From Theory to the Groove I

This lesson series also includes:

1. Lesson Series 1 - Foreword
2. The Basic Elements of Music
3. From Theory to the Groove I
   
4. Chord Theory I
5. From Theory to the Groove II

Musical notation basics







Here we have notes from low E to G. In the second bar there are standard 4 string bass string notes, E, A, D and G. Notes tell you the pitch and the duration of a particular sound. In the last two bars there is a whole note, half note, quarter note, eight note and sixteenth note.

Groove basics I

Groove is the sense of propulsive rhythmic "feel" or sense of "swing" created by the interaction of the music played by a band's rhythm section (drums, electric bass or double bass, guitar, and keyboards). The term is mainly used in the context of genres outside of Western art music, such as funk, rock music, power groove, fusion, and soul...

Musicologists and other scholars began to analyse the concept of "groove" in the 1990s. They have argued that a "groove" is an "understanding of rhythmic patterning" or "feel" and “an intuitive sense" of "a cycle in motion" that emerges from "carefully aligned concurrent rhythmic patterns" that sets in motion dancing or foot-tapping on the part of listeners.”
- Wikipedia -

Before we start learning the basic bass grooves it's good to hear how musicians use bass guitar. Here is a great sample of different roles of the bass guitar. What is your favourite?

1. Bob Marley (soft grooving bass – relaxed riff outlining the chord progression)
2. Kent (soft pop bass, rhythmic element, soft 1/16 pulse).
3. Eminem (synth bass, strong rhythmic element).
4. Jamiroquai (”meaty” bass, groovy riff outlining the chord progression).
5. B.B.King (soft rock bass, creating steady swinging pulse, outlining the chord progression).
6. Jaco Pastorius (unique bass style, a great example of how to create music out of techique exercise).
7. Jaco Pastorius (jazzy interpretation of Beatles classic).

Groove samples 1-2
Lets start with two basic bass grooves.






Tracks 1-3
Try to follow the example.



The track 3 includes a backing track for the basic grooves. Start with your first finger only and try to follow the examples. After you can keep up with the backing track, try playing the rhythm alternating between your first finger and middle finger.

HOMEWORK: Try playing with the backing track.
HOMEWORK: Memorize names of the notes on a bass strings and where you can find them on a bass stave.
HOMEWORK: Try alternating fingers technique.

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