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Makers Of The Melody Archives

Makers of the Melody: Part 3 – Time to Take that Solo
I Wish I Knew That

Makers of the Melody: Part 3 – Time to Take that Solo

It’s official. You’ve been given the nod from the guitar player and called out by the vocalist… time for a solo. Against your better judgment, you accept and try to switch your thinking from root notes and walking to playing the lead, expressing your thoughts, and showing off your musicality. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone, ready to play...

Makers of the Melody: Part 2 – Soloing
I Wish I Knew That

Makers of the Melody: Part 2 – Soloing

Bass solo! Bass solo! The bandleader points his finger at you, giving you the okay and hushing the rest of the band. Great. Now what? We’re not the guitar player… we haven’t worked on Hendrix licks or memorizing the solo section to “Freebird”. We can’t just crank up the distortion or create mesmerizing soundscapes with our pedals. We’re the bass...

Makers of the Melody: Part 1
I Wish I Knew That

Makers of the Melody: Part 1

As we begin our journey as bass players, we are drawn to particular types of grooves. Perhaps our ears perk up with a soulful R&B line, the sound of a walking upright, or a rock tune where the bass is pedaling the roots. Many of us are intrigued by vibrant staccato grooves, the slaps and pops of 70’s funk, or...