How to Play Advanced Bass Guitar

The bass guitar is the backbone to every band and provides a steady beat through both rhythmic progressions and through a note basis. However, as the bass guitar has progressed, so have the options for playing it. Knowing how to move into advanced bass guitar can help you to not only be the backbone but also provide a new level of entertainment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Tab paper
• CDs of other bassists

1. Start with style. Every type of advanced bass guitar playing starts with the style that you are playing in. For example, if you are playing jazz bass, you will most likely want to learn techniques for walking bass figures. If you are playing funk bass, you will be able to get into slap. The more styles you know, the more you will be able to advance.
2. Get to know your bass better. One of the common problems with bassists is that they play with the first five frets. If you want to move into advanced bass, figure out where the notes are on each fret, all the way up the neck. This will help you with solos, slap bass and moving around more than usual.
3. Combine the neck with the style. Once you start moving into the higher areas of the bass, you can combine this with the techniques for the different styles. For example, you can start to do jazz walking bass all up on the higher frets. You can also combine this with different rhythmic patterns to make it more interesting.
4. Focus on rhythm. Once you have your notes down, make sure that you start to find rhythms that will fit. Syncopated rhythms that combine with the basic beats of 1, 2, 3, 4 will allow you to add in extra flourishes while keeping the basic beats.
5. Add in solos. Once you get to the top of the neck, you can start playing with possible solos. Finding ways to combine the rhythms and the higher notes will allow you to get better results.
6. Study the greats. If you aren't listening to bassists such as Stanley Clark, you can forget having access to playing advanced guitar. Learn the licks that the great bassists use as well as how you can apply them to your bass.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice. Like every other instrument, playing the bass guitar takes a large amount of practice and precision. Making sure that you are able to listen, practice slowly and work up specific licks will help you to advance.