Bass Guitar with George C.

Fingers or a pick? Why did you you choose electric bass over the guitar? I’ll help you understand the role of a bass guitar and show you basic techniques to those catchy fills that have been remembered for decades. Beginner level: technique and positioning is paramount. I prefer to use fingers over a pick to begin with but it is purely your choice. I will start from one position (left hand) and work with the right amount of finger strength (both hands), timing of notes, and coordination. A plethora of popular songs can be played in just one spot on the fret! Next, I will incorporate some simple theory and show you how to move around the fretboard comfortably by shifting or sliding and really emphasize cooperation with the right hand. You want to make those notes shine and “mean it”. You are the band’s “anchor” and you Must listen to your bandmates (even if you are just jamming to your favorite songs). My goal is to make you feel comfortable in your role and get the technique down while hearing how you are responsible for the “groove”. Tying in the rhythm and melody, nothing will better than being the MVP of the band. Intermediate level: it’s time to get to the good stuff. You are not just playing “bass/chord tone” notes but also learning how to embellish, play fills over the “open spaces”, etc. I am big on fundamentals so still remember to lock down the basics. We will be learning syncopation, staccato, (bear with me now on the terminology), new rhythmic patterns to plug in, how to play more melodically, and so much more. There are tons of possibilities to play around the root note and fill in “spaces”. Those other cool techs (slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, bends, etc) we’ll get into as well. That means a bit more theory is a must. You will see why. Playing more melodically while keeping the band locked in will require an extra sense of timing and knowing which notes are available to play. At this level you will build your confidence to not only groove with the band but make your own statement with the new tricks you’ve learned (with practice of course). You will also begin experiment yourself with nee possibilities on your bass (as long as you still keep time!). Once you feel ready, I’ll even show you the beginnings on how to improvise your own bass solo. A final note, if you are interested in slap-pop style of playing, I’ve learned the techniques to get anyone started. As a bass player, I would consider myself intermediate as well in this department just to be honest. I can tell you that positioning, angle, and control are extra important and I know these areas well enough for you to get a good grasp. There are definitely more areas but I believe I have covered the most important aspects for this level. All in all, it is what you would like to learn and would be happy to be your guide and teacher in your musical journey!