Bass Lesson Study Guide
On this page you will find studybass' bass lessons organized into lesson blocks. You should study the lesson blocks, and the lessons within each block, in order. This follows, more or less, how I present these topics in my private lessons.
If you've been studying the lessons on the site so far, the order is still close to the menu layout. As I add more lessons, this guide will keep you from getting lost within each subject category.
Be patient and don't rush through the lessons. Spend time on the exercises. Practice on the quizzes. Learn a few of the example songs when they are suggested in a lesson. Play cleanly and accurately -- not fast and sloppily. Finally, try to apply these concepts in your own creations by yourself or with other musicians.
Good luck with your musical pursuits!
#1: From the Top
An important group of lessons introducing you to music and the bass guitar.
#2: Basic Bass Technique
Building a foundation of strong technical habits and coordination.
#3: Reading Music Part One
An introduction to music notation. Reading music will help you study the lessons here and elsewhere.
#4: How to Practice
Tips and advice on how to practice. Doing it right makes a big difference.
#5: Common Bass Patterns
Simple note patterns bass players often use.
#6: The Rhythmic Pulse
Rhythm is a key ingredient to playing bass. Learning to play a steady pulse is critical.
#7: Intervals Part One
Intervals are the building blocks of all scales and chord patterns.
#8: Rhythmic Subdivisions
Other rhythms you'll play are divisions of the basic pulse.
#9: Introduction to Scales
Before we talk about the most important notes - chord tones - we need a quick look at scales.
#10: Introduction to Chord Patterns
The notes within chords are the most essential note patterns for bassists to study.
#11: Major Scales and Chord Patterns
Common major-type scales and chord patterns and their application.
#12: Minor Scales and Chord Patterns
Common minor-type scale and chord patterns and how to apply them.
#13: Reading Music Part Two
More explanations of common things you'll see in written music.
#14: Introduction to Keys and Harmony
The basics about what harmony is and the concept of keys in music.
#15: Beginning Diatonic Harmony
A brief introduction to how chords fit within keys and music's most used chords - the I, IV and V chords.
#16: Introduction to the Blues
Blues is the root of most music to which we listen.
#17: Applying Patterns to the Blues
A look at using some common patterns on the 12-bar blues form.
#18: Boogie Woogie
Some common variations of the blues form and a well-known blues bassline called the Boogie Woogie.
#19: Diminished Chord Patterns
Some less common, but essential chords for you to know.
#20: Memorizing the Bass Fretboard Notes
Methods for learning all of the note names on the entire fretboard.
#21: Review Block Number One
A review of the first 20 lesson blocks and their essential points.
#22: Slops or Chops
Taking care of some technique issues, and improving your facility on the bass.
More bass lessons and tools are being added all of the time.
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