"If the drummer is the backbone and the guitar player is the muscle, and the singer is the flesh and blood, then the bass player is the guts -- the heart."
Clive “Snuggy” McCann
Babies respond positively to low frequencies. Maybe that explains why we find the sound of the bass guitar so irresistible. It’s the musical ingredient that we feel in our stomach — that makes us want to move.
The job of the bassist is to provide the foundation. To be the glue between the drums and the rest of the band. The momentum and feel of the music is under the bassist’s control. He or she can determine the color and mood of the music with his/her choice of notes. And when appropriate, the bass can even take a lead role! Not an easy job, but a very rewarding one!
More and more people are becoming interested in the bass guitar. Which is a good thing, ’cause a good bass player is a hard thing to find!
Bass players need to have a thorough understanding of rhythm and feel — just like a drummer. They also need to be able to communicate with the guitarist or other instrumentalists, so knowledge of harmony is a must.
Students will learn all the tools they need. From the first lesson, they'll be playing basslines and learning what makes them great! They'll be exposed to legends like Ray Brown, James Jamerson, Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, Paul McCarntey, John Paul Jones, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Dee Dee Ramone, Jaco Pastorius, Sting, Cliff Burton, Flea, and many more. They'll have the opportunity to learn about the evolution of the bass player's role throughout the development of modern music -- and become a part of it themselves! With their knowledge of rhythmic and harmonic theory, they'll be able to analyze and adopt this ancient wisdom and apply it to new musical situations.
Sometimes need guidance and inspiration to continue down the same path. Some are searching for new sounds and ideas, while others need to spruce up their technique or patch up some holes in their understanding of music theory. Whatever the goal, students will find the keys to their inspiration and continuing development.
• Composition and Song Structure • Use of Plectrum (pick), R.H. finger technique, Slap-and-Pop technique, etc. • Use of Amplifiers, Effects, etc. and their effects on the instrument's tone • Visual performance • History of the evolution of the bass guitar, amps, effects, etc.
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