Archive for February 2016 - Page 3

In this Advanced Bass lesson, we’re diving into the realm of playing over minor II V patterns. I’m including a solo etude along with two skill developing drills as we work step by step through a common chord progression. This lesson includes an easy to follow chart (PDF) detailing the specifics of this lesson providing you with a valuable resource...

We’re seeing some seriously great bass and vocal duet videos lately. This one was sent in by bassist Roberto Pace, who performs with vocalist Chiara D’Emilio in their duo, VoBa Sound Experience. Here’s their interesting arrangement of Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed and Confused”.

Gospel and soul legend Mavis Staples’ latest album, Livin’ on a High Note, sees Staples, now in her 70s, performing tunes written just for her, by a wide variety of contemporary songwriters. Songwriters include Nick Cave, Justin Vernon, tUnE-yArds, Neko Case, Aloe Blacc, Ben Harper, Benjamin Booker, Valerie June, and M. Ward, who also produced. Of course, Jeff Turmes is...

This week we’re checking out an exquisite Original I by Prat Basses. This particular six-string, built by luthier Oscar Prat, will get Buckeye Burl lovers going with its prime top and matching headstock. The bolt-on bass has a 34-inch scale with a curly maple and walnut neck attached to its one-piece swamp ash body. Its bright birdseye maple fingerboard is...

When people are just starting to get interested in playing the double bass there can be some trepidation when it comes to obtaining one. Both the prices and the terminology can be off-putting for someone just starting out. For those of you thinking about buying your first upright bass, below are a few things to consider. There are many variables,...

We’re bringing you another video premiere with live clip of El Ten Eleven’s “Scott Township” taken from a performance at the Bluebird Theater in Denver, Colorado on December 4th, 2015. The duo of multi-instrumentalist Kristian Dunn and drummer Tim Fogarty create a captivating and emotional atmosphere with a minimalist approach. Dunn kicks things off on a bass vi while Fogarty...

Fans of the late bassist Jimmy Bain, who passed away in January, can hear and see his final work on the deluxe edition of the band Last in Line’s album, Heavy Crown. Last in Line featured original Dio members Bain, Vinny Appice and Vivian Campbell, along with vocalist Andrew Freeman. Bain, who died on Jan. 23 of previously undiagnosed lung...

Another week ends, which means it is time to look back at the reader favorites here on No Treble. These are the top 10 stories, lessons, videos and more – as viewed by you. Thanks as always for reading, watching, commenting and sharing. 1. EMG Introduces Solderless J System Pickups Swapping out your Jazz Bass pickups has just gotten a...

The EBS Billy Sheehan Signature Drive Deluxe was unveiled at NAMM this year with the bass legend on hand to talk about it. The pedal adds on to his existing signature drive with more gain with a Boost footswitch, a phase inverter switch for add low end, and an innovative swappable op-amp. “There are a lot of drive pedals that...

Maxime Lenssens shared this video with just a simple note: “Mind blowing solo with ‘McSim 3’.” The mind blowing solo is by bassist Linley Marthe, who is joined by Jozef Dumoulin on keys and Lenssens on drums in this November, 2015 performance in Brussels.

Prolific bass transcriptionist Aidan Hampson is back with a new slate of downloadable PDF transcriptions. This time out, the selections are Bob Dylan — Bass Transcriptions, Best of Elvis for Bass, Jeff Buckley — Grace, and Queen — Bass Transcriptions. Check out the song list for each book below. Bob Dylan — Bass Transcriptions: Subterranean Homesick Blues Like a Rolling...

Orange Amplification took to NAMM to launch the O Bass, a vintage-styled bass that comes in Teardrop Sunburst, Off-Black and Orange finishes. The bass first made an appearance at the 2014 Winter NAMM show as a demonstrator piece, but came to production after videos of the instrument spread online. The company describes the O Bass as having a “distinctively vintage...