Jazz Bass Course Content

Lesson 1: The Money Notes

• Tension and Resolution—Roots and Half Steps
• Jazz Blues, Chord Changes with II-V Chord Substitutions
• Left-Hand Technique—Major Scale Economy of Motion
• Practice Techniques

Lesson 2: Build it Solid

• Jazz Blues, Chord Changes with bV Chord Substitutions
• Transposing Chord Changes
• Jazz Sound on the Electric Bass
• Transcription—Ear/Hand Coordination
• Practice Techniques

Lesson 3: Developing a Harmonic Foundation

• 3rds, 5ths, and 7ths
• Transcription Examples
• Right-Hand Technique for the Acoustic Bass
• Left-Hand Technique for the Electric Bass

Lesson 4: Learn from the Masters

• Transcription—Learning the Language
• Blues in the Key of Eb
• Left-Hand Technique

Lesson 5: The Rosetta stone

• The ii-V-I Chord Progression
• Hearing the ii-V-I
• Transcription

Lesson 6: Build It Solid

• One Measure Melodic Shapes
• Practice Techniques
• Two-Beat Style
• Turnarounds

Lesson 7: Modeling

• Modeling
• Bass Line Analysis
• Practice Session—Transcribe

Lesson 8: Hearing the Line

• Substitute Chords in Blues—Memorization
• Choosing Left-Hand Position
• Transcription

Lesson 9: Quarter Note Melody

• Additional Substitute Chords in the Blues
• Chords with Tensions
• Developing Melodic Shapes

Lesson 10: How to Sound like a Seasoned Pro

• Register
• Rhythmic Embellishments
• Dynamics
• Giant Steps/Transcription

Lesson 11: Secrets of the Great Walking Bassists

• Function - Interaction
• Phrasing - Repetition
• Creativity

Lesson 12: Cake Minus Eggs Ain't Cake: The Importance of Balanced Learning

• Balancing Act—Tips on Successful Learning
• Transcription
• Next Steps