Keep It Groovy: How To Play Eighth Notes On The Bass: Pulse vs. Pedal Feel
Hey folks! This new “Keep It Groovy” lesson is here to help you with eighth-note feels.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of different ways to approach playing eighth notes. Staccato, legato, and even more in between!
Staccato eighth notes result in a pulse, where we introduce a little bit of space between the attack of each note.
Legato eighth notes result in a pedal feel, where we allow the notes to smoothly run into each other.
Long story short, controlling your note duration plays a significant role in your ability to contribute to the overall feel of a song. I hope these practicing strategies help you differentiate between the two and improve your ability to groove.
Enjoy and keep it groovy!
Ryan Madora is a professional bass player, author, and educator living in Nashville, TN. In addition to touring and session work, she teaches private lessons and masterclasses to students of all levels. Visit her website to learn more!
