Bass Guitar 2A

About this course

The course develops bass playing across boogie-woogie, blues, R&B, rock, funk and related contemporary styles. Participants work on scales, arpeggios, chromatic movements, chord symbols, chord sequences, music reading and rhythm notation, while building a repertoire of bass phrases. Classwork combines technical exercises with playing alongside the tutor, who may accompany on guitar or piano, or use backing tracks. Learners also practise improvising over grooves and perform as part of a band, with feedback, advice and question-and-answer sessions supporting the work.

What you'll learn

• Play a wider range of scales, arpeggios, chord sequences and bass phrases
• Interpret chord symbols and read music and rhythm notation
• Maintain a steady tempo and improve timekeeping while playing
• Perform riffs in styles including blues, rock, R&B, funk, shuffle funk and country rock
• Improvise over grooves in a range of contemporary styles
• Apply rhythmic and harmonic understanding when performing with other musicians

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for bass players with some previous experience, including those who have completed Bass Guitar 1. Learners take part in technical exercises, playing with the tutor and band performance, and regular practice between lessons is described as essential for ongoing progress.

• Some previous bass guitar experience is required
• Regular practice between lessons is expected
• Includes playing as part of a band

Before you go

• Bring a bass guitar and a pen or pencil.
• Handouts accompany each lesson, with additional material covering theory, harmony, rhythm, phrasing and technique.
• Play-along backing tracks are provided for practice outside class.
• Students may choose to have recordings made of their performances.