Example 3 is a modern rock-style bassline that incorporates slides between the octaves up and down the fingerboard . Notice how the octave slides stay on the same string in order to build intensity and also maintain a really round bass tone . The tone is thicker because you are playing your high octave notes on a larger gauge string than you typically would if you were keeping your hand in a single position closer to the headstock , playing the octave on a thinner string . Suggested tempo : 88 bpm
Example 3
Example 4 is a 12 / 8 shuffle bassline with the rhythm based on the triplet . This is a really fun line to play because of how it swings and cycles . It is based on a I – vi – ii – V chord progression that is common in blues and jazz music . This line is deceptively challenging because of the way the octaves are intertwined with the movement of the progression . As always , start slowly and increase the tempo only when you are comfortable . Suggested tempo : 72 bpm
Example 4
Example 5 is a swung bassline designed to sound funky and forward-leaning . Like example 2 , this groove incorporates space with its half rests and encourages you to once again pay close attention to your note durations . Watch out for the 8 th note triplets in measure 7 . You will want to make sure you ’ re using a hand position that allows you to play all of them without having to shift . Suggested tempo : 75 bpm
Example 5
I had a lot of fun putting these grooves together and I hope you have enjoyed playing through them ! Once again , my hope is that they will help to inspire new ideas of your own that incorporate the power of octaves on your fingerboard . Until next time , happy practicing !
Adam Nitti Nashville-based Adam Nitti balances his roles as a solo artist , sideman , and educator . He has filled the bass chair for Kenny Loggins , Carrie Underwood , Dave Weckl Band , Michael McDonald , Susan Tedeschi , Steven Curtis Chapman , Mike Stern , Brent Mason , Wayne Krantz , and Christopher Cross , while also releasing five solo CDs to date . As a Nashville session bassist he has played on multiple Grammywinning and Grammy-nominated albums , and is also the founder of ...
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