Join me on the path to being a better bass player no matter your skill level! I think and believe that the function of the bass instrument be it bass guitar, double bass or even the synthetizer is the same no matter the musical style (in the context of ”western music”): rhythm, structure and harmony. For us bass players that is a real gift because that realization opens up an endlessly diverse world of music to explore and play. 

My philosophy as a teacher is to find the information that will help the student the most in the long run. I believe in breaking things that seem complex to the most simple components that the student then learns to use in multiple situations and in a creative manner. I believe in diversity of stylistic knowledge. When one looks at the history of bass the realization is that all styles have developed from something that came before. For example walking bass in rock n’ roll or ”western swing” country music came from jazz. Also the jazz background of James Jameson went on to influence his melodic and creative basslines that now have formed an endlessly influential basis for modern electric bass. And talk about the historic influence of the diverse basslines from New Orleans or Cuba on the music of today! Phew!

A triad is a triad in rock, pop, r’n’b, jazz and metal. So is a quarter note, eight note, triplet and so on. But how are these common building blocks of music used in different styles is the real challenge but also the core knowledge of a successful modern bassist!