Keep It Groovy

Learn how chord inversions work on bass, what slash chords like D/F# and G/B mean, and how to use them to create smoother, more musical bass lines.

Ryan Madora and drummer George Sluppick break down the Bo Diddley beat, showing how bass and drums lock in and turn the groove funky at slower tempos.

Learn how to build a killer bass groove over two chords using rhythm, chord tones, pentatonic scales, slides, fills, and call and response.

Learn how to use string raking to improve your bass right-hand technique, create smoother lines, and move efficiently across the strings.

Learn how to use open strings in a C blues walking bass line to improve fretboard navigation, create smoother position shifts, and add chromatic movement.

Learn two major pentatonic bass shapes and use them to create grooves, fills, slides, and smoother movement across a I-IV-V chord progression in G major.

Learn how to build a funk bass groove using a simple theme, dead notes, Dorian movement, and tasteful fills that support the pocket.

Learn how to add James Jamerson-inspired Motown movement to your bass lines with chord tones, pentatonic notes, voice leading, and chromatic motion.

Ryan Madora breaks down how to create aggressive, high-energy rock bass lines with picks, blues box patterns, open strings, and driving groove concepts.

Build better bass lines with dead notes and approach notes. This lesson breaks down how to add groove, connect chords, and create more musical bass lines using simple techniques.

Learn how to use triplets to add movement and smooth transitions to your walking bass lines. This blues bass lesson breaks down how to connect chords, improve groove, and make your lines sound more musical.

Learn how to build better bass lines using a root–fifth–octave exercise that improves pinky strength, string crossing, and groove development over a minor chord progression.