Basics

Tuning the bass

Basic Tuning - This is the first method of tuning that you should learn. Electronic tuners, tuning forks, and tuning the bass with a piano are also covered.

Tuning with harmonics - After learning the most basic method of tuning, the next step is to learn to tune the bass using harmonics.

Drop D Tuning - This is a very common tuning in modern rock. From Tool, to the Deftones, this is one you should know.

 

Learn the names of the notes on the bass

Learning the neck - Very important, and often neglected. Learn the names of the notes on the neck of the bass!

Octave shapes - Octaves can be used to help learn the names of the notes on the neck of the bass.

 

Arpeggios

Basic major and minor arpeggios - These are the first arpeggio shapes to learn.

 

Scales

Scale primer - learn the basics of how to read scales charts for bass.

Basic scales - These are 5 basic scale shapes that every bass player should know.

Major scale forms - 5 basic major scale forms that will let you cover the entire neck of the bass.

Blues scale forms - Learn all 5 positions of the blues scale, and the common extended forms. The basic theory behind a blues scale is also explained in this lesson.

 

Music Theory

Constructing major scales - This is the starting point for understanding all music theory.

Basic Chord Construction - Learn the basic theory behind chord construction and how it is applied to the electric bass.

Intervals - The musical measurement of distance and sound.

Natural Minor Scale - Minor scale construction, and the relationship between major and minor. Learn how the theory is applied to the neck of the bass.

Pentatonic Scales - Learn the construction of both major and minor pentatonic scales. A reference of all pentatonic scale forms and functions is included.

Theory - Modes 101 - Learn how modes are constructed, and how they are used as both a tonal center, and as scales for particular chords.

 

Techniques

Hammer-ons and pull-offs - Also known as slurs.

Slides - Another bass guitar technique used to ornament a note, or to transition between notes.

Natural Harmonics - Produce "bell like" tones on the bass.

 

Bass Line Creation

The root - It all begins with a single note, the root of a chord. When learning to create bass lines, your journey must start here.

Chromatic approaches - Here is an easy way to to add some spice to those root bound bass parts.

Root - 5th bass lines - Add this very fundamental tool to your bass line creation toolbox.

Reading Music

Reading music on the electric bass - Learn the basics of reading standard notation.

How to read Internet tablature - This lessons gives a detailed description of how to read bass tablature found on the Internet.

 

Jam Zone

Drum beats for practice

 

Grooves & Moves

Michael Anthony - Run with the devil with this bass groove from Van Halen's bassist. Being a bass player isn't all about playing flashy lines.

Roger Waters - Get some money and learn this classic Pink Floyd bass groove in 7/4 time.

 

Misc. Wisdom

Classic Internet Bass Lessons - travel to those carefree days of the early Internet (way back in 1993). Learn bass the way our net ancestors did. No video, to sound, but some great lessons.