Double Bass Improvement Part 2

Pratical Application

Hello again double bass enthusiasts. If you are just joining in on my double bass lessons, I’m very glad to have you. If you caught my Double Bass Improvement Part 1 lesson in December, I’m very glad to have you back!

Before I kick this lesson off, I want to catch you newcomers up on Part 1. My first double bass lesson was designed to emphasize the basics of the heel down and heel up techniques at 90 bpm. The purpose of starting 8th and 16th notes so slow was to focus on the sound and dynamics your two feet have as they work together. Consistent and accurate note placement as well as solid and even volume between your beaters was the ultimate goal to reach in my first lesson.

Now, with that said, I have a special treat that I hope to combine with my future lessons from now on. For all of you looking for a time and place to use your ever-improving double bass chops, I’ve created some play along tracks with my good friend, Steve Stokes, to further inspire your development with this aspect of your playing.

In the following examples, you will hear the same short song clip. You will here the song with drums first which will be followed by the same track minus the drums. The difference with each version of the song is that the tempos progressively increase adding an extra challenge for your speed and endurance.

The tracks you are about to hear were recorded live without any overdubs or “doctoring.” There is only guitar and drums. I used electronic drums to record my parts.

As you will hear, I keep the 16th notes constant throughout. I do this because those of you not used to playing music like this may find it difficult to keep your timing steady and groove with all limbs. For those of you who play this way often, use these exercises to refine your feel and technique. Now you can start applying your double bass. I hope you have fun with this.

I’ve included a basic notation of the verse groove and the Chorus groove. Each two-measure segment can be applied to all tempos of the song. Any embellishing on the song is encouraged after the basic grooves are learned and played at a comfortable level for each tempo.

Track 1: 16th notes – 100bpm – with drums
Track 1: 16th notes – 100bpm – minus drums

If 100bpm is too fast, try playing the same groove with a metronome at a slower tempo until you develop the control and endurance necessary to complete the exercise you are struggling with.

Track 2: 16th notes – 110bpm – with drums
Track 2: 16th notes – 110bpm – minus drums
Track 3: 16th notes – 120bpm – with drums
Track 3: 16th notes – 120bpm – minus drums
Track 4: 16th notes – 140bpm – with drums
Track 4: 16th notes – 140bpm – minus drums

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