Using Minimalism and Subtlety In Bass Lines

This week I received a question about creating bass lines with minimalism and implication versus overt and fuller harmonic context. This is a deep question, so instead of just writing about it, I decided to make a video to play through some ideas and talk it out.

We’ll take the drumbeat from Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum” and try to create different bass lines to create harmonic and rhythmic anticipation. Of course, Leland Sklar’s bass line on the song is already perfect, but it’s a good groove to work with.

Have a question for Damian Erskine? Send it to [email protected]. Check out Damian’s instructional books, Right Hand Drive and The Improviser’s Path.

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  1. David Ricardo silva

    All good tips variety is the spice of life

  2. Sully

    Great tips! Go Stevenson Mustangs!