Bass Exercises: Legato And Staccato

Legato And Staccato Exercises

Bass Exercise #1: Legato Example

In this R 5 b7 8 line on G, I play each note legato. Each note smoothly connects to the next with no silence in between.

Bass Exercise #2: Staccato Example

Here is the same line as the legato example using short, detached staccato notes. You have to quickly touch the bass string to choke the note.

Bass Exercise #3: Combining Legato and Staccato

Most lines combine the two. Here is the same example with two staccato notes. That subtle difference completely changes the sound of the bassline. Basslines are not all about note choice.

Bass Exercise #4: Practicing Legato and Staccato

Practice scales, arpeggios, and patterns with different patterns of legato and staccato notes. Here is the A major scale alternating staccato and legato. Any combination is possible.