Learn Easy Modern Bass Lines

Learn bass lines by popular artists like Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Parliament (P-Funk), Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more. In this comprehensive bass class, Ian Underwood takes us on a journey learning groovy tunes and the tools necessary to execute popular bass performance techniques through song studies. And requests are welcome, too!

Get busy playing some funky bass lines! Learn how bassists mix slap bass techniques with other elements to add a percussive quality and characteristic to note sounds in modern bass lines. These sounds can be heard in virtually all styles of modern music from rock and pop, to funk, folk, jazz, and more!

Ian covers a range of topics from posture to thumb position, slapping strings, muting, sliding, hammer-ons and pull-offs, and more. In addition, song form and tabs are covered so you can take the information and practice on your own. Check out tunes like “Bad” by Michael Jackson and “Flashlight” by Parliament, as well as a few other show stoppers.

Topics covered include: Reading tabs, song form, posture, wrist technique, left hand muting, thumb technique, sliding, hammer-ons, pull-offs, phrasing, technique, stylistic interpretation, groove, funky song examples!

This class is perfect for: Novice and aspiring bass players who want to learn songs, and experienced bassists looking to learn tunes and add a variety of techniques to the repertoire. Everyone, including fans of funk, R&B, soul, and gospel music will benefit from this course. Basic understanding of reading rhythms will be helpful, however tabs will be provided for those who can’t read notation.

After this class, you will be able to: Play tunes and hold down the groove! You will have working knowledge of slap technique, thumb techniques, muting, hammer-ons and pull-offs, and be able to play some popular modern bass lines that everyone knows.

Skills required: (scale from 1-low to 5-high)

• Reading = 1
• Fretting strength = 2
• Bass hand-eye coordination = 2
• Left-right hand sync = 2