Lessons for Bass Players! 

Here we will cover beginner and some intermediate bass guitar lessons (all information will be simplified to allow the user to fully comprehend the information).  Feel free to download, print out, and share the files with other bass guitar players (and while you are at it, feel free to let others know about our website). We are constantly updating our lessons page so we encourage you to check back often - you don’t want to miss out...

Lesson #1 – Learning the Names of the Strings

 The very first thing that any beginning bass player should learn is the names of the strings on the bass. It only takes a few minutes to learn and memorize - so take a few moments to learn the string names...

  CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP! 

Lesson #2 – How to read Tablature (Bass Guitar)

Learn the basics of reading bass tablature (as compared to reading music).  Tablature is pretty much the new standard for reading notes, but it is still recommended that beginning bass guitarists learn to "read music" also.  Handout only.      

CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!  

Lesson #3 – Simple "Harmonics"

 Harmonics are widely used in bass playing, and can add "flavor" to a riff or chord.  Here we will show you the very basics of playing a Harmonic to get you started...

     CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

   Lesson #4 – Tuning with "Harmonics"

 Here we will teach you how to tune your bass guitar using harmonics (a very popular and useful way to tune your bass - especially when you need to tune quickly).  Try it...

     CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

 Lesson #5 – Learn the Notes on the "E" String

 As a bass player you will be playing notes 98% of the time - this lesson will teach you the notes on the “E” string (the Top / Fattest string on your guitar).  Memorize the notes.  Don't forget to download the handout!

     CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!              CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT! 

   Lesson #6 – Learn the Notes on the "A" String

 Now that you are familiar with the notes on the "E" string, let's now move on to the next string down - the "A" string.  This lesson will teach you the notes on the "A" string (the 3rd string).  Memorize the notes.  Don't forget to download the handout!

      CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!               CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!

    Lesson #7 – Minor Pentatonic Scale #1

Even bass players must learn scale patterns if they are to become "proficient" at playing.  The Minor Pentatonic Scale is the easiest of all the scales to learn and use.  Here we will show you Minor Pentatonic Scale #1 (there are 5 scale patterns in the Minor Pentatonic mode).  Don't forget to download the handout!

      CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!                CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!

Lesson #8 – Simple Bass Walk in "A"

This lesson will show you a very basic, but widely used bass walk used in many styles of music.  The walk will be shown in the Key of A, but can easily be moved up and down the fretboard to change keys.  Don't forget to download the handout!

      CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!                CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!

 Lesson #9 – Bass Guitar "Root Notes" (handout only)

Once you are comfortable with learning the notes on the "E" and "A" strings it is time to learn more notes (yes, there are plenty more notes to learn) - this handout will show you all the "Root" notes up to the 12th fret on each of the strings...

  CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT! 

Lesson #10 – How to play the "Money" Bass Line

 This lesson will show you how to play the basic bass line in the song "Money" by Pink Floyd.  This bass line is a very popular line that is easy to learn - don't forget to download the handout so you can get the notes in tablature...

     CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!                  CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!

   Lesson #11 – Picking Exercise 

 This lesson will teach you a basic picking exercise that will get all your fret fingers in shape, and at the same time work on getting your pick hand fingers "in sync" with your fret hand fingers.  Don't forget to download the handout!

          CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!                  CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!      

Lesson #12 – "E" String Octaves

 This lesson will teach you "Octaves" on the "E" string.  Playing octaves is a must for all bass guitarists (octaves are widely used by bass players in all styles of music).  Check it out.  Don't forget to download the handout!

     CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!                  CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!

   Lesson #13 – Basic "Slap and Pop" Technique (Part 1)

 This lesson will introduce you to the basics of the very popular "Slap and Pop" technique - Part 1 "The Slap" will be shown in this lesson.  Take your time, practice it slowly, speed and accuracy will come later...

      CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

 Lesson #14 – Basic "Slap and Pop" Technique (Part 2)

 This lesson will introduce you to the "Pop" part of the "Slap and Pop" technique.  It may take a little bit of extra practice to get used to the "Pop" (the pulling motion on the strings), but once learned, you will be on your way to bigger and better things...

     CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

   Lesson #15 – Understanding the "Keys”

 This lesson will give you a basic understanding of the "Major" keys used in todays music.  The handout will show you notes of the scales, common guitar chords used, and the root notes.  It will be very important for you to learn about "Keys" if you are serious about your bass playing.  Learn the keys...

  CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!  

Let us know if there is a certain lesson (or subject) that you would like to see covered, and we will do our best to add it to the collection of lessons above.

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