Bass Exercises: The Eighth Note Subdivision

The Eighth Note Subdivision Exercises

Bass Exercise #1: Playing steady 8th notes

First, you should master playing 8th notes evenly. Imagine the pulse in your mind and play what you are imagining. Your fingers will follow. Practice with and without a metronome. Example on open A.

Bass Exercise #2: Playing upbeats

Next, you want to be able to play on the 8th notes in between the beats without playing on the beat. Hearing it in your head will help. It can be tricky at first.

Bass Exercise #3: Alternate downbeats and upbeats

Practice going back and forth between playing notes on the beat and playing on the upbeat. Count out loud. Maybe tap your foot on the beat if it helps you.

Bass Exercise #4: Practice hitting any upbeat

You should be able to confidently play any of the upbeats by themselves, or in any combination. Here I play on the and of 3. Practice them all this way. Create your own rhythms and challenge yourself.