Bass Gym

101 Arpeggios for Melodic Bass Lines

In this second book from the Bass Gym series, you will find 101 exercises focused on arpeggios that will not just help you to improve your finger strength, dexterity and all-round control of the instrument but mainly your ability to play more melodic bass lines. Each set of exercises is designed to challenge you and push you towards achieving the next step in your bass playing. Whilst this book focuses on technique, I have kept the exercises musical and enjoyable to play. Going through the exercises routinely and methodically will produce great results in a reasonably short period of time. Previously unplayable passages will become a piece of cake and your band mates will be amazed how melodic your bass lines become. These short exercises are ideal as part of your warm up routine; before rehearsal, a concert or recording session. Complete beginners and seasoned professionals will both benefit from this book, whether you are 4/5/6 string player or even a guitar player. All exercises include tablature, recommended fingering chart and chord chart. I believe that this book will bring you closer to where you want to be with your playing. Practice and be patient. Why is it important to warm up before playing? It is common knowledge that before an athlete starts their practice regiment, he or she must ensure that they are fully warmed up. This is essential as a properly executed warm up routine reduces the risk of injury and prepares both the body and mind for physical activity. But as musicians, how many of us remember to warm up properly? I have no official statistics, yet from my experience I would say that only a handful of us make a routine of it. I know many players who ridicule their band mates when they start warming up deeming it ‘academic and unnecessary’. A long time ago I was in the group of non-believers… As a young and arrogant six-string bass player, any physical preparation before a show seemed extraneous. The emergence of many new styles that put extreme demands on the player’s technique such as Djent, Dubstep, Screamo, Tech/Death Metal, Gospel, Nu Jazz etc. has forced players to rethink their approach to the instrument. If you want to succeed as a bass player, you have to be more technically equipped than ever. Yet it is worth remembering that technique is a means to an end, but not the end-all. Good habits and rituals before playing will not only help your confidence, but also your muscles and tendons. Warming up correctly before practicing or playing is highly beneficial. This will improve your coordination, speed, endurance and help to avoid strain and the sensation of a ‘heavy hand’. Read the instructions carefully and follow the procedure described when approaching the exercises. In a relatively short time, you will see a significant improvement in the flexibility and strength of your fingers.