Best of 2020: The Top 10 Bass Lessons & Transcriptions
Our bass lessons and transcriptions have always been super popular with readers. Here are the top 10 most popular we published in 2020.
Time to hit the shed!
1. Bass Transcription: “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa, As Played By Juliaplaysgroove
We are all used to seeing younger bassists playing amazing technical things on bass. Tim Fletcher returns with a new transcription focusing on Juliaplaysgroove’s impressive cover of Dua Lipa’s "Don’t Start Now."
2. Bass Transcription: Rutger Gunnarsson’s Bass Line on “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
“Dancing Queen” was the first single from ABBA’s 1976 Arrival album, topping the charts in 15 countries and remaining one of ABBA’s best-known songs. Check out this transcription and analysis by our newest contributor, Tom Kenrick!
3. Talking Technique: Black Velvet – Nail That Fill
Alannah Myles’ iconic tune “Black Velvet” features a fill that is pretty challenging. Originally played with synth bass, we might be tasked to play that line. Ari covers this (and all the benefits) in this episode of “Talking Technique.”
4. Talking Technique: The Speed Lick Trick
Three-note-per-string patterns offer a lot of opportunities for lightning-fast licks. In this episode of Talking Technique, Ari shows us how to get started with the idea of them by practicing a scale all across the bass in speed lick fashion.
5. Kansas – “Leftoverture”: The Complete Basslines, Part 2
Part 2 of Tim Fletcher’s and Troy Hughes’ project, “Kansas: Leftoverture – The Complete Basslines”, features Dave Hope’s excellent bassline for “The Wall.” This includes a full transcription (with tab), analysis, playing hints, and playthrough video.
6. Talking Technique: Wicked Riff
In this lesson, Ariane Cap focuses on an angular riff that presents quite the string crossing challenge. It will not only shed your technique, but it will also give you creative ideas.
7. Kansas – “Leftoverture”: The Complete Basslines, Part 1
Tim Fletcher is back with a new and exciting project. After the enormous popularity of his bass transcription for Kansas’ “Carry on Wayward Son,” he teamed up with Troy Hughes to create a complete set for the Kansas album “Leftoverture.” Here’s Part 1.
8. Tapping Technique: Developing Simultaneous Chordal and Bass Line Accompaniment
One way of applying your tapping skills to either a solo context or with a small ensemble is to create both chordal and bass line accompaniment at the same time. In this new “Tapping Technique” lesson, Josh Cohen covers this topic.
9. Kansas – “Leftoverture”: The Complete Basslines, Part 3
Part 3 of Tim Fletcher’s and Troy Hughes’ project, “Kansas: Leftoverture – The Complete Basslines”, features Dave Hope’s bass line for “What's On My Mind.” This includes a full transcription (with tab), analysis, playing hints, and playthrough video.
10. Tapping Technique: Developing Rhythmic Independence
Josh Cohen kicks off a new bass lesson series on No Treble focusing on Tapping Technique. This first lesson focuses on developing rhythmic independence.
