These 5 Beginner Bass Grooves lessons are and excerpt from Andy Irvine’s 30 Beginner Bass Grooves You MUST know where he explores some of his most versatile bass licks and techniques to build up your playing prowess. You’ll learn core foundations will help you better understand the bass, while creating a diverse skill set to enhance your playing. Be sure to check out the full course for more lessons, tips and insights!
Beginner Bass Grooves Groove #2: Tight Eighth Notes
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The mood and feel of this groove can be varied by playing the 8th note pulses with shorter and tighter notes. This often gives the music a cleaner sound and creates a little space, also working well to support a vocal section or create tension in the music.
Beginner Bass Grooves Groove #7: 60’s Funk
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Funk is all about an accentuated down beat or “one” (the first beat of every measure is confidently pronounced), space, and syncopation. Funk grooves are always repetitive, rhythmic, and they create a sometimes quirky pulse that makes people dance. When done well, a trance like state is accomplished. Vamping on a funk groove is all about feel and discipline. Less is always more in terms of function and musicality.
Beginner Bass Grooves Groove #14: Walking Blues Shuffle
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Now let’s look at a shuffle feel – more bounce to the ounce! That’s the name of the game, sticking to the kick drum, and playing patterns that remain intact, not breaking the pattern. Toe the line, and enjoy the approving smiles of the band leader.
Discipline is the highest level of musical sophistication. Blues shuffle skills done well are the key to getting gigs that can, and will, pay you, and open many doors of opportunity to grow on the band stand among other players. There are dozens of subtle variations depending on geographic influence – Texas, Chicago, Delta, and more!
Beginner Bass Grooves Groove #18: Bossa Nova
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Latin influenced grooves such as the bossa nova have made their way into countless songs crossing a multitude of genres. Jazzy in flavor, with a light and floating delivery.
Beginner Bass Grooves Groove #30: Reggae
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Deep low bass tone with a strong pulse is the name of the game with reggae, an island flavor that finds its way into all kinds of popular music.
Dig these beginner bass grooves? Download Andy Irvine’s 30 Beginner Bass Grooves You MUST Know for much more including tab, notation, and jam tracks!