Bass
- Understand and apply music theory. This is the most important part of being a bass player. You could get by with just knowing how to play the root note of each chord, but in order to create bass lines that help lead the music where it needs to go, you need to understand how theory works.
- That said, learn these theory basics first: The root, fourth and fifth notes of each chord. These notes are foundational in bass lines, especially the root and fifth.
- Learn to create basic fills that lead from chord to chord. These could be as basic as one extra note. For instance, when moving from a G chord to a C chord, play the B of the G chord right before you move to C. The B still fits in the G chord, but it is also the note right before C, leading you perfectly into the C chord.
- Learn scales. Major, minor, blues, pentatonic, five-note, any kind of scale you can. This will help you more easily create fills between chords.
- Learn to enjoy whole notes. The bass does not need to play complicated bass lines all the time. Often, the simpler the better.
- Practice. Practice. Practice.
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