Bass Lesson 27 - Quality Over Quantity

Oftentimes, players think that more notes equals more skill. Not to say that people who play fast are bad, but there are times when not playing is just as important as playing. Funk rhythms are full of space. This lesson will cover a few examples on how you can take away notes to add to your style. Rhythms can get pretty complicated and sound great, but they can also get... really easy and sound great. During the breakdown of songs, the rhythms are usually made up of short and sticky notes surrounded by a lot of space. Make sure you are familiar with rhythm notes and rests as well; this lesson will have plenty of rhythm for you to wrap your strings around.

Let’s jump into the key of D and play around with a groove.

There’s not much to explain about this piece… at least it’s hard to explain nothing. Measures 1 and 2 hold the groove and 2 and 4 add in the spice. Instead of playing rests in measures 1 and 3, try playing all eighth notes and compare the overall feel to what’s written. This will provide a contrast for you to compare to the way the music is written. Measure 4 fills in beats 2, 3, and 4 to lead right back into the groove in measure 4. Play this through a few times.

This example should give you a little technical challenge as well. Try to slur the first two measures the best that you can; if you can this lick will sound really fabulous. The second section gives a soloist feel to the whole piece. It also helps the legato line feel like it's the base. This is because the second section is not legato. The change in articulation makes the legato line feel “at home” and the second section “the solo."

Playing with space may be hard to figure out at first. Just take your time while you’re playing. If you don't have anything good to play, then playing nothing at all. Some players become afraid that silence is bad and feel like they always have to be playing, especially in solos. If you watch the “pros,” then you can pick out places where they will just stop playing and think once in a while. You can't just mindlessly play eighth notes all day. Find a groove that has some space in it where you’re not playing. Oftentimes if you have space, the song is easier to feel. And while you’re not playing, you can think of new ways to improvise over the rhythm. In good GLI fashion, if you have any questions check out the GLI forums! 

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