Bass Playing Tip:How To Apply Lead Guitar Riffs On Bass And Getting Better Bass Gigs

Picture of John Entwistle from The Who


By Mark Grove


Bass Players seem to all play within the confinement of just keeping time. The odd one plays like a bastard and is in demand both in the studio and for live sessions.

On occasion you'll get one that plays above everyone else and is in their own little world. I've met a few of those and they have played with Dee Curtis,my main consultant to The Guitar-Player Blog.

Okay,here's the score.It's good to be able to keep the bottom down on an even keel for your blues,metal,jazz or even hip-hop band.But applying a lead guitar like texture and chording pattern without going above the fray, or the tempo of the lead guitar or guitars.

It's vital to learn more texture based and interpret lead guitar licks and apply that technique on bass. But keep the bottom down without going above the tempo of both guitar and drums.

Play simply as a bass player but strive to challenge yourself by applying varying chord structures,that take the band's playing up a notch.The lead guitar if he is smart doesn't just become a virtuoso and lets the rhythm section fly once in a while.

By applying techniques of the lead guitar your playing will become more accomplished and you'll be more in demand for live and studio work.

Learn to sing vocals and write bass parts and songs as well.And by learning to write songs you'll make more money publishing your songs and making passive income from songwriting royalties. You'll even get royalty income from being involved in session work for other bands.

Note:Listen to other instruments and learn those parts to stretch your playing ability.Jam with blues,Jazz and rock musicians so you have a variety of music to learn from,and make money with as an in demand working musician and bass axe player.

Peace and success to all players.

mark G