRRR
R
8
R
D
RRRRR8RR
rj
R R R
j j
R R
RRRRRRRR
RR8RR8RR
G
A
C
9: j j j R
C
r 1J J J J E EE r 1J J J J J ] J ] 1 J J J J JJ JJ:11
R R
R
R
R
R R
8
R R
R R R R R
R
8
R
R R
R
R R
8
R R
For more practice, you can go back to CD tracks 2-8 and play them using the root and octaves. You can also jump ahead to the end of the book and play through the full-length tunes using what you know so far. It may not seem like much to work with, but you'd be surprised to know how many bass players in bands only know how to use the root and octave! Luckily, you're about to get the jump on those guys. It's time to forge ahead ...
Adding the Fifth The next note choice we'll learn to use is the 5th. The 5th (or "5") is a very important note in bass playing; it creates a strong gravitational pull back to the root. This pull is something we ~assists use in everything we play. As an experiment, play a major scale-any key will do. Play it a few times up and down to establish the sound of the key in your head. Now, play from the root to the 5th and stop. It sort of hangs there, doesn't it? Play it again, up to the 5th, let it hang for a little bit, and then play the root. When you hit the root, it feels like "home." Improper placement of the 5th in a bass line can create a lopsided, backwards feel. There may be a time for that, but for now, let's learn how to use the 5th the way it works best. There are a few patterns on the neck that will produce the root-5. We'll focus first on the most logical one. Most of the notes on the bass (except for the first four frets on the E string) will have an upper 5 and a lower 5. The upper and lower 5 are the same note name, but in different octaves. Grid 3 shows you how that works. For example, the third fret on the A string is a C. The upper 5 is two frets up (fifth fret) and one string up (the D string); that note is a G. The lower 5 is on the same fret (fret 3) but one string lower (the E string). That note is also G, but in a lower octave. You can use either the upper or lower 5th, but they have a different feel, so listen to how they work and make your choice based on knowing the difference. The root (C) can also be played on the E string, eighth fret, in which case the upper 5 is still G, found two frets up and one string up at the tenth fret, A string. to play the lower 5, you would have to jump all the way down to the third fret on the E string. Grid 3 fret:
I 24
2
1
1
3
C(~)1 G (5th)
4
5
G
1
6
7
1
1
8
9
10
(5:)1 .1
C (root)
1
G
(5:)1
Here's an example using the 5th. I've cut the rhythm back to simple half notes, which get two counts each. This is a very common approach to playing many styles of music; root-5 in half notes works for rock, jazz, Latin, country (especially country!), and more. It's very simple, and proper placement of the 5th makes it work.
0>
TRACK 13
A
E
9:2 j
J
R
J
IF R
5
IJ
j
IJ
R
5
R
5
B
F 5
E
9: J R
J
IJ
#J
R
5
J
I;
R
R
I
5
r
J
R
5
:11
Here's a grid to show you the many locations for these note choices. Notice that some of these notes belong to more than one chord. For example, E is obviously the root of the E chord, but it's also the 5th of the A chord. B is the root of the B chord, but also the 5th of the E chord. Look over these alternate locations and see how many ways you can play CD examples 13-15.
Grid 4 2
fret:
~I
4
3
I !I
j,l
I
F#
7
6
5
il
I
.1 A
10
9
8
I 11
B
This example uses the same progression with the quarter/eighth-note pickup rhythm. Notice how sometimes the 5th is used as a dotted quarter, and sometimes it's the eighth note.
0>
TRACK 14
A
E
9:j
j) J
!i
J R
R
~
~,
!i
5
5
Ir
!i
R
DJ R
!i
j) I J R
5
R
R
J, J 5
!i
5
),
IJ
5
R
!i J) R
J
!i J) R
R
E
B
9: J
!i
!i
~ #J R
5
!i .;) 5
IJ R
!i
jJ
J
R
R
¥
J, I J R
R
!i
1, J R
5
!i
J, I r 5
R
't
DJ R
5
!i
l
:11
5
25
Now let's use the 5th in a line that pumps eighth notes. Notice that the 5 gets used to add little accents to the line, and as a "bridge" to the octave. Root-5-8 (or "R-5-8") is a classic way to create movement in a bass line without getting specific about major, minor, or different types of 7th chords. They are "safe" choices for any type of chord, with only a few rare exceptions. The shape falls naturally under the fingers, and it sounds good. You'll find that R-5-8 will be part of your bass lines forever.
Q) TRACK 15
E
A
tJ=j JJ==t]IJJJJJJjJIJJJJ L~r~t~J =fIJJJ3J3JJI -JJJJ~~~ ~ ~ RRRRRRR
5
B
RRR5RR5R
RRRRRR5R
RRR5
R5
RR
E
~: ; ] ] ] ; ] J #J RRRRRRR
5
1
err' j j r r J J J J J J J J P J j J j J j 1
RRR
5RR5R
1
RRRRRRRR
:11
R5R5R5R5
Now it's your tum to put the R-5-8 into action. Here's a new progression to practice. First, find all the roots in as many locations as possible on the neck. Then find the lower and upper 5th for each root. Play the example with half notes, dotted quarter/eighth notes, and straight eighth-note rhythms. Experiment with different ways to order the notes. Go back to the previous examples and play them with R-5-8, then move ahead to the other examples, and use them for more practice.
Q) TRACK 16
D
.t
9: ! .6
••
I .t
••
D
9: .6
C
G
.t
I
G
••
••
I
II
II
I
••
,•
I
Em
I
I
••
II
••
II
I
I
A
I
••
••
II
••
I
••
Approach Notes Now that you have some experience with the root-5-8 shape, let's look at ways to create more movement in the bass line. Remember, it's never a bad thing to keep your bass line simple. Playing "just" the root is what made thousands of popular songs become big hits. However, there are things we can add to our bass lines that create a greater sense of destiny: that feeling when you just KNOW where the line is going, and when it does ... BAM! Creating moments like that in a bass line is what makes a song really happen. Approach notes can be used to create movement during a chord, or as a way to get from one chord to the other. The approach note is followed by the target note-usually the root of the next chord, or the 5th (or other chord tone) of the chord you're currently playing. There are three types of approach notes we'll learn: the chromatic approach, the scale approach, and the dominant approach. Each works in its own unique way to create movement over a chord, or take you to the next chord.
26
:11
CHROMATIC APPROACH Chromatic approach is the easiest type of approach note to grasp; it's simply a half step away from your target note. By now, we all know that a half step is one fret on the bass (we DO know this-right?). For example, a chromatic approach to a G would be either F# 1Gb or Ab IG#. (Notice how I mentioned both names for the chromatic notes; they can be called by either one depending on the context.) You can find a G in many places on the fingerboard, and you can also find its corresponding chromatic approach notes in several places as well. It's easy to figure them out, because they are always one fret above or below the target. If you know the location ofG, you automatically know where F#/Gb is (one fret lower) and where Ab IG# is (one fret higher). The only exception is the open G string; its lower chromatic approach note is found on the fourth fret of the D string, which also acts as the lower chromatic approach note for the G on the 5th fret of the D string. By now, the patterns on the neck have become clear to you, and you recognize that open G and fifth-fret D-string G are the same note. Take a look at Grid 5 to see what we've just been talking about.
Grid 5 fret:
2
4
3
~I
G#I
GI
.1 F#
.1
5
6
01
Gil
G#
G
7
8
I
I
9
10
11
PII
01
GIl
CD tracks 17 and 18 use chromatic approach. On some chords, we use a chromatic note to approach the 5-this creates movement within the chord. We'll also use it to move toward the next chord changethis creates a pull toward the new chord that gives the bass line a little "destiny." The chromatic approach notes are marked with the letters "Chr." Grid 6 shows you the target notes (roots and 5ths) for tracks 17 and 18. The chromatic approaches are one fret (a half step) above or below these targets.
Grid 6 2
fret:
;1
3
~I
AI
.1
G
F
4
5
I
II A
6
7
8
~I
I
10
9
EI
I
IF'
#;J
~ #J J J
Chr
5
II D
C
Q) TRACK 17
Am
,: i J. R
J)
J.
R
R
]J
R
I J.
#~
r J7i3 Ir'
R
ehr
5
Chr
Am
,: J.
D
C
R ehr
J.
R
R
jJ I J. Chr
R
R
R
~
R
l
Jl
J.
R
R
R
5
F
C
JS
p r·
Chr
R
R
ehr
G
nJl
J #J ~ I~
Chr
5
l
j) I J.
Chr
J~
J.
#J)
R
R
Chr
I J. R
Chr
R
:11
Chr
27
Now let's use the same progression with an eighth-note feel. TRACK 18
Am
C
D
dt Er: r:!f 1r r ErE Err 1J J J.J j #3 J J 1
9:! J J J J J J J J 1E r R R R R R R R Chr
R
Am
9:
R
R Chr
5 Chr R Chr
C
R R R R R R R R
R
F
R
R
R
R
5
R Chr
R
R
R
5
R
R
5 Chr
R
R Chr
5 Chr R Chr
G
J J J J dJ J J 1t:J J J J J J ) 1J 3 3 3 J 3 J#3 R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R Chr
J J JJ J JJj
1
R
R
R
5
R
5
:11
R Chr
Now it's your tum. Here's a new progression. Find the roots in all locations, then the 5ths. The locations of the chromatic approaches should be obvious to you by now. Play the example using different rhythms.
Q) TRACK 19
D
9: i
I
D
9:
I
,•
I ••
••
/
/
••
I ••
•
M
••
••
I ••
••
/
I ••
I
G
Em
/
A
G
Em
••
I ,•
••
/
••
/
••
C
••
/
••
II
/
/
••
SCALE APPROACH The next approach technique we'll learn is scale approach. Scale approach uses the next closest scale tone on either side of the target note. Most often, that means using a whole step (two frets) to approach our target-of course, there are also half steps in scales, and in some cases a scale approach note may be a half step (chromatic). For now, it doesn't matter what you call it-just use it if it sounds good. Scale approach creates a nice melodic sound, though it can be tricky to use because there are different types of scales, and the same type of chord may take a different scale depending on what chords are surrounding it. Rather than get too involved in a theory discussion, we'll assume that it's going to be a whole step most of the time; if it sounds wrong, make it a half step. Grid 7 shows you scale approach notes for a G7 chord. The root is obviously G, and the 5th is D. The scale approaches for the root are A from above and F from below. The scale approaches for the 5 are E from above and C from below. Isn't it amazing how many choices you have for just one chord? Learn all the options-you'll have more to work with, you won't get stuck playing the same old thing, and each note location has its own unique qualities. For example, the F on the third fret D string is the exact same pitch as the F on the eighth fret A string, yet they are very different in tonal quality and "bass energy." The eighth fret A-string note has much more power and "boom" factor; the third fret D location is a little sweeter and cleaner. Taking notice of these subtleties helps you become a more effective bass player.
Grid' fret:
2
I .1 F
28
al
3
!I G
4
5
I II A
6
7
8
I :1 fl C
9
EI
10
~I
D
:11
Let's look at an example of scale approach in a bass line. Grid 8 shows you the root and 5th locations for all the chords in this progression. Some of the notes have two purposes. For example, A is the root of Am, and it's also the 5th of Dm. F is the root of the F chord, and the 5th of the Bb chord. D is the root of the Dm chord, and the 5th of the G chord. Learn all the locations for the notes, and then start playing the example. As always, look for as many different ways to play it as possible. GridS 2
fret:
4
3
I ~I
5
7
6
8
10
9
il G
F
Looking at the written bass line, notice that in measure 6 we have a note marked 5/Sc. That note (C) has two functions: it's the 5th of the F chord, and it acts as a scale approach from below to the Dm chord. Also, in measure 8, the last note (G) is marked RlSc because it's both the root of the G chord and a scale approach from below leading to the Am chord.
0>
TRACK 20
Am
9:3 J. R
J~
J
R
R
W I J. Se
p
R
Am
9:
Dm
F
Se
~
F J• I
r'
J~
r'
5
R
R
5
R
R
D
r
F
5
R
Se
I
Se
r'
~
r
R
R
R
Se
R
Se
5
Se
G
J I r' 5/Se
r r r
;i3 I ~W
Dm
F
r'
Bb l
R
p
r r
R
R
IF' R
Se
P
EJ
5
R
:11
w
5
RISe
Here's the same progression using the eighth-note rhythm. It's definitely getting more activemaybe even a little too active! I'm using the idea alot for an eight-measure phrase, and while it doesn't hurt to play this much occasionally, remember to keep your lines balanced by just staying on the root sometimes.
TRACK 21
Am
F
Dm
Bb
~: i J J J J J J J 3I J J J J fJ JJ Ir j j r J J J j I ~J J J J JJ 3~ I R
R
R
Se
R Se
R
Se
R
R
R
R
5
R Se
F
Am
2:
R
r:E
~~ r r
R
R
5
Se
R
5
EO
r If E E r J J J J
Se R
R
R
R
5
R
R
R 5/Se
R
R
R
Dm
Ij R
R
R
R
R Se
R
R
R
Se
G
j j R
R
5
Se R
rJ
r j j j r F E[ r ~ I
5
R
R
R
Se
R
5
R
5
R
R
~
Se
~
:; :11 5
Se
29
Here's a progression for you to figure out on your own. As always, find the roots and 5ths in as many locations as you can. Then locate the scale approach notes for each chord's root and 5th-most often this will be a whole step above or below the note. Remember that some choices sound better than others, so listen and decide according to your ears. Experiment with using the scale approach notes sparingly, then use them often. See how this affects the bass line. Then, try alternating between chromatic and scale approach. Create a bass line that uses the best of both choices.
Q
TRACK 22
Bm
9: i
G
,•
••
I
I .-
/
Bm
9:
••
A
.-
••
,•
••
••
I ••
••
••
••
I
I/
••
I
••
A
G
C
/
.- .-
I/
I
I
.1
II
I
••
/
DOMINANT APPROACH The last type of approach note we '11 learn is the dominant approach. "Dominant" is another name for the 5th, so dominant approach uses the 5th of the target note as an approach note. Many times, a chord progression may have this built in. For example, when a song goes from Em to A7, E is the 5th of A. When you play the root of the Em chord going to the A7, you are automatically using dominant approach. This can also be called "dominant root motion." It's such a strong pattern that you'll see it show up everywhere. The place where dominant approach creates something interesting is when the root motion isn't dominant. For example, if the first chord is Em and the second chord is G, using a D (the 5th of G) to approach the G chord is a cool and interesting choice. The other way we can use dominant approach is within the chord as an approach to the 5th. We use the 5 of the 5, which creates an interesting new sound in the measure. You already know how to find the 5th of any chord, and the 5 of 5 is really scale degree 2. Here's an example of dominant approach in the bass line. When the root motion is already dominant, you won't notice it much, but I'll show you how to use it as an approach to the 5 (5 of5). When the root motion isn't dominant, you'll see how effective this technique is. Grid 9 shows you the locations of all the roots, 5ths, and dominant approaches for the next progression.
Grid 9 fret:
2
3
~I I !I ~I F#
30
G
4
11
5
7
6
II I II A
B
8
9
.1
11
C
10
il D
:11
Now here's the progression using dominant approach:
Q) TRACK 23
G
Em
9:j
J. R
)J
r r
5
8
C
I J.
]J
r
R
R
5
Dom
Em
9:
F I J. RlDom
G
J.
p IE
R
R
Q)
C EJ
Dom
5
R
Dom
R
J1
J.
R
R
J)
Ir
Dom
R
Dom
5
Dom
A
~
J J I J.
5
R
R
J J
D
R
C
I r·
~
D
..
R
~
r c:J
Dom
5
R
I J.
J~
J J
R
R
R
Dom
:11
Dom
How about an eighth-note version?
TRACK 24
Em
G
C
D
J J J J J] ':1 OJJ))) Sa IJ J J J J JJ J IJ J J J 3J J J IJ'---'-
1
..........-!J
R R
R R
R
R
5 Dom R R R R R 5 R RlDom R R ROom 5
Em
,: J1 JJ R
R
5
R
G
JJ JJ J
EEr 1 J J J
R
R
R
ROom ROom 5
C
E
ROom
R
5
R
R
R
5
1
ROom 5
ROom
A
J J J J i1 JJ 1 fD JJ [ ErJ
R RlDom R R R R
R
R
ROom
R
ROom 5 R
5
:11
ROom
That last example gets pretty active. While it's good to know how to get busy with the bass line, it's also important to kno'Y when to get busy. Just remember: less is still more when it comes to laying down a solid groove. I've condensed a lot of ideas into this eight-measure phrase, but in the "real" world, you might use one fourth of this amount of material to create a line. When you have to stay out of a singer's way, you play less. When you have two guitars, keyboards, background singers, and a full hom section, you play MUCH less. Here's a chance for you to put together your own line. Find the roots and 5ths all over the neck, and figure out the dominant approaches. For more practice, learn the chromatic and scale approaches for this example as well. In fact, go back and re-learn every single example we've played so far, and try the different approaches you didn't get to try the first time through. You'll learn a lot more that way.
Q) TRACK 25
F#m
9: j
••
I
J
I
I ••
I
F#m
9:
F#m
A
••
,•
I
J
I
••
II
I ••
••
••
I
F#m
E
I
I
••
I ,•
B
A
II
I
I
II
I
B
A
••
••
I
I
••
J
:11
31
PART 3 Box Shapes, Pentatonic Scales, and Blues Now that we've learned how to construct bass lines using the approach/target method, let's look at some of the other elements involved in playing rock bass. The box shape is a very common form on the bass. It's called a box because the note pattern forms a rectangular shape on the fingerboard. Using the first finger to play the root on the E string, the box includes scale numbers 4, 5, ~ 7, and 8. If you continue up one more string, you also have ~ 3 and 4. Grid 10 shows you the layout of the basic box shape. This shape can be moved around the neck easily; the first finger on the E string becomes the root of the key. Grid lOis the key of G, and the notes are labeled according to their scale numbers-but by now you should know the names of each note shown.
Grid 10 2
fret:
I
I
3
I
4
5
6
I II
R
7
9
8
10
I I I I I
The box shape is virtually identical to something known as the minor pentatonic scale. In fact, there is only one note missing-the minor pentatonic scale adds a ~3 on the same string as the root. The complete scale only goes to the octave, but staying in the position, you can also catch the ~3 and 4 on the G string. Grid 11 is the minor pentatonic scale.
Grid 11 fret:
I
2
I
3
I
4
6
5
I II .1 ~3
R
7
9
8
10
I I I I
These two very similar fingerboard patterns are the source of a lot of ideas used in rock bass lines. Let's look at a classic box-shape line that's incredibly simple, and gets played all the time. Grid 12 shows you the layout. The line is R-8~7-5, and for this example it's in the key of G.
Grid 12. I-G7 chord fret:
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
I I I I I
R
Here is the line written out:
Ex. 12
32
10
J
F
r
R
8
~7
r 5
II
Now we'll take this basic box-shape line and create a blues form out of it. The 12-bar blues is the one of the most common song forms in rock, jazz, blues (of course), country, R&B, and popular music in general. As a style of music, the blues is truly the foundation of rock as we know it. Blues legend and rock pioneer Muddy Waters wrote a song called "The Blues Had a Baby, and They Called It Rock 'n' Roll"-truer words were never spoken. During the post-WWII era, the early blues masters in Chicago were the first to use electric instruments to play what was originally an acoustic folk-style blues that originated in the Mississippi Delta region. The resulting music was more urban-sounding and much louder. It influenced all the early rock performers, most notably Chuck Berry, and in a sense BECAME rock 'n' roll. Even the British Invasion of the '60s was a product of the post-war blues style. If you look back at bands like the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jethro Tull, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, and many others, you'll see that their first albums featured mostly blues-oriented material. But enough history; let's look at "da blues." The 12-bar blues follows a set format with a few possible variations. The simplest version (track 26) has the I chord for four measures. In the fifth measure, you go to the IV chord for two bars. In measures 7 and 8, you return to the I chord. In measure 9 you have the V chord for one measure; measure 10 is the IV chord for one measure; and measures 11 and 12 go back to the I chord. Since this box-shape line is only one measure long, we'll move it around the fingerboard according to the format you've just read. Staying in the key of G, here are the grids to show you where the IV (C) and V (D) chords lay on the neck. Please remember that you need to know the names of the notes you're playing; don't just think of them as shapes. Grid 13. IV-C7 chord fret:
I
2
I I
3
~I
4
5
I
6
7
8
9
10
I I I I I
Grid 14. V-D7 chord fret:
I
2
3
4
5
6
I I I I II I
7
8
9
10
I I I
33
Here is the 12-bar box-shape blues line written out in G. This example has a "shuffle" feel (we'll get into that a little more later). You can play this line in any key by simply changing the starting location of your first finger and following the same pattern of notes. To playa blues in A, put your first finger on the fifth fret of the E string and play the pattern. For a blues in F, put your first finger on the first fret of the E string and follow the pattern. It's easy!
Q) TRACK 26
G7
9:!
J
F
R
8
C7
9:
J
r
R
8
r r
~7
5
~r ~7
R
~7
8
IJ
5
r r
IJ
F
5
F
r r
IJ
r r r
G7
~r
r
br
8
~7
R
r r
etc.
r
IJ R
C7
r r r r
F
IJ
etc.
D7
2:
r
IJ
5
~7
8
R
F
r r
F
IJ
~7
8
5
etc.
G7
r
R
5
r r
F
IJ
~7
8
5
r r
F
IJ
:11
etc.
Another cool way to play this example is using the shuffle or "double-stroke" rhythm. It might look a little scary, but listen to the recorded bass line. You already know what this sounds like; it's just a matter of getting the feel into your hands.
Q) TRACK 27
G7
9:1 J
3
¥
3
J r ¥ fwgriJ'3E "E W 3
R
R
8 ~7
8
3
~7
5
3
3
5
3
IJ 'i 3E" Eill W I 3
3
3
etc.
C7
b
3
3
w
3
3
b
3
9:J¥JE !lWwliTIF"Ff'i §I 'ElmF'IFf, ~ml ;}
3
-
3
R
3
R
8
8
~7
3
3
~7
5
3
5
G7
tJ
D7
J ; 3E'1 E W' gr IJ ; 3E 'l f W W IQ! 3
R
3
8
R 8
~7
3
~7
5
3
5
3
3
3
R
etc.
3
3
etc.
r rF Fr
R 8
'I
'1
'1
3
3
3
8
~7
~7
5
~I 5
G7 3
'1fWIJ'3E'l rwwlJ ; 3E'1 f OJ tu
3
R
34
R
8
3
8 ~7
3
~7
5
3
5
R
R
8
3
8 ~7
333
3
~7
5
5
etc.
:11
Here's another box-shape line. It's played with an even eighth-note feel, and has more of a rock 'n' roll groove. This groove works great for older R&B tunes like "Mustang Sally." This line is also in the key of G, and the note locations are the same as in the previous examples.
0>
G7
TRACK28
C7
~: J
~7
5
R
a~f r
'J
~7
5
R
5
~7
5
C ~7
r 8
D7
8
R
~7
5
~7
5
8
h
1
etc.
G7
~ ~ nrC r IJ ' ~
j etc.
R
C7
5
r r F r IJ ~7
5
~7
~7
5
5
~7
8
~rrFrl
y
~
etc.
8
G7
~:r 'J~FrrrIJ ,~bfrcrIJ ~~rrrflJ R
,
R
5
~7
5
~7
8
R
5
~7
5
~7
8
r r Fi :11
etc.
Example 13 shows you some variations of the box-shape line. They all use the same exact notes, but in different order, maybe with a slight change in the rhythm. You can substitute any of these patterns in CD track 28. Simply use the new "lick" as the basis for the blues pattern-four times on the I chord, two times on the IV, and back to the I chord twice; then once on the V chord, once on the IV chord, and twice on the I chord. That's all there is to it. Ex. 13 C)
B)
A)
~:!
J
y
~
rEF; :111: J
5 ~7
R
8 ~7
5
~ ~
D)
F r :111: J j
~
'J
r r Fr :111: J j r r j
~
IT
:11
R R
R
Now it's time for you to do a little thinking (but not too much). This next track is the same groove and bass line as the last one, except it's in the key of A. This means you have to figure out how to play it in a new key, with new note locations. It's VERY easy. In addition to moving the entire position and repeating the exact same pattern, you can make it more challenging by playing the A7 and E7 patterns in open position. You have open E and A strings (open D too-try that!). How would this line work using these options? It's totally possible, and the low E string sounds great. So your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to find more than one way to play this line in the key of A (there are several). Also, use the
0>box-shape variations shown in example 13. TRACK 29
A7
9: i
Z
Z
J
J
z
Iz
••
I
J
,:
E7 .1
IJ
Z
J
J
I ••
••
J
••
Iz
J
Z
J
A7
D7
9:
•
J
J
J
Iz
J
Z
••
Z
z
Iz
z
Z
J
A7
D7 f
Iz
z
z
z
IJ
Z
••
••
IJ
••
••
z
:11 35
THE WALKING BLUES LINE We can't skip this classic line. It's been used for decades in swing, R&B, jazz, rock, countryeverything! You'll recognize it instantly. This is the type of line that was played on early rock records of the 1950s, especially Chuck Berry's. When rock was first "invented," there was no such thing as a "rock musician." These early recordings were made by jazz, R&B, and blues players. This bass line is a holdover from those styles, and so it became the first rock 'n' roll bass line. First, lets look at this line in a "universal" key like A~ . Don't freak out about the key-if you learn the position, you can shift it anywhere on the neck and immediately play it in other keys. Of course, even in a "universal" key, there is more than one way to play it. The grids map out the locations of the notes, indicated by their scale numbers. There are at least three different ways to play this line, all of which lay well on the fingerboard, and each way is easily transposed to a new key by starting on the new root. Make sure you try the line several ways; you might break a string one day and be forced to find a different fingering!
Q
TRACK 30
A b7
9: ~&,,~ % J J R
r r 5
3
II'~ ~7
6
ob7
~: ~(l ~
&
r r r r
R
3
E b7
9: ~b&~
5
R
3
~7
5
6
R
F
r
3
5
I ~~
~7
6
r r
J
r r
J
6
5
3
R
3
~7
6
5
3
6
5
3
A b7
r r r
F Ir R
3
r r
5
3
IJ J
Ob7
r
I ~F
A b7
r r r
IT
6
5
6
r r
J IJ J
r r
3
5
IJ J F R
3
3
5
r
II'E ~7
6
r
F J
6
5
3
Here are the grids for the individual chords. Can you see the three different ways to play this line? Here's a hint: start on the root with your fourth finger, or with your second finger, or your first finger. The most common approach to this line is the one starting with the second finger, but the others are good to know.
Grid IS.A~7 fret:
I
2
;1
4
3
5
I II ~ I I
6
;1
R
8
7
9
10
I ~I ~ I 3
Grid 16. D~7 fret:
I 36
2
;1
3
I II
4
;1
5
I
6
;1
7
8
I I
9
~~I
10
:11
Perhaps you've noticed that this bass line uses a two-measure repeating pattern. It goes up in the first measure, and down in the second. This works fine until you get to the last four measures, where there is only one measure of Eb7 and one measure of Db7. We solve this easily by only playing R-3-5-3 for each of these chords. For the Eb7 chord, there are the same three options that we had with the Ab7 and Db7 chords, starting on the fourth, second, or first fingers. However, there are two more options that are specific to this particular chord. First, you can use the Eb on the first fret of the D string for the root, then play the open G as the 3rd, and the third-fret Bb on the G string as the 5th. The second option substitutes the fifth-fret G on the D string as the 3rd. Grid 17. Eb7
Another classic approach to this line is to play each note twice as eighth notes. It creates more rhythmic push and an aggressive feel.
TRACK 31
A~7
9: ~bb~! J R
JJ J
E
R
5
3
3
r r r I bE E r r ~ E - IE J J J E r tJ 5
6
~7
6
~7
6
6
5
5
3
R
3
R
3
3
5
rrI
5
6
6
D~7
9: ~bb~
bE ~7
E Err f
r J I(
j
r r Ere r Itr r r F f
~7
3
R
3
6
6
5
5
3
R
3
5
5
6
~7
6
A~7
:1= ~b b~
&
J JJJ
E
r
r r Ibr
R
5
5
6
R
6
5
5
3
3
3
3
~7
6
E
rr
~7
6
5
6
r J•
E E t J- Ie r Ej - E E 5
3
3
R
3
R
3
5
5
3
3
Ab7
( j R
6
E~7
D~7
~: ~!l ~
~7
r E1-
R
r r C r r --J I J J J J
E
3
5
3
5
5
3
3
R
R
3
3
r
r r IbE
5
6
6
~7
E
rr
~7
6
6
~ E 5
5
t J• 3
:11
3
37
Okay, now it's time to put the awesome power of your brain to work. We've learned this bass line in Ab using several shapes, but the most popular key in rock is undoubtedly E. Now it's time for you to figure out this bass line in E, all by yourself-no grids to show you where the notes are. If necessary, refresh your memory by looking back at the open E position grids, then figure out the line using the scale numbers. You can do it! It's easy. You'll be using open E and open A as your roots. The B is ... well, you'll find it. Practice this line in both quarter- and eighth-note versions.
TRACK 32
E7 ••
J
I
J
I
I
I
A7
9:
••
I
,I
••
I
E7
••
••
••
B7
9:
••
I'
I ,•
I
••
J
A7
••
I
J
I ••
II
J
J
••
II
I
I
J
E7
••
I
I
IJ
J
••
••
I ••
I
••
J
That wasn't too hard, was it? Although I've set this book up to be easy to use, it's important to stretch your mind and figure things out for yourself. Instead of using tablature to show you every example, you've become accustomed to looking for alternatives. As you know by now, learning more than one way to playa line gives you a real musical advantage. Rock bass playing is fairly simple, but the more you understand what you're playing, the more options you have, the faster you can learn new songs, and the more mobility you'll have as a bass player. It's not uncommon for bass players to be in several bands at once, or to become freelancers and play with anyone who calls them for a gig. To pull this off, you need to know your bass intimately, understand how to create lines, and groove. By now, you're well on your way to becoming a solid and aware bass player. Let's look ahead at some new ideas that will make your bass playing even more interesting.
Nevv Rhythl11s Up to this point in the book, the rhythms we've used have been fairly simple. You've worked with the dotted quarter/eighth-note feel, consistent pumping eighth notes, quarter-note walking lines, and a shuffle feel. There are many rhythmic variations in rock music, and while they may look scary when you see them written on paper, I guarantee that you can learn them immediately by listening. Your brain works amazingly fast when it comes to learning rhythms by ear. For this upcoming section, make sure you listen to the rhythms as I've played them on the CD-don't let the written music scare you off! First, we'll look at a new rhythm played on just the root, and then we'll see how the new rhythm can be used in a more active bass line.
ANTICIPATING THE DOWNBEAT One of the most common rhythmic ideas in rock (and many other styles of music) is to anticipate the downbeat. We play on the "and" (+) of beat 4, and hold it through the downbeat (beat 1) of the next measure. This creates forward movement in the bass line and gives the music a nice edge. 38
:11
0>
TRACK 33
anticipation
':i J. 2)
(+
J)
J.
+
3
I J.
J) 4)
(+
+
-
2)
(+
J)
J J
l
+
3
4
+
:11 +
After hearing this a few times, I'm sure you can think of many tunes that do this. Let's look at a bass line that uses this rhythm over a chord progression. We'll keep the bass line simple-strictly roots and 5ths. When you get comfortable with this rhythm, feel free to add other elements like approach notes to the line. Notice how I anticipate the downbeat of measure I at the repeat sign-let this note sustain through the dotted quarter note that begins the pattern again.
0>
TRACK 34
C
D
A
,: ! J. R
j)
J.
~dF'
J)
EJ
R
R
R
5
R
I J.
l
R
(A)
D
R
~
~J
J.
~dF'
J)
5
R
c:r
R
5
R
J) :11
¥
R
R
-
Let's look at some more rhythms that anticipate the downbeat. This next one is a little more active within the measure, and the steady eighth notes for beats 3 and 4 of measure 2 provide a great place to add approach notes.
0>
TRACK 35
anticipation
,: i J
J J
l
3
(2)
J) I J
¥ (4)
+
+
¥
-
(2)
J)
J J J J
+
3
4
+
:11
+
Now let's see this rhythm used over a chord progression. Notice that I'm using scale approach notes to add more interest. Also, I've anticipated the downbeat of measure 1 on the repeat, by playing the root (octave) on the "and" of beat 4 in the last measure. This is not a rhythmic hold, however; it's a melodic
anticipation. TRACK 36
E
9:j
J R
c
A
J
J J J~ 1 J j'
5
5
R
-
y) R
j
J J J 1W
R
Sc
R Chr
R
B
t
n y JED R
R
't)
R
iJ
Sc R
R
OJ
J :11
Sc R
Here's another rhythm that anticipates the downbeat. Pumping straight eighth notes with an anticipation is a classic approach. In measure 4, we see a G used to approach the low E that anticipates the downbeat of measure 1. This note is listed as a scale approach, because it's from the E minor pentatonic scale.
TRACK 37
E
2: i
J J JJ
A
C
B
PJ alJ J J J £J J JaW J J J WJ #3 JdW
RRRRR58R
R R R R R Chr R
R R R R Chr Chr R
(E)
OJ
J J J J j I}
R R R R R Sc R
39
UPBEATS Another rhythmic approach that's common is using the upbeats, or "ands" (+) of a measure to create a bass line. This rhythm gives your bass line a cool, bouncy feel. First, let's look at just the rhythm to get used to it. It's important to balance this out with some downbeats; after all, we want the groove to "settle in" too.
0>
TRACK 38
9:j
J J +
,
J)
j
J
¥
J IJ J
¥
J)
j
J
¥
J
(2)
+
(3)
+
(4)
+
(2)
+
(3)
+
(4)
+
+
:11
Here's another line that uses the upbeat rhythm. In measure 2, we have a double chromatic approach up to the G in measure 3. Measure 3 is a box-shape line.
0>
TRACK 39
A
D
9: % J)
¥
R R
J)j
jT3 IU
R
R
Sc
R
C
G
j
R
P
¥
R
J 'f #J IiJ Chr
j
QJ
~7
R
R R
Chr
D¥
I J]
Sc
..
J; J :11
¥ Jl ,
R R
R
R
Sc
SIXTEENTHS Sixteenth-note rhythms may be scary looking, but rest assured-you've heard them all before. The tricky part is that the measure gets subdivided into sixteen equal parts; each quarter note is divided into four sixteenth notes. The most common way to count sixteenths is using the syllables one-e-and-a, twoe-and-a, and so on. Below you'll find a measure of sixteenths with the count underneath. Listen to the example to hear how the quarter note gets broken up into four equal parts. Practice playing straight sixteenths at slow and medium tempos. Use the metronome on quarter notes, and make sure you nail the downbeats. Sixteenthnote feels are very common in rock, funk, Latin, and many other styles of music. Getting comfortable with this level of rhythmic activity is important. Don't rush it!
0>
TRACK 40
9: i
Play4t;mes
J
~
~
~
J 3 3 3 J J 3 3 J 3 3 3
e
+
a
2
e
+
a
e
3
a
+
e
4
:11
a
+
Sixteenth-note rhythms are simple to hear, and once you get used to breaking up the quarter note into four parts, they are not at all difficult to read. Here are some sixteenth-note rhythms that frequently show up in rock bass playing. This line uses primarily the roots, and leaves a lot of space. Get used to following the counting pattern underneath the line.
0>
TRACK 41
A
D
9: i J J ¥ 1
40
e (+ a)
I (2
e
+
a)
JJ¥
¥"
e
(4
3
(+ a)
~
;1 r r e +) a
1
e
¥
I
(+ a)
(2
e
+ a)
j r
¥
3
(+ a) (4) e
e
f
~" +
a
G
A
,: J J e
1
7
l
(+ a)
(2
e
¥.
e
(4
3
a)
+
JJ¥ (+ a)
1 IJ J , e
1
a
+)
e
(+ a)
(2
Y ~.
JJ ¥
l
~
e
a)
+
3
e
(+ a) (4)
e
:11 +
a
Here's another sixteenth-note rhythm. An easy way to remember how it sounds is to assign the words "check on dat" to the notes.
Q) TRACK 42
"check
,: i
"check
dat"
on
" eJ
" Je
J l
~
e
3
a)
+
Play 4 times
J l
~
(2
a
+
dat"
on
e
(4
a
+
:11 a)
+
Here's a cool line that uses the same rhythm as its basis. TRACK 43
A
9: i
j l
JJ 1
e
+
a
(2
e
a)
+
j
FJ
3
e
I J•J j
] l A (4 e
+
1
a)
+
e
+
a
:1" (2
e
+)
lmu a
3
e
+
Play 4 times
J a
4
:11 e
+
a
Here is a sixteenth-note rhythm that has a "galloping" feel.
Q) TRACK 44
Play 4 times
,: i J e
J
j
j
+
a
2
e
J
j
j
+
a
3
e
J
j
j
+
a
4
e
J
j
+
a
:11
This line uses the "gallop" rhythm over a typical rock progression. Focus on keeping the notes consistent and driving. This line is a good candidate for pick-style playing.
Q) TRACK 45
G
9: i
C
3 J J 3 J J 3 J J 3 J J IJ J J J 1
e
+
a
2
e
+
a
3
e
+
a
4
e
+
B~
9: ~J
a
JJJ JJJ JJ
etc.
F
J] J J] J J] J J]
I~
~ ~ ~
41
Wrapping It Up There are many other rhythms out there in "rockland," but the ones we've looked at are among the most common. To learn more rhythms, simply listen to music. When you hear a cool rhythm, pick it up by ear. Sing it until you can match the song, and transfer it to the bass. It's amazingly simple. Up to this point, we've looked at a lot of information. It will still take some time before you have absorbed everything in this book and it becomes part of your musical being. The most important things to remember are: • Play simply-there's more going on in a tune than just the bass line. • Outline the root motion-it's the bottom line. • Choose rhythmic material that works with the song, and MAKE IT GROOVE! • Look for more than one way to play any bass line-different locations on the neck produce different tone qualities and new ideas, and give you a backup plan in case of broken strings. • Use a metronome to develop solid time; practice playing things slowly before you try to shred. • Listen to how you connect with the drummer-bass and drums are two sides of the same coin. • Develop a consistent right hand-it's the heart of your sound. • Play with authority, but be flexible enough to adapt to change. • Don't let the lead singer bug you-they are a completely different animal.
Full-Length Tunes Throughout this book, we've put the ideas learned into use with short four- and eight-measure minitunes. Now it's time to work with some bigger forms. The following tunes will have several different sections, and opportunities to try different rhythms. There will be no specific written bass lines-just the chord changes, and rhythmic suggestions. The goal is for you to put together your own bass line, just like you would if you were in a band or on a gig. Of course, you can also listen to my recorded bass line; you can even learn it by ear, write it down, whatever. But remember, learning to develop your own part is crucial to being a functioning bass player. The truth is, most people have no idea what to tell you to play. It's up to you-you're the bass player!
TUNE #1 Here's a very cool but simple tune. Each section has a letter to identify it. The form is A-A-B-A-A-B-B, and it ends on an Am chord. The A section is a verse, and the B is called the chorus. The A section has a more laid-back feel, while the chorus drives harder. A typical approach might be to play whole notes for the very first A section, then do the dotted quarter/eighth-note rhythm for the second A section. The chorus can take a pumping eighth-note feel. Catch the anticipated downbeat to measure 4 of the B section.
TRACK 46
lAl
Play whole notes for first A section.
Am
Am
C
I/
~
••
••
••
C
••
I
I
/
I ••
••
••
J
etc.
Use rhythm for 2nd. 3rd, and 4th A section.
F
Dm
I
42
I
I
••
G
Am
••
J
••
IJ
••
••
••
II
••
••
••
:11
[ill
9:
G
F
~ ~ ~ ( ~ ~ ~
I
(=
I'
I'
.'
••
:1= ,•
••
I
••
Ud
I
.'
••
I
§
F
IJ
J
anticipation
I ••
Em
Dm
F
Am
J
I ••
••
J
I ••
••
••
I
••
••
II
J
Fonn:A-A-B,A-A-B-B
TUNE #2 This three-part tune has a rootsy, Rolling Stones-ish feel. The A section has a mostly quarter-note feel, but it's mixed with some eighth notes and has a few anticipations (for the sake of clarity, they are marked "ant"). The B section goes to a straight eighth-note feel; you can use the walking blues line pattern from track 32 (page 36) to give the section a "boogie" feel. The C section has a specific rhythm to use: just hit two eighth notes on beats 1 and 3, and catch the pumping eighth-note buildup back to the A section. The form of this one is A-B-A-B-C-A-B-B and ends on an anticipated E chord.
0>
TRACK 47
[A]
E
9:j
A ant.
r r r u1u r r
E ant.
••
J
J
J
~
I
G
A
••
I
[ill
.'
I'
J
r=
ant.
U?t§
I
(
~
r=
9: ,•
r
9:
I
U D
9:
U
••
A
D
I
U
I
~I
J
G
••
••
••
J
••
IJ
J
etc.
••
I ••
I
U
IU
I
I
I
U
I
U
~
J
r r=
I
J
U
I
••
r
r
:11
B
I
I
A
G
I
I ••
A
D
B
A
I
I
B
U
••
B
I ,•
J
II
ant.
.f t. r. r. r-. I·F r· r· r-r· _•____ ·t I.I . . . I I ••
I
••
J
E
A
[Q
••
A
(G)
,:~.
ant.
r r-
ant.
rr
I r-
rr
Fonn:A-B-A-B~-A-B-B
43
TUNE #3 This tune also has three sections: A, B, and C. Listen to the rhythm of the drum and guitar parts to help you figure out the best way to play each section. The chords and rhythm of section C are perfect for trying out different approach types. Mix chromatic, scale, and dominant approaches to the roots-it's easy and effective.
Q
TRACK 48
[A]
G
9: i
J
G
9:
••
F
C ant.
, U Et ;
,•
F
, ,
[ID Bb
9:
,:
J
J
.f
J
,
[Q Bb
9:
,:
(='
J
I ,•
~
Bb
F
(' ~
(='
••
••
C
~
I (' C
~ I (' ~
, U- I" , , ,
I
••
J
I'
Sff;
••
~
G
Bb
~ I (='
I l· I
,
etc.
Bb
~ ('
J
I ••
F
~ (' F
~ (='
J
!j
(
J
Dm
C
1
~ I ('
~
:11
Bb
C
G
(='
••
.'
J
C ant.
C
F
l· I
UEt;
••
Bb
UEt;
••
J
F
J
••
I
C ant.
G
I
I'
I•
, , , I,
dz
F
••
,
F
Eb
C
U
,•
••
G
ant.
~
r·~I :11
6~(
~
D
ant.
~Et~F
~ ~
(=
~ ~ ~
(= II
Fonn:A-A-B-A-A-B~-A
44
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ed Friedland has become known as one of the bass world's leading teachers. Through his writing for Bass Player magazine, many instructional books, and years of teaching, he has illuminated the art and craft of bass playing to countless "low-enders," both student and professional. As a performer, he has played in many different situations encompassing rock, blues, jazz, fusion, funk, R&B, country, Latin, classical, theater, and various ethnic styles. A New York City native, Ed has played professionally in Boston, New York, Washington DC, Nashville, Los Angeles, Brazil, Italy, Holland, Belgium, England, Japan, Canada, and throughout the Western United States. A former bass instructor at Berklee College of Music, Boston College, and Arizona State University, Ed now teaches privately. More information about his other books and a discography can be found at www.edfriedland.com.
45
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by Drill TowC!.)! Learn the trademark grooves and solos of th e man who revolutionized bass guitar. This book/CD pack will help you take a dosel' look al jaco's rich bod}' of work Ihrough the st ru ctural, theorelical, and harmonic analysis of these classic reco rdings: Birdland • Bright Size Life· Come On , Co me Over· Continuum . Donna l.ee • God j\'tusl Be a Boogie Man· Kuru· Liberty City· Night Passage· Palladium • Port of Entl)' • Portrait of Tracy • Rockin ' in Rhythm· Talk to Me · Teen Town. _ _ 00695544 Bool
THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS ~)'
Dale limier Explore the grooves and riffs of Flea's brillialll bass work with this in-depth exploration into 12 RHCP songs: Aeroplane· Behind the Sun • Breaking th e Girl • Fight like a Brave • Give It Away· Higher Ground· j ungle Man· Knock Me Down· Love Rollerco:L;;ter • My Friends · Subway to Ven us · Under the Bridge. Includes Flea facts and the Peppers' histOlY. _ _ 00695285 Book/CD Pack ............ .... .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .... .. ..... ... .... .... .. .. ......... .. ....... $22.95
FOR MORE I NFORMATION. SEE YOUR LOCA L MUSIC DEALER,
7777 W . BLUEMOUNO RD. P. O . BOX 1 38 19 M ILWAUKEE. WI 53:213
Visit Hal Leonard Online at www.halleonard.com
Prices. contents and availability subject to change
without notice
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ISBN 0 6J4 - 04460 -5 U.S. Book $795, CD 51000 =Pkg $17.95
Parts not sold separately
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