Are Backing Tracks Holding You Back?
In this “Keep It Groovy” lesson, Ryan Madora discusses backing tracks, and the positives or negatives they provide when learning the bass.
Learn The Bass Line to “Pusherman” by Curtis Mayfield
In this episode of “Keep It Groovy,” Ryan Madora digs into the bass line to “Pusherman” by Curtis Mayfield. From the supremely funky “Superfly” record, Joseph “Lucky” Scott’s groove is absolute perfection.
Funky Blues Bass Line Inspired by Albert Collins
Today we’re playing a funky blues bass line in the key of C. Inspired by the Albert Collins tune “If You Love Me Like You Say,” this groove combines chromatic motion and dead notes.
Learn How To Really Play The Bass Line To “Come Together” by The Beatles
In this “Keep It Groovy” bass lesson, Ryan Madora walks us through perfecting the bass line to “Come Together” by The Beatles. To do so, we need to understand the theory behind the line and how to play with note duration and articulation.
How To Play A Texas Shuffle In E on Bass
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.
Dead Note Exercise: Practice Walking Bass And Adding Dead Notes
In this new “Keep It Groovy” lesson, Ryan Madora takes a simple walking bass line that moves from E to B (or I to V) and adds dead notes. These dead notes add funk and groove to an otherwise simple walking line.
Dead Note Exercise: Practice Walking Bass and Add Dead Notes (E to A)
In this “Keep It Groovy” lesson, Ryan Madora takes a simple walking bass line that moves from E to A (or I to IV) to demonstrate how to add dead notes to add more rhythmic interest.
Cissy Strut Jam: Groove Like George Porter Jr. of The Meters
In this “Keep It Groovy” episode, we’ll channel the power of George Porter Jr. to get our funk on. Check out this lesson Ryan Madora created around “Cissy Strut” by The Meters.
Learn How To Play A Country Bass Line: Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash
Let’s add to your repertoire of country blues bass lines and practice the Johnny Cash classic, “Folsom Prison Blues.” Ryan Madora breaks it down in this “Keep It Groovy” bass lesson.
Learning Arpeggios On The Bass: G Major 2-5-1 Exercise For Major and Minor Triads On Bass
In this “Keep It Groovy” lesson, Ryan Madora guides us through practicing arpeggio shapes by playing through a very common chord progression. It’s the perfect warm-up exercise to play with a metronome and can even be shifted to other keys.
Learn The Bass Line To “Glory Days” By Bruce Springsteen
Ryan Madora is keeping things groovy today with The Boss and learning the bass line to “Glory Days” from “Born In The U.S.A.” We’ll look at its theory, integrate some short slides, and do our best Garry Tallent impression.
Finding The Best P Bass Tone: Flat vs. Round Wound Strings
In this “Keep It Groovy” bass lesson, Ryan Madora explores the tonal capabilities of the Precision (or “P”) bass. She A-B tests the difference between flat wound and round wound strings along the way.