Best of 2023: The Top 10 Bass Lessons & Transcriptions
We’re lucky to have such talented contributors in our various “how-to” categories on No Treble. Each month, they deliver inspiring columns, lessons, and transcriptions.
Here are the top 10 reader favorites for 2023.
1. From the Bottom: Breaking Down the “Riff of the Century”
For this edition of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson revisits the story of how two musical giants met in 1972 and started making music together: Stevie Wonder and Jeff Beck. This is the story of how the “Riff of the Century” was born.
2. From The Bottom: Digging Into the Bass Line on “Groove Is In the Heart”
In this episode of “From The Bottom,” Paul Thompson digs into the 1990’s #1 Billboard Dance hit “Groove Is In the Heart” by Deee-Lite (with Bootsy Collins and Q-Tip) and one of the most recognizable bass lines from the last 35 years.
3. Keep It Groovy: Integrating Concepts In Our Walking Bass Lines
In this “Keep It Groovy” lesson, Ryan Madora plays through a very common chord progression in jazz and pop, the 1-6-2-5 chord progression. We’ll learn how to integrate different concepts to begin building a walking bass line.
4. From the Bottom: Breaking Down Flea’s Top 3 Favorite Bass Lines
Flea tweeted his top three favorite bass lines a few weeks ago, and Paul Thompson is here to share his picks and break down each one. Flea’s list includes some iconic synth, electric, and upright bass lines.
5. Keep It Groovy: Learn Minor Triads and Make Them Groove (Key Of A)
In this “Keep It Groovy” lesson, we take a look at minor triad shapes on the bass and figure out how to transform them from an exercise to a groove.
6. From the Bottom: My Favorite Bass Line in 17/16
In his latest episode of “From the Bottom”, Paul Thompson explores one of his favorite tracks from one of his favorite albums: King Crimson’s “Discipline.” Paul discusses Tony Levin’s bass line and how to play in 17/16 with GROOVE!!
7. Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’s “Amelia”
Alex Lofoco returns with a new look at one of Jaco Pastorius’s earliest tunes: “Amelia,” which Jaco performed with Wayne Cochran & The CC Riders. Check out the story and transcription.
8. How To Play A Texas Shuffle In E
Today’s “Keep It Groovy” lesson involves playing a blues shuffle in the key of E, and more specifically, a Texas style shuffle. Inspired by the bass line from Albert Collins’ “T Bone Shuffle,” this takes us through a 12-bar-blues progression.
9. Keep It Groovy: Learn The Bass Line To The Beatles’ “Eight Days A Week”
Today, Ryan Madora keeps it groovy by learning triads, following a chord progression, and applying a walking bass line by taking a page from Paul McCartney’s book and “Eight Days A Week.”
10. From the Bottom: Digging Into Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love” Bass Line
Who actually played Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love" bass line? Tina Weymouth wrote it, but she didn’t record it. Paul Thompson digs in on this and more in this episode.
