Technique Archives

You probably already know “Steal My Kisses” by Ben Harper, and the excellent bass line by Juan Nelson. In today’s “Talking Technique” lesson, Ari breaks this down with a focus on “Tenths” over I vi IV V pattern.

In this episode, Ari covers another chromatic workout. These chromatic lines are really fun to play, and they’re also a great technique workout for both our right and left hands. Not only that, they’re basically the musical application of permutation exercises.

This week’s “Ask Damian” column focuses on the subject of slap bass - in two parts. First, the basics, and second, the rhythm patterns. Damian expands on this to explore learning all styles in this new column.

In this new episode of “Talking Technique,” Ari is giving us the ultimate challenge for our right hand technique. Can you alternate your index and middle fingers throughout this demanding plucking exercise?

Here’s another “Chromatic Acrobatic Phantasy” for you to shed your technique. Chromatic approaches sound exciting and driving. How can you use them in your grooves? Can you pull off the fast version while staying relaxed? Have a go at it, it’s worth it.

That riff from Chick Corea’s “Spain,” played between the solos and as part of the head, is as catchy as it is tricky. Ari gets frequent requests for help on that section, so she breaks it down, step by step, in this new episode of “Talking Technique”

This week, a reader asks Damian for advice on mastering the three-finger technique. This is something Damian has spent a lot of time on and offers up a great how-to for exploring every possible variation.

In episode #60 of Talking Technique, Ariane Cap breaks down how Geddy Lee uses power chords in Rush’s “Dreamline,” with a quick harmonic run down, tips for fingering, technical execution, and practice.

Damian answers this question in this new “Ask” column this week: “I got a 6-string not too long ago and I’ve been having a hard time with string ring... Is there anything I can do about that?”

In this video, we’ll take a quick look at the usefulness of one of the lesser used fingers… the plucking hand’s pinky!

For the next few weeks, we’ll be going over some more lesson oriented topics. I’m kicking off the series with a look at percussive techniques on the bass, specifically using your plucking hand. There are some easy techniques to approach as well as some more difficult ones. Work on these slowly with a metronome starting with the basic patterns before...

Here is a cool modern retro disco funk riff that will help you optimize your octaves. A cool slide in the middle inspires more ideas for creative explorations and technique shedding. The transcription will help you out, but follow the step-by-step way to break it down and make it manageable. Practicing technique the groovy way!