Click here to view the embedded video.

By popular demand – A series of slap bass lessons covering the basic techniques plus some general playing tips

This lesson will continue with the concepts from lesson 4 and cover the basic “funk/rock scale” – the minor pentatonic scale and trills in addition to thumb slap, pop/pluck, left hand slap and hammerons.

Download iPod friendly m4v version here

Hey

Here’s a quick lesson specifically for beginners.  It’s the bass line for One Love by Bob Marley.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to use the contact form on my how to play bass website.

Here’s the second part of the lesson on how to play the bass line to Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder/Nathan Watts.

This video covers just the great riff!  (What a riff!)

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to head over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form.

Click here to view the embedded video.

By popular demand – A series of slap bass lessons covering the basic techniques plus some general playing tips
This lesson will continue with the concepts from lesson 3 and cover the right hand pluck/pop in addition to basic thumb slap, left hand slap and hammerons.

Download iPod friendly mv4 here

Click here to view the embedded video.

By popular demand – A series of slap bass lessons covering the basic techniques plus some general playing tips
This lesson will continue the concepts from lesson 2 and cover basic slap with the thumb and left hand slap and hammerons.

Download iPod friendly m4v version here

Here’s a lesson on How To Play Bass to Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson.  It’s been requested lots of times – so I thought it was time to feature it.  If you have any questions then head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hey
Here’s a lesson on how to play the bass line to Parklife by Blur.  This is a good one for beginners to get under their belt – as it’s pretty straightforward – and learning it will help improve both their abilities and their confidence.

If you have any queries don’t hesitate to head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form.

Click here to view the embedded video.

By popular demand – A series of slap bass lessons covering the basic techniques plus some general playing tips
This lesson will continue the concepts from lesson 1 and cover basic slap with the thumb, ghosted notes, muting and offbeat basslines

Download iPod friendly version HERE

By popular demand I’m starting a series of slap bass lessons covering the basic techniques.
This lesson will cover basic slap with the thumb, ghosted notes, muting, hammerons and plucking/popping.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Download iPOd friendly video (m4v format)

Here’s a lesson on how to play the bass line to the verse and chorus section to the Dire Straits songs Money For Nothing.  (I think Sting played the bass on it, as well as sang on it – but I’m not totally sure).

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any questions head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form.

Hey

Here’s a tutorial on how to play the bass line to Sir Duke.  Part 1 covers the basic verse, the pre-chorus and the chorus.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any questions head over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form to send me an email.

Here’s Part 2 of The Masterblaster Tutorial

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any questions head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In this lesson, we discuss the fundamentals of how to hold the bass in a comfortable position and we begin to develop the foundations of left hand technique (shifting, vibrato, position work).

To hold the bass, make sure that the end pin is adjusted according to height. The nut (under the “peg box”) should be about eye-level in playing position. The bass leans into the pelvic bone and is angled slightly; not enough to cause the bass to tip, but not stood completely straight up. The position should be comfortable for the player. The player should be able to lean over the bass and touch the end of the fingerboard with relative ease.

The left hand fingering system is slightly different than that of the electric bass. A 1-2-4 method (index, middle, pinky) is used instead of the “finger per fret” rule. Remember to keep the left hand relaxed and in a “C” shape to help keep the fingers perpendicular to the strings. Think of your arched hand as making a tunnel that a car driving up the strings could go through!

Practice sliding the hand up and down the fingerboard while keeping the elbow up and not slouched on the bass. This practice (ski jumps) will help you get the feeling of vibrato and shifting. Stay loose and do not tense up!

In the next lesson we will cover the right hand basic techniques; Arco and Pizzacato on the Do

Here’s Part 1 of a tutorial on how to play the bass line to Master Blaster by Stevie Wonder.  Part 1 covers the intro and the verse – I started on the chorus but ran out of time.  I’ll try and include that section in Part 2.  Which is due in a week or so.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any comments please hop over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form.

Hey

Here’s a two parter on how to play she’s not there by Santana.  Cool song, cool bass line.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you any questions jump over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form.

Hey

Here’s a quick lesson on how to play bass line to Tush by ZZ Top.  This is a BEGINNER’S lesson – for beginners to the bass this is a good song to learn.  It’s not too complex with the fretting hand, and the plucking hand delivers a nice constant shuffle rhythm.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any questions you can head over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form to ask away.

Paul

Click here to view the embedded video.

Chapter 6 in a beginners journey into learning the upright/double bass

Hey everyone

Here’s a lesson for you beginners out there – this one looks at how to play the bass line to Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus.  This is a fun tune for beginners and it’s not too hard.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any questions for me, the quickest way is to use the comments form on my how to play bass website.  See ya next time.

Hey

This lesson covers how to play the bass line to Should I stay Or Should I Go by The Clash.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any questions for me, head over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form.

Paul

Hey everyone

Here’s a bass lesson for all you beginners and intermediates out there.  This is the great bass line to Soul Man by Duck Dunn, performed by Sam and Dave.  The main thing about this one is to learn the riff and then play it consistently and with some groove throughout the tune.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any comments or questions don’t hesitate to head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form.

Paul

Click here to view the embedded video.

Chapter 5 in a beginners journey to learning the Double/Upright bass
Playing to a Jamey Aebersold jazz playalong Vol. 11 Herbie Hancock, the track “Maiden voyage”.
Im trying to get my bearings with the open D string and the D octave harmonic on the G string – Its good to navigate with open strings as safety fallbacks.
Im playing in tune more than 60% of the time;-)
Recorded direct from the piezo pickup

Click here to view the embedded video.

For beginners and maybe a reminder for the rest uf us;-)

Getting to know the fretboard of the bass guitar using target notes and arpeggios.

I use simple major and minor triads in the examples – root , third and fifth

Click here to view the embedded video.

Transcription

Click here to view the embedded video.

Chapter 4 of a beginners journey into learning to play the double bass.
Topics in this part 1/2: Stiil trying to play in tune, thumbposition, harmonics…
Correction: In the video Im referring to a Cassius, my bad! It should double bass player/teacher/youtuber Bassius and not Cassius, sorry.
You can download the trancription of etude i play in the start here

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hi

Here’s the latest tutorial video for beginners.  This is a bit of grunge for ya – Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any questions or comments head over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Poor audio, camera mic only – forgot to check audio settings when shooting:-(

My experiences after getting my first double bass lesson – Thanks to my teacher – bassplayer Bo Stief for setting the record (and me) straight

Talk about posture, stand, more on playing in tune with help from harmonics, intro to the the thumb position

iPod m4v part 1

iPod m4v part 2

Flash flv part 1

Flash flv part 2

Click here to view the embedded video.

From beginner to beginners double bass lesson;-)
A funky bass line using the E Blues scale
E (1)
G (b3)
A (4)
A#/Bb (b5)
B (5)
D (b7)
Also added chromatic note D# between D and E.

Cant help myself even if should practice with the bow
Forgive the rhythmic irregularities – got carried away, but didnt want to do another “perfect” take – after all its IS a journey im on, so mistakes should be included. I also mention ghosted notes on beat 2 and 4, but in the bassline im actually ghosting beat 3 – Hmmm, “great” explanation Thomas!!

Quicktime mov

Flash flv

Click here to view the embedded video.

Well, starting to play the double bass , is like beeing an infant again, only beeing able to crawl:-D
A few tips ( from a beginner to other beginners ) on playing in tune on the doublebass in the “half position”

Quicktime original

Hey

Here’s a quick step by step beginners lesson on playing the bass line to Pick Up the Pieces by The Average White band.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any questions for me please head over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form.

Paul

Hey everyone

In this video for beginners I’ll walk you through how to play La Grange by ZZ Top.

Click here to view the embedded video.

As always if you have any questions head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form to drop me an email.

Paul

Hi

In this lesson we’re going to look at learning the bass line to I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down, the version featuring Bruce Thomas on bass.

Due to YouTube’s length restrictions this is a two parter….

Here’s Part 1:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s Part 2

Click here to view the embedded video.

As always if you have any comments or questions head over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form.

Paul

Hey

Another video lesson for all you beginners out there:

Click here to view the embedded video.

As always if you have any comments head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form.

Paul

Hey

Here’s a video tutorial on how to play the bass line to Baggy Trousers by Madness.  This is a good tune for Beginners to pick up…it’s not too complex, but there’s some nice lines in the song.  Here’s the video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any questions or comments then please head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form on the website!

Watch the special right hand technique.

I try to play a percussive pattern.

Later we will play a real bass groove using this particular technique.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The notes on the video are:

G – C – A – D

Always the same pattern, start at a slow tempo (60bpm), then increase your speed and try to reach 100bpm.

It’s a warm-up exercice.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hey everyone

Here’s a video tutorial on how to play the bass to Cover Me by Bruce Springsteen.  This is a good tune for beginners to pick up – it’s pretty easy.  Once you’ve got the basic lines down, try playing around with some different rhythms and some different runs – this tune really lends itself to that kind of experimentation….

Here’s the vid:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any questions head over to my how to play bass website and email me.

I’ve attached a few videos below that go into detail on how to begin plucking with your thrumb and two or three additional digits.  Practice ideas and muting methods are included.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Hey everyone

Here’s another lesson for beginners.  It’s the Madness tune IT MUST BE LOVE.  It’s a good tune to pick up – there’s some interesting rhythms going on, some 3:4 bars, and just a good fun tune to play along to.

Due to YouTube’s length restrictions this one is a two parter.  Here’s Part 1:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And here’s Part 2:

Click here to view the embedded video.

As always if you have any comments or questions then head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form to send me an email.

Hi

Here’s a quick lesson on how to play the bass line to Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry.  This isn’t the exact line that’s played on the record – especially in the riff section – this is what’s evolved in playing it week in week out with my band.  But it works and it’s a fun tune to playalong to….

Here’s the lesson:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any questions head over to my how to play bass website and use the Contact form.

Hey

Here’s another beginner’s lesson on Sting’s bass line to BRING ON THE NIGHT.  This is a cool tune to learn becauseit will help you with your rhythmic development.  The bass line to the verse is always on the off beat.  And the Chorus is a nice little 16th note figure.

Here’s the Lesson:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have any comments feel free to head over to my how to play bass website – which is aimed at beginners and intermediate players – and send me an email via the comments page.

Hello!  Ok, here is a vid from me that covers playing with a pick, but with an exercise in there as well.  I hope you benefit from it!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Free Bass lessons from me!

Hey

Here’s another video song lesson for all you beginners.  This is Sting’s bass line on BED’S TOO BIG WITHOUT YOU  from the Regatta Da Blanc album.  It’s pretty straightforward – but watch out for the rhythms, neither the verse and the chorus start on the downbeat.

My advice is to learn the parts and then playalong with the record and focus on delivering the lines consistently and with good feeling through the tune.  When you get to play in a band you’ll find that there are songs you have to play that have lines you’ve got to deliver, so you may as well start preparing for that now!

Here’s the video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

As always, if you have any questions head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form to send me an email.

Enjoy

Paul

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Locrian mode has the formula 1, b2, b3, 4, b5, b6, b7. Its tonic chord is a m7b5.(Bm7b5 in the Key of C).

Hi

Here’s a quick video tutorial on how to play Time Is Tight – the original was played by Duck Dunn and of course the artist was Booker T and The MGs.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This tune is a good discipline for beginners – because the bass line is doubled by the guitar and/or the organ you have to deliver it consistently throughout the tune.  So learn the line, and then play along with the original and try and cop some of Duck’s energy and groove.

If you have any questions or comments please head over to my how to play bass website and use the contact form.

Here’s the 1st in a series of free Deliberate Practice tutorials applied to bass guitar topics so that people can see how Deliberate Practice can be applied.

This tutorial is based on two bars of STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU that one of my Membership Ezine readers was having trouble with.  And the tutorial walks through a way to get these bars absolutely nailed – and you can apply this method to just about any bass line or piece of music that you want to learn.

You can download the Tutorial by right clicking here:

Tutorial 1

Click here to view the embedded video.

Happy new year!

Click here to view the embedded video.

This exercise is designed to give you a basic understanding of superimposed rhythms known as polyrhythms.

The triplet is the most common polyrhythm- we hear it all the time. So, this exercise is using triplets to illustrate how polyrhythms work.

This particular exercise gives us a 3:2 polyrthythm or 2:3 depending on how you want to feel it. You can also apply this rhythmic application to melodies, solos, lines, and other scales or arpeggios.

If you really want to pursue polyrhythms, tunes like “Eulogy” by Tool or “Frame by Frame” by King Crimson feature some really cool polyrhythmic stuff. However, the undisputed masters of polyrhythms are probably Igor Stravinsky or Frank Zappa.

If the instructions in the video are not clear, leave a comment, to which I will reply.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Mixolydian scale G7: G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G  (Merry mixolydian christmas to all the bass-freaks out there….)

Hey

Here’s another tune for Beginners to learn how to play.  IT’s Bob Babbitt’s bass line to Tears of A Clown by Smokey Robinson.  There are basically two parts to the tune, the verse and the pre-chorus/chorus.  And these parts then repeat.

So watch the video – make notes if you have to and learn this great tune. (One note – this song is in the key of Db, and has a C FLAT in the lines – this is the same note as B, and correct musical theory is to call the note C Flat…)

Here’s the video…

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any comments don’t hesitate to head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Lydian scale in F(maj7): F-G-A-B-C-D-E-F. The only difference to a ionian scale is the raised forth. So you can play lydian over

any maj7 or maj7/+11 chord.

Hey

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to play the bassline to Bad by Michael Jackson.  As the title says – this is a BEGINNER’S LESSON.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any questions then you can head over to my how to play bass website and use the Comment form!

Paul

Click here to view the embedded video.

Phrygian scale Em7: E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E  (1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7). Used often in flamenco+oriental music, but works also on

calypso grooves like this one…..

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dm7 dorian scale: D-E-F-G-A-B-C

Try to transpose this lick to all different keys….

Hey everyone

Here’s a video tutorial for beginners on how to play the bass line to Billie Jean to Michael Jackson.  The bass line makes the song – if you’re playing this live and you make a mistake everything falters.  So your challenge is to learn the basic riff (s) – and then play along to the original recording and get it absolutely nailed all the way through.

Here’s the video

Click here to view the embedded video.

There will be a PDF available which will have the bass line notated out in notation and bass tab – but you’ll need to be signed up to my free monthly ezine for that.  Head over to my how to play bass website to subscribe.  The subscription box is on just about every page.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cmaj7 ionian scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C) First practice the scale in different positions, learn my example, develope your own….

Hey everyone

Here’s a lesson for beginners on how to play the bass line to Get Up Stand Up by Bob Marley.  The notes are pretty easy – the difficulty is the rhythm.  Especially the triplet rhythm in the verse.  But if you listen closely to the original you should get it.

Here’s the video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

As always if you have any comments or questions head over to my how to play bass website and use the comment form to send me an email.

Cheers

Paul

Hey everyone

Here’s a quick lesson on how to play the bass line to Use Somebody by Kings of Leon.  This is a great turn for beginners because the majority of the bass line is in a steady 8th note rhythm with mainly the root note as the note being used for each chord.

Here it is:

Click here to view the embedded video.

As always if you’ve got any comments then head over to my how to play bass website and use the comments form.

Cheers

Paul

Click here to view the embedded video.

A “James Brown style” funk groove with anticipated notes and the good old 3 note chromatic walk up from the 9th up to the Major third. The bass line starts on the 8th note before the downbeat 1 Ive recorded the backing track in Garageband (Mac), playing the 2 rhythm guitar parts myself and using a premade drumloop from the program.

The bass is fairly simple notewise and technique-wise, but the challenge is locking with the groove and hitting that D right on the 8th note before 1, especially after visiting the high register.

You can of course play the D on the open string, but the sound of the D on the 5th fret of the A string is so much thicker

Im emulating a P-bass by only using the neck pickup and rolling a bit back on the tonecontrol

Hey everyone

Here’s another lesson.

This is a lesson on how to play through Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison on the bass.  There are some suggestions as to how you can vary the verse up.  There’s no notation or tab for this lesson.

Due to YouTube length constraints this is another two parter.  Here’s Part 1:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And here’s Part 2:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any questions you can head over to my how to play bass website and use the comment form to ask them!

Enjoy.

Paul

Hey everyone

Here’s another of my older lessons.  Again due to length restrictions on the ‘Toob the lesson is split into two parts.

Here’s Part 1

Click here to view the embedded video.

And here’s Part 2

Click here to view the embedded video.

Now there’s a sketch PDF that goes with this lesson – to get it all you need to do is jump over to my how to play bass website and sign up for my free monthly Ezine.

As always if you have any questions or comments don’t hesitate to use the contact form at my website or use the comments feature below.

Hey everyone,

Here’s a quick video lesson on how to play the bass line to Jamming by Bob Marley.  It’s a pretty easy tune – there’s only three sections to learn.  There’s no music notation/tab to go with this lesson – but all the notes and note locations are covered in the video – soyou shouldn’t have any problems.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any comments or questions either leave them below or head over to my  how to play bass website and use the comment form.

Cheers

Paul

Hey everyone

Here’s another older lesson that I filmed.  The ‘Toob disabled the first part of the video – so it’s nice to put both parts together in one place!  It’s a great tune.

Here’s the First Part:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And here’s the Second Part:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Enjoy!

Hey

Here’s an older lesson that I filmed on How To Play the bass line to Light my Fire. I’ve got the part in music notation and tab on my HD somewhere – if you need it then head over to my website, use the Contact Form and ask me for it.  Make sure you tell me that you came from Thomas’s Site!

Again due to the ‘Toob’s time restrictions this is a 2 parter.  Here’s Part 1

Click here to view the embedded video.

And here’s Part 2:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Enjoy!

Paul

The bass line to Ball Of Confusion by The Temptations is a great one for beginners to learn.  The song is easy – there are only two sections in the tune – and the main two bar riff repeats for about 95% of the tune

So it’s a great lesson in playing for the song – taking that 2 bar line and really digging in and making it groove.

Click here to view the embedded video.

There’s no music notation or tab with this one – but seriously it’s very straight forward and all the info is contained in the video.

If you have any comments you can either head over to my website and use the contact form, or just post a comment directly here!

Enjoy!

Paul

Hi everyone,

In this lesson we’re going to be looking at how to play the bass line to Pump It Up.  The original bass line was played by the very great and very underrated Bruce Thomas.

This lesson is featured in my free, monthly ezine.  The next issue is published on November 4th – you’ll need to head over to my how to play bass website to subscribe.

Due to the time restraints of YouTube I had to split the video into two parts.

So here’s Part 1:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And here’s Part 2:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’ve got any feedback please feel free to either use the contact form on my website or just leave a comment right here!  (Big Thanks to Thomas for inviting me as a guest teacher!).
Enjoy

Paul

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hi guys, here’s the lesson that some of you have asked me for. It’s a nice little riff/melody designed to give you an introduction to tapping, and a bit of confidence to carry on to something a little more advanced in the future.

There are many ways and approaches to tapping, but I find this one is the most helpful for beginners in the technique.

Don’t forget, like all of my videos, don’t get frustrated if you can’t do it right away! Start real slow, and build up your ability and confidence. You’re training your brain to understand something new. It takes time…

Free and easy to understand Bass lessons!

What to practice? When to practice? How long to practice…How to practice. I think that Thomas hit the nail on the head when he asks “What is your goal?” I know that there’s a plethora of material on the web about the subject of practice. However, I would like to expound some of Thomas’ thoughts just a little by giving my own testimony on a practice regimen that I feel has helped my playing on both Double Bass and Electric Bass.

I don’t really “advertise” the fact that I play upright bass because it started as an “academic requirement” and, even after playing for a little over 3 years I still really feel like a beginner on the instrument.  In the beginning I found it very easy to get inundated with new “stuff to learn” with everything out there on the web and being so hungry I found myself quickly overwhelmed and frustrated.  Then,  I realize what I’ve known all along: it’s very difficult to chase more than one rabbit…. At my age (38) I may never know every Marcus Miller or Victor Wooten lick.  I don’t have hours and hours of available time to play as I did when I was 14 (ah, the good old days).

I’m probably never going to retain every nuance of every great MarloweDK “lick of the day”.  I’m certainly not saying that all of things aren’t valid and of course it’s certainly worth having some of this stuff under your fingers. However, I have to be realistic in my pursuits, I have a recital in the fall, my first ever, and there is no escape! :-0

35-40 minutes SOLO classical acoustic bass! Capuzzi, Vivaldi, Wagner & Bach! I squandered about a month of practicing the pieces because I was torn between upright and electric and, quite honestly didn’t know where to start with these pieces, in a style of music that I am, quite honestly, not that familiar with. Even after having played upright for a little over 3 years I only started receiving comprehensive private instruction in January, 2009.

This brings me to the subject of goals. What you practice and how you practice it depends on your goal. Basic fundamentals will always apply. (Practicing without a metronome is just plain silly!). Another big one, as Thomas mentions in his Practice Tips and Thoughts section is the use of a timer. It doesn’t have to be a fancy gadget. I use a good old fashioned wind up egg timer! The next issue, and the biggest for me, then, is time. I know what the goal is but how do I best manage my time??

My schedule is so crazy sometimes and sometimes, well, I’m just lazy. With the help of journal I found a way to better manage my practice time as it helped me to really see how I could organize what little time I have and then evaluate it at the end of each week. For instance, how much time had I set aside to practice how much time I actually practiced, how much time I spent on a specific piece or section of a piece and what was the actual focus of that time (in this case, intonation, bowings, fingerings, etc.)

It’s important to note that the following breakdown applies to my own upright bass practice regimen tailored to my goals but the ideas apply to any instrument and you certainly can tailor this to your own goals and instrument. Important: even if I’ve promised myself that I’m going to practice for an hour, bare minimum, a day it doesn’t necessarily have to be all in one sitting. As Todd Johnson would say “What’s the best way to eat an elephant? The same way you eat a chicken, one bite at a time!”  I also take that to mean that a focused 15 minute practice session is better for you than an unfocused hour of ‘noodling’.

For me, the most productive practice time is first thing in the morning.  My upright practice, for the last couple of weeks, has looked something like this:

1. 10 – 15 minute warm up: This is usually one two octave scale (whether it be major or minor or something a little more ‘exotic’) and its corresponding arpeggio per day with a particular focus whether it is fingerings bowings, intonation or whatever. We’re talking about a full body instrument with no frets.  To me, the best way to really get to know it is to play scales and I believe that the same applies to electric bass.  Besides if you stick to one thing at a time you’ll have a better shot of retaining it!

1. 15 – 20 min: 2, 4 or 8 bars of a particular piece or a particular section of a piece. How many bars depends on how long I’ve been working on the piece. For example: One day I  just “eat the notes” – just finding the notes, working out the most logical fingerings until I get to the point that  I don’t have to think about that aspect anymore and can make music it musical! I work out the phrases, the musical sentences. For instance: Capuzzi’s Concerto for Double Bass. Starting at Rehearsal Marker #2 it starts to get a little tricky. There’s a bar of 16^th notes that is a bit brutal at 104 bpm.  So one day I take that bar and the bar before it and just played it until I could do it (painfully slow speed) at least seven times without making a mistake. Then I add the down-beat of the next bar.  Little by little I chipped away at this two bar + one down-beat phrase. Every day, bit by bit until I am able to spend this time slot on that entire section. Even though I can’t play Capuzzi like I’ve been playing it for years, as I review and learn the subtle nuances fingerings are just one less thing that I have to worry about!  Watch a baby try to walk for the first time! They stumble, they fall, they get back up, and they realize that if they grab a hold to something familiar it will support them.   The keep at it, one step at a time, little by little. Try to think back to when you were learning how to write your alphabet… I think you get my point. J

1. 15 – 20 min: Next Piece, same deal. If it were only the one piece I would simply start working on the next section.

1. 20 min: Review, find trouble spots, fix, makes a list of practice priorities for next practice session, repeat.

The point is to keep moving, go back and review and, gradually, keep moving.  Focus on what’s right there in front you. I have the problem on trying to look too far ahead and that, more often than not, gets me into a jam! Whenever I relax and take things one step at a time I get farther, ‘faster’ and step back and think “wow, how’d I get this far so fast?!” Slow and steady wins the race!

While I agree that no one practice plan is going to work for everyone I believe in my heart that “what gets measured gets done”. If you set realistic goals and make a plan to whittle away at those goals day by day you will find marked improvement in your playing. I know that have seen improvements in my own playing!  You must have an idea of what it is that you are trying to accomplish. Imagine that you have only about an hour or so in an entire day to PRACTICE, not noodle… practice! What if you had only fifteen minutes before you left for work? What would would you practice? The answer would be directly related to your ultimate goal but, remember, you’ve only got 15 minutes.

You’ll know when you’ve mastered something when you can do it just as easily as you can recite your name!

So….in short

1. Set ‘appointments’ to practice. Appointments that you can’t afford to miss. Find the best time when you can have focus, uninterrupted practice. (youtube, although a great resource is, along with facebook and myspace the greatest waster of time)
2. Don’t waste time looking for anything! Make sure that ALL of your materials are in place.. [Metronome, timer, reading, cables, recordings,  etc.]
3. Make a plan and know what it is that you are trying to accomplish and WHY? (are you learning that lick just to be able to be the local music store hero or are you getting the concepts so that you can use the ideas as a springboard for your own ideas? There’s nothing wrong with either just be honest with yourself about your intention!). *If your goal is to know your neck better set aside time to master a scale per day around the cycle and then review them all.  If you want to improve your tone experiment with different right hand techniques….while playing scales – two birds, one stone. The list goes on and on.
4. Record Yourself! The recording will not lie.
5. Keep a Journal. Metronome Markings, progress, focus, etc.

BTW – I just found a $1.99 USD ipod/iphone Music Journal app. It’s very very simple and will give you graph of how much time you spent practicing a certain piece or exercise on a given day, week, month or year.

http://www.beadysea.net/musicjournal/

another is:

Musicians Practice Log by Burton Kaplan

http://www.magicmountainmusic.org/pdtBooks.html

Just my 2 cents but I am only one man -

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