exercise Archives
Playing Through Changes with Arpeggios: Exercises for Bassists
Many of my past columns have focused on answer readers’ questions related to playing through changes. So for this week’s column, I decided to put together the video below to cover a few approaches to getting comfortable with changes, through the use of arpeggios. (Side note: I’m frequently asked about the software I’m using in... »
Left Hand Flexibility for Bassists
When playing the bass, flexibility is far more important than strength. In fact, if body mechanics and gravity are used intelligently it takes surprisingly little strength to play our instrument. Flexibility, however, is paramount to many of the things we must do well. In the left hand (or fingering hand for the lefties!) it is... »
Enclosure Tone Exercises for Bassists
One way to give more interest to your improvisations is to add enclosure tones to otherwise simple note choices. Enclosure tones are two tones which “enclose” (i.e. one higher, one lower) another note. Generally, but not always, the note which gets “enclosed” is a chord tone. For example, if we begin with the root of... »
For better or worse, trills grab the listeners attention. If a trill is quick, clear and under the performer’s control it can generate excitement in the listener. If it is slow, clumsy and uncontrolled, however, it can have a most deleterious effect. To ensure trills are at our command, we should train our fingers to... »
Thumb Position Exercises for Bassists
“Thumb position” is a left hand technique in which the thumb is used on top of the board to press down the strings. In essence, we use it just as we use our other fingers. Although the technique can be used anywhere on the instrument, this technique is most often used at the midpoint of... »
Exploring Polyrhythms: A Practice Guide
Q: What is a “polyrhythm”, and how can I use them? A: Technically speaking, a polyrhythm is exactly what it says… more than one rhythm happening at the same time. This could be a Cascara rhythm combined with a Clave, or even just a swing pattern on the ride along with the hi-hat on 2... »
Nikki Sixx Selling Stage-Played Basses from Motley Crue Concerts 
The Bass Solo: A Guide to Soloing More Freely 
Fabienne Gilbert: Come On Come Over 
NHØP: Autumn Leaves 
Performing Live: Memorization vs. Reading vs. Improvisation 
Musical Growth: Thought Process, Practice and Dedication 
Eric Avery Quits Nine Inch Nails 
Ibanez Introduces Mike D'Antonio MDB3 Signature Bass 
Funk Bros: Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart 
Capturing Your Ideas: Transform Your Musical Inspiration into Reality 
