Bass guitar - harmonic layering Part 1

This course is for bass players only.

What you should know before you start the course:
1. The notes on the fingerboard up to the 5th fret on each string. If
you can go beyond this, all the better.
2. C Major Scale – firstly the scale pattern, but also the names of the
notes and their interval/place within the scale.
3. A root position major and minor chord arpeggios.

The complete course is split into two parts with three lessons in each part. Part 1 covers the following:

Lesson 1

1. We will learn the I-VI-II-V Diatonic Chord Progression.
2. Play through the chord progression using Root movement.
3. Add the remaining chord notes and play a series of random arpeggios patterns.
4. Apply some rhythm to these fundamental bass lines.
5. Learn the major & minor pentatonic scales.
6. Play through the I-VI-II-V chord progression, superimposing the relevant major, or minor pentatonic over each chord.

Lesson 2

1. Quick review of lesson 1.
2. Learn to construct a bass line to play over I-VI-II-V chord progression.
3. Learn to play a rhythmic bass line and link into each chord using a range of different harmonic devices.
4. Add complexity using more syncopated rhythm & more longer harmonic fills.

Lesson 3

1. Quick-fire review of lesson 2.
2. Look at the song Brown eyed Girl / How sweet it is…
3. Learn the bass line.
4. Learn how the I-VI-II-V chord progression fits in with simple I-IV-V progression.
5. Plug in the I-VI-II-V chord progression with harmonic fills.

Course Resources

1. Course Preparation PDF.
2. Chord chart for song.
3. Course PDF workbook that includes fingerboard diagrams, standard notation & TAB.
4. Backing tracks
5. Mini video tutorials

Each lesson will include:

1. A lesson PDF with arpeggio, scale patterns and sample bass lines
2. A video example of specific bass lines/riffs
3. A backing track for you to practise at home with.

Buying options:

• All lessons  – this is our recommendation , regardless of your level. It’s a secure way of covering all the necessary subjects and it’s the best value for money.
• Pick and mix one or two lessons – if you’re confident that you meet the entry requirements.

What’s it like on a course?
The bulk of each lesson is obviously the teaching (usually with a minimum number of questions taken along the way) but we dedicate the end slot for formal Q&A. Being online means that players can elect to either have total privacy with their mic on mute and video disabled or switch them on and join in with questions or even work along with the tutor. The lessons, over and above the outlined specific subjects, try to give you the tools for self-improvement.

A quick note about the materials
We’ve always recognised that the real work takes place after a course and that’s why we pay special attention to the materials in order to help with home practice. The earlier you book, the earlier you get access to the core materials.

Course suitability in general
Check out our guide to player levels v course categories. The course is online and materials are provided and so it might still be useful for players who consider themselves below the required standard.

Overall objectives and a reality check
Yes – our courses are there to look at the advertised subject matter but we also like to challenge players and give you great techniques and practical theory/know-how to work on in your own time. Don’t expect to completely nail a whole song or to be able to fully in command of all techniques or understand every bit of practical theory on the course; it’s fantastic if you can but be patient and work diligently through the material at home. Apologies to anyone who hates the use of above split infinitives!

Call us for a chat at any time
Whatever level you are, you’ll have lots of takeaways to work on later. If you’d like to go through the course please call or email.