{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-05-17T12:31:17+00:00"},"categoryId":33733,"data":{"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33731,"title":"Instruments","slug":"instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"}},"childCategories":[],"description":"Get with the rhythm as a bass guitarist. We'll help you master the basics, learn advanced techniques, and care for your instrument.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33733&offset=0&size=5"}},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":110,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:57:24+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-01-18T22:19:57+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:07:24+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"bass guitar for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Keep this handy bass guitar guide nearby as you're learning the order of notes, basic chords, 7th chords, modes, and solo scales.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The real fun and challenge of playing a bass guitar is that the patterns of the chords and scales never change, no matter what musical key you’re in. Memorizing the order of your bass’s musical notes can prepare you to tackle those chords and scales.\r\n\r\nOnce you know the notes, you can master basic chords, 7th chords, modes, and solo scales and become a truly versatile bassist. And while you’re working on those chords and scales, use playing exercises to strengthen your left hand and increase your versatility even more!","description":"The real fun and challenge of playing a bass guitar is that the patterns of the chords and scales never change, no matter what musical key you’re in. Memorizing the order of your bass’s musical notes can prepare you to tackle those chords and scales.\r\n\r\nOnce you know the notes, you can master basic chords, 7th chords, modes, and solo scales and become a truly versatile bassist. And while you’re working on those chords and scales, use playing exercises to strengthen your left hand and increase your versatility even more!","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33733,"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":203750,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand on a Bass Guitar for Finger-Style Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-on-a-bass-guitar-for-finger-style-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203750"}},{"articleId":203749,"title":"How to Create a Dominant Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-dominant-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203749"}},{"articleId":203748,"title":"How to Create a Minor Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-minor-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203748"}},{"articleId":203747,"title":"How to Create a Major Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-major-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203747"}},{"articleId":203746,"title":"10 Great Bassist and Drummer Grooves","slug":"10-great-bassist-and-drummer-grooves","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203746"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208860,"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208860"}},{"articleId":206631,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-finger-style-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206631"}},{"articleId":206630,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-slap-style-bass-guitar-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206630"}},{"articleId":206628,"title":"How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner","slug":"how-to-tune-a-bass-guitar-with-an-electronic-tuner","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206628"}},{"articleId":206623,"title":"How to Restring a Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-restring-a-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206623"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281983,"slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119695578","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119695570-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119695578-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9464\">Patrick Pfeiffer</b> is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;control174&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb4ce2026\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;control174&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb4ce29ab\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":194167,"title":"The Order of Musical Notes","slug":"the-order-of-musical-notes","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194167"}},{"articleId":194158,"title":"Basic and 7th Chords, Modes, and Solo Scales for Bass Guitar","slug":"basic-and-7th-chords-modes-and-solo-scales-for-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194158"}},{"articleId":194163,"title":"Strengthening the Left Hand to Increase Bass Playing Versatility","slug":"strengthening-the-left-hand-to-increase-bass-playing-versatility","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194163"}}],"content":[{"title":"The order of musical notes","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Knowing the sequence of musical notes is basic to understanding how to play music. On a bass guitar, each note (including sharps, #, and flats, ♭ó) is one fret, or a half step, away from the note next to it.</p>\n<p>Knowing how to read music is not nearly as important to bass players as it is for classical musicians. However, if you have a basic understanding of chords and scales and memorize the order of the notes for your bass guitar, it will go a long way toward helping you know how to place your fingers when someone shouts for an “E” or an “A.”</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/169143.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"135\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"Basic and 7th chords, modes, and solo scales for bass guitar","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>In order to play bass guitar well, you need to acquaint yourself with some important chords and modes (scales). A basic understanding of music will help you master these approaches, but here’s an overview of what you need to know:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Basic chords, or triads:</b> These consist of the three most important notes of any musical scale: root (1st), 3rd, and 5th. You can find the notes for the triad by playing any scale up to the 5th note, skipping every other note.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>7th chords:</b> A 7th chord has one more note than the triad — the 7. The sound of a 7th chord is a little more complex than the sound of a triad, and it’s extensively used in contemporary music.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Modes, or scales:</b> In almost all songs, one mode (scale) predominates. <i>Mode</i> is simply a fancy word for a musical scale. Know the mode you’re playing in, and you’re well on your way to providing great bass lines for any song.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Solo scales: </b>A solo scale is exactly what it sounds like — a scale you play when you’re soloing or the featured player in a band. Solos are usually reserved for traditional melody instruments, such as saxophones, but bassists are also asked to perform solos on occasion.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Following is a readily accessible diagram of the most important chords and modes for your bass playing endeavors. The open circles on each diagram represent the root of a chord or scale — the starting point for your fingers. The black dots represent the chord- and scale-tones.</p>\n<p class=\"Remember\">You only need three strings to complete an octave, thus the three string diagrams presented here — even though your bass has four or more strings.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/169146.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"830\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"Strengthening the left hand to increase bass playing versatility","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>For bass guitar players, a strong and limber left hand makes playing the bass more comfortable and enjoyable, and it helps in tackling complex chords and scales. A good exercise for the left hand is the following permutation exercise:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>1</b> stands for the index finger.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>2</b> stands for the middle finger.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>3</b> stands for the ring finger.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>4</b> stands for the pinkie.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Simply play through each column on every string and notice how your hands become more and more coordinated and limber. The numbers represent the different fingers of your left hand:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/169149.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"173\" /></p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-01-18T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"\"control174\"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209263},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T12:55:45+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-05-13T12:52:09+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:06:26+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"How to Play Swing Style Grooves on the Bass Guitar","strippedTitle":"how to play swing style grooves on the bass guitar","slug":"how-to-play-swing-style-grooves-on-the-bass-guitar","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Swing style grooves can be accomplished easily with the bass guitar.<i> </i><i>Swing</i><i> style</i> originated in the late 1920s and early ’30s. The style of the Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman bands typifies the music of the early swing era. Bands like The Brian Setzer Orchestra bring swing to today’s music scene.</p>\r\n<p>In swing style, the first note of the two eighth notes in each beat is <i>slightly</i> longer than the second — long, short, long, short — and it gives the feeling of…swinging. Each of the four beats in a measure still has the three parts of a triplet, but you tend to play on only the first and third of each — on the “tri-” and on the “-let” of the “tri-pe-let.”</p>\r\n<p>The bass line in swing style is predictable but cool (it makes you want to snap your fingers). The vast majority of swing tunes are based on a major or a dominant tonality.</p>\r\n<p>This swing groove is in a major tonality, using a major pentatonic scale. Start this groove with your middle finger to avoid shifting your left hand.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420745.image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"200\" alt=\"image0.jpg\"/>\r\n<p>This swing groove uses a mode — in this case, the common Mixolydian mode.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420746.image1.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"200\" alt=\"image1.jpg\"/>","description":"<p>Swing style grooves can be accomplished easily with the bass guitar.<i> </i><i>Swing</i><i> style</i> originated in the late 1920s and early ’30s. The style of the Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman bands typifies the music of the early swing era. Bands like The Brian Setzer Orchestra bring swing to today’s music scene.</p>\r\n<p>In swing style, the first note of the two eighth notes in each beat is <i>slightly</i> longer than the second — long, short, long, short — and it gives the feeling of…swinging. Each of the four beats in a measure still has the three parts of a triplet, but you tend to play on only the first and third of each — on the “tri-” and on the “-let” of the “tri-pe-let.”</p>\r\n<p>The bass line in swing style is predictable but cool (it makes you want to snap your fingers). The vast majority of swing tunes are based on a major or a dominant tonality.</p>\r\n<p>This swing groove is in a major tonality, using a major pentatonic scale. Start this groove with your middle finger to avoid shifting your left hand.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420745.image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"200\" alt=\"image0.jpg\"/>\r\n<p>This swing groove uses a mode — in this case, the common Mixolydian mode.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420746.image1.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"200\" alt=\"image1.jpg\"/>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33733,"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":203750,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand on a Bass Guitar for Finger-Style Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-on-a-bass-guitar-for-finger-style-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203750"}},{"articleId":203749,"title":"How to Create a Dominant Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-dominant-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203749"}},{"articleId":203748,"title":"How to Create a Minor Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-minor-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203748"}},{"articleId":203747,"title":"How to Create a Major Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-major-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203747"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":208860,"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208860"}},{"articleId":206631,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-finger-style-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206631"}},{"articleId":206630,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-slap-style-bass-guitar-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206630"}},{"articleId":206628,"title":"How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner","slug":"how-to-tune-a-bass-guitar-with-an-electronic-tuner","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206628"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281983,"slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119695578","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119695570-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119695578-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9464\">Patrick Pfeiffer</b> is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb1274a41\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb12753cd\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-05-13T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":154657},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:55:27+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-03-12T17:39:04+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:06:12+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"bass guitar exercises for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Playing bass guitar well, much like playing any other musical instrument, requires practice. And how do you practice? You play exercises, often over and over, until you master them. Fun, no? You'll have an easier time mastering bass guitar exercises if you understand how to read music and tablature and have a basic understanding of common bass grooves. </p>\r\n","description":"<p>Playing bass guitar well, much like playing any other musical instrument, requires practice. And how do you practice? You play exercises, often over and over, until you master them. Fun, no? You'll have an easier time mastering bass guitar exercises if you understand how to read music and tablature and have a basic understanding of common bass grooves. </p>\r\n","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. 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He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119700111&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb04788f6\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119700111&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217bb047929d\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}},{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Bass Guitar Common Groove Skeleton, Groove Apex, and Groove Tail Placements","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Playing the bass guitar well means playing grooves. Everyone loves groovy bass rhythms. Using the following figures (and lots of practice), you can play a perfectly authentic groove in just about any of the main musical genres. Best of all, you can do so using the same set of notes for each of the grooves. These grooves fit over any major, minor, or dominant chord. One size fits all.</p>\n<p><div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:535px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/218163.image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"781\" alt=\"Grooves for multiple music genres.\"/></p>\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Grooves for multiple music genres. </div>\n</div>\n<p></p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:122px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/218164.image1.jpg\" width=\"122\" height=\"500\" alt=\"Ambiguous Harmony Box for major, minor, and dominant chords.\"/></p>\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Ambiguous Harmony Box for major, minor, and dominant chords.</div>\n</div>\n<p></p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:535px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/218165.image2.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"183\" alt=\"Tablature for notes.\"/></p>\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Tablature for notes.</div>\n</div>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/218144.cs040506.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to download and print this article&#8217;s exercises and diagrams.</a></p>\n"},{"title":"Bass Guitar Music: Note Names and Values","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Knowing how to read music really helps if you want to play bass guitar. The following figures present your main rhythms (with rest symbols included free of charge) and the note names on the fingerboard of your bass. You also see how the notes correspond to written music and tablature. With these figures, you now have the tools to start reading music, literally becoming literate &#8212; on bass, that is. </p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:535px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/218171.image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"792\" alt=\"Note values and corresponding rests.\"/></p>\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Note values and corresponding rests.</div>\n</div>\n<p></p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:180px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/218172.image1.jpg\" width=\"180\" height=\"600\" alt=\"Notes on the bass fingerboard.\"/></p>\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Notes on the bass fingerboard.</div>\n</div>\n<p></p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:535px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/218173.image2.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"190\" alt=\"How musical notes correspond to tablature.\"/></p>\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">How musical notes correspond to tablature.</div>\n</div>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/218143.cs0203.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to download and print this tablature and fingerboard diagram.</a></p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208860},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T14:46:33+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T14:46:33+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:00:42+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar","strippedTitle":"how to position your right hand for finger-style bass guitar","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-finger-style-bass-guitar","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Although there are many popular right-hand bass guitar techniques, it is important to learn how to position your right hand for finger-style playing, which is the most flexible and widely used bass guitar technique, used in virtually all styles of music. This technique also allows you to work more efficiently with <i>dynamics</i> (accenting certain notes). </p>\n<p>The name <i>finger-style</i> refers to the use of the index and middle fingers. You can hear this style in country, rock, jazz, and funk—and just about any other type of music. Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, and Francis Rocco Prestia are only three of the multitude of bassists who use this technique.</p>","description":"<p>Although there are many popular right-hand bass guitar techniques, it is important to learn how to position your right hand for finger-style playing, which is the most flexible and widely used bass guitar technique, used in virtually all styles of music. This technique also allows you to work more efficiently with <i>dynamics</i> (accenting certain notes). </p>\n<p>The name <i>finger-style</i> refers to the use of the index and middle fingers. You can hear this style in country, rock, jazz, and funk—and just about any other type of music. Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, and Francis Rocco Prestia are only three of the multitude of bassists who use this technique.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33733,"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":208860,"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208860"}},{"articleId":206630,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-slap-style-bass-guitar-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206630"}},{"articleId":206628,"title":"How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner","slug":"how-to-tune-a-bass-guitar-with-an-electronic-tuner","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206628"}},{"articleId":206623,"title":"How to Restring a Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-restring-a-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206623"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9ba7297b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9ba7330b\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Bring your right arm up while keeping your wrist, hand, and fingers relaxed.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Keep your wrist at a 45-degree angle (approximately), keep your thumb facing your index finger, and keep your fingers gently curved, with your fingertips pointing to the floor. Bend your elbow and keep it slighty away from your rib cage.</p>\n"},{"title":"Let your hand approach the instrument until your thumb settles onto the thumb rest or the pickup.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105059.image1.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105058.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Keep your elbow next to your body, not behind it.</p>\n"},{"title":"Settle the weight of your arm onto your thumb.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>This position may take some time to get used to, but it keeps your hand and shoulder in their most relaxed state. In this position, you can feel which string you&#8217;re playing instead of having to look to see where you are.</p>\n"},{"title":"Reach for your high string with your index or middle finger.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105061.image3.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105060.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Your thumb has to bend a little more, and your hand must pivot out on it to reach the highest string.</p>\n<p class=\"Remember\">The terms <i>high string</i> and <i>low string</i> refer to the sound of the strings, not to the position of your hand. Your high string is actually the string closest to your feet, whereas your low string is closest to your head.</p>\n"},{"title":"Reach for your lowest string.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105063.image5.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105062.image4.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Your thumb is now straighter. Your hand pivots on the resting thumb, toward your body, and your palm is closer to the body of the bass.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206631},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T14:46:30+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T14:46:30+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:00:42+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing","strippedTitle":"how to position your right hand for slap-style bass guitar playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-slap-style-bass-guitar-playing","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>If you know how to properly position your right hand for slap-style playing on the bass guitar, you'll be able to produce a wider variety of sounds. The idea behind slap style (or thumb style)<i> </i>bass guitar is to strike a low string with the side of your thumb, giving it a <i>percussive sound</i> (a sharp attack and decay of the note, like a drum), and then to <i>snap </i>(or pop) a high string with your index finger.</p>","description":"<p>If you know how to properly position your right hand for slap-style playing on the bass guitar, you'll be able to produce a wider variety of sounds. The idea behind slap style (or thumb style)<i> </i>bass guitar is to strike a low string with the side of your thumb, giving it a <i>percussive sound</i> (a sharp attack and decay of the note, like a drum), and then to <i>snap </i>(or pop) a high string with your index finger.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33733,"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":208860,"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208860"}},{"articleId":206631,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-finger-style-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206631"}},{"articleId":206628,"title":"How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner","slug":"how-to-tune-a-bass-guitar-with-an-electronic-tuner","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206628"}},{"articleId":206623,"title":"How to Restring a Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-restring-a-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206623"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9ba699dd\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9ba6a373\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Make a light fist with your right hand.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Lift your thumb away from your fist, as though you were hitch-hiking.</p>\n"},{"title":"Loosen up on your index finger and create a hook.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Your index finger should look like it&#8217;s pulling the trigger of a gun.</p>\n"},{"title":"Rest your forearm on the body of the bass.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Your right hand should hover above the strings.</p>\n"},{"title":"With a sharp twist of your wrist, flick your thumb against one of the low strings, striking it at the very end of the fingerboard.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105219.image1.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105218.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You strike down toward the fingerboard, not toward your feet. Make sure that you lift your thumb off the string immediately so that the note rings.</p>\n"},{"title":"Hook your index finger under a high string, and with an opposing twist of your wrist, snap the string against the fret board.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105221.image3.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105220.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p class=\"Warning\">Don&#8217;t pull too hard on the high string, or you may break it. Only a small amount of force is required.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206630},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T14:46:21+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T14:46:21+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:00:42+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner","strippedTitle":"how to tune a bass guitar with an electronic tuner","slug":"how-to-tune-a-bass-guitar-with-an-electronic-tuner","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>When you're going to play your bass guitar with a band or another instrument, you need to be sure that you're all tuned to the same reference pitch. Using an electronic tuner is by far the easiest way to tune your bass. Modern tuners have a display that lets you see exactly where your string is (pitchwise), whether it’s sharp (too high) or flat (too low), and what note you’re closest to.</p>","description":"<p>When you're going to play your bass guitar with a band or another instrument, you need to be sure that you're all tuned to the same reference pitch. Using an electronic tuner is by far the easiest way to tune your bass. Modern tuners have a display that lets you see exactly where your string is (pitchwise), whether it’s sharp (too high) or flat (too low), and what note you’re closest to.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33733,"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":208860,"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208860"}},{"articleId":206631,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-finger-style-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206631"}},{"articleId":206630,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-slap-style-bass-guitar-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206630"}},{"articleId":206623,"title":"How to Restring a Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-restring-a-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206623"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9ba5583b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9ba561c8\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Buy a tuner.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105250.image1.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105249.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Okay, okay! Maybe that goes without saying, but keep in mind that you want to use a tuner that can register the low bass frequencies. Not all tuners can hear bass notes well.</p>\n"},{"title":"Plug your bass into the tuner via the cable.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105252.image3.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105251.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>This is the same electric cord that you use to connect your bass to your amplifier.</p>\n"},{"title":"Strike an open string and let it ring.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Remember, low frequencies travel very slowly, and the tuner needs time to read the note.</p>\n"},{"title":"Tune the string until the needle (or light) of the tuner is in the middle of the display, indicating that the string is in tune.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105254.image5.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105253.image4.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Make sure to check that the pitch indicator shows the correct note for the string (E, A, D, G), or you may find that the G string is in perfect tune with G#, which is way out of tune with what the G string is supposed to sound like.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206628},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T14:45:50+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T14:45:50+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:00:42+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"How to Restring a Bass Guitar","strippedTitle":"how to restring a bass guitar","slug":"how-to-restring-a-bass-guitar","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>After you've removed the old strings and cleaned the fingerboard, it's time to restring your bass guitar with brand-new strings. New strings are usually coiled in envelopes. The envelopes are numbered according to string size (the thickest string has the highest number). With most electric basses, the new string has to be pulled through a hole in the bridge.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Make sure your wire cutters are nearby when you restring your bass. You’ll need to cut the new strings down to size.</p>","description":"<p>After you've removed the old strings and cleaned the fingerboard, it's time to restring your bass guitar with brand-new strings. New strings are usually coiled in envelopes. The envelopes are numbered according to string size (the thickest string has the highest number). With most electric basses, the new string has to be pulled through a hole in the bridge.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Make sure your wire cutters are nearby when you restring your bass. You’ll need to cut the new strings down to size.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33733,"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":208860,"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208860"}},{"articleId":206631,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-finger-style-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206631"}},{"articleId":206630,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-slap-style-bass-guitar-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206630"}},{"articleId":206628,"title":"How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner","slug":"how-to-tune-a-bass-guitar-with-an-electronic-tuner","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206628"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9ba2946b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9ba29dfe\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Lay a towel down in front of you and lay the bass on the towel, with the neck pointing to the left (to the right if you’re left-handed).","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The towel will keep it clean and help keep it from sliding around as you work on it.</p>\n"},{"title":"Take the thickest string out of its envelope.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105291.image1.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105290.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Notice that it has a ring (called a <i>ball</i>) at one end; the other end is pointed, with its tip wrapped in silk.</p>\n"},{"title":"Straighten the string and push the pointed end through the hole that’s nearest you on the bridge.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105293.image3.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105292.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Each string goes into a separate hole. Pull the string through the hole toward the nut. Make sure that the ball at the end of the string comes to rest against the bridge.</p>\n"},{"title":"Pull the string until it’s resting against its designated tuning post.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The post has a groove crossing the top and a hole in its center. Make sure that you have enough string to extend 4 to 5 inches beyond the tuning post. This extra length ensures that your string is long enough to wind several times around the tuning post (so the string doesn&#8217;t slip when tightened).</p>\n"},{"title":"With your wire cutters, cut off any excess string 4 to 5 inches past the post.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105295.image5.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105294.image4.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p class=\"Warning\">Cut only from the part of the string that&#8217;s wrapped with silk. Never cut the thick part of the string itself (the metal). If you cut this part of the string, it will simply unravel.</p>\n"},{"title":"Stick the tip of the string straight down into the hole in the center of the tuning post. Then bend the string to the side so that it rests in the groove at the top of the tuning post.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105297.image7.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105296.image6.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Hold the string in this position with one hand.</p>\n"},{"title":"Turn the tuning head with your left hand to increase the tension of the string.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105299.image9.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105298.image8.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Make sure that the string winds <i>down</i> the post (you can guide it with the fingers of your right hand). This downward winding increases the slight bend of the string against the nut and ensures that the string sits firmly in its groove on the nut, giving the notes better sustain.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Turn the tuning head to wind the string up. Don&#8217;t wrap the string around the tuning post by hand; if you do, the strings will twist and lose their ability to sustain notes.</p>\n"},{"title":"While increasing the tension at the tuning head with your left hand, use your right to make sure that the other end of the string stays in place.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105301.image11.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105300.image10.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Each string has a specific saddle it must lie in at the bridge.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Repeat the entire process for all the other strings</b><b>, from thickest to thinnest</b><b>.</b>","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Some basses have <i>string retainers</i> that hold the two thinnest strings close to the <i>headstock</i> (the top part of the neck). Pass the two thinnest strings under the string retainers before tightening them. </p>\n"},{"title":"Tune up the new strings.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You&#8217;ll need to go through the tuning process several times, because the new strings need to stretch out and the neck will bend forward under the increased tension. </p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206623},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T10:03:57+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T10:03:57+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:00:06+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand on a Bass Guitar for Finger-Style Playing","strippedTitle":"how to position your right hand on a bass guitar for finger-style playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-on-a-bass-guitar-for-finger-style-playing","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>The name <i>finger-style</i> refers to your striking the strings on your bass guitar with the index and middle fingers of your right hand. You can hear this style in country, rock, jazz, and funk — and just about any other type of music. Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, and Francis Rocco Prestia are only three of the multitude of bassists who use this technique.</p>\n<p>Take the following steps to set up your hand properly.</p>","description":"<p>The name <i>finger-style</i> refers to your striking the strings on your bass guitar with the index and middle fingers of your right hand. You can hear this style in country, rock, jazz, and funk — and just about any other type of music. Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, and Francis Rocco Prestia are only three of the multitude of bassists who use this technique.</p>\n<p>Take the following steps to set up your hand properly.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33733,"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":203749,"title":"How to Create a Dominant Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-dominant-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203749"}},{"articleId":203748,"title":"How to Create a Minor Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-minor-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203748"}},{"articleId":203747,"title":"How to Create a Major Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-major-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203747"}},{"articleId":203746,"title":"10 Great Bassist and Drummer Grooves","slug":"10-great-bassist-and-drummer-grooves","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203746"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":208860,"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208860"}},{"articleId":206631,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-finger-style-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206631"}},{"articleId":206630,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-slap-style-bass-guitar-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206630"}},{"articleId":206628,"title":"How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner","slug":"how-to-tune-a-bass-guitar-with-an-electronic-tuner","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206628"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281983,"slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119695578","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119695570-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119695578-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9464\">Patrick Pfeiffer</b> is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b99619389\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b99619d11\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Bring your right arm up, as though you're pointing to something in the distance, while keeping your wrist, hand, and fingers relaxed.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Keep your wrist at a 45-degree angle (approximately), keep your thumb facing your index finger, and keep your fingers gently curved, with your fingertips pointing to the floor.</p>\n"},{"title":"Start bending your elbow slowly","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Keep your elbow just slightly away from your rib cage.</p>\n"},{"title":"Let your hand approach the instrument until your thumb settles onto the<i>thumb rest</i><i> </i>(a small plastic or wood bar for resting your thumb on) or the edge of the<i>pickup</i>(the magnetic bars that pick up the string vibration)<i>.</i>","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Keep your elbow next to your body, not behind it.</p>\n"},{"title":"Settle the weight of your arm onto your thumb.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>This position may take some time getting used to, but it keeps your hand and shoulder in their most relaxed state. The thumb acts as a measuring device for your fingers and the individual strings. In this position, you can feel which string you&#8217;re playing instead of having to look to see where you are.</p>\n"},{"title":"Reach for your high string (the one closest to your feet) with your index or middle finger.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420365.medium.jpg","width":200,"height":133},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420362.image0.jpg","width":535,"height":356},"content":"<p>Your thumb has to bend a little, and your hand must pivot out on it to reach the highest string.</p>\n<p>The terms <i>high string</i> and <i>low string</i> refer to the sound of the strings, not the position of your hand. Your high string is actually the string closest to your feet, whereas your low string is closest to your head.</p>\n"},{"title":"Reach for your low string (the one closest to your head).","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420366.medium.jpg","width":200,"height":132},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420363.image1.jpg","width":535,"height":354},"content":"<p>Your thumb is now straighter.</p>\n"},{"title":"Your hand pivots on the resting thumb toward your body, and your palm is closer to the body of the bass.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420367.medium.jpg","width":200,"height":133},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420364.image2.jpg","width":535,"height":358},"content":"<p>Congrats, you&#8217;re ready to start playing.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":203750},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T10:03:54+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T10:03:54+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:00:06+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"How to Create a Dominant Groove for the Bass Guitar","strippedTitle":"how to create a dominant groove for the bass guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-dominant-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Imagine that you’re getting together with a bunch of other musicians or bass guitarists to play some music. The guy in charge says, “Let’s jam in D7.” (He’s talking about playing in D dominant.) Don’t panic. The following list gives you some guidelines for determining what notes to play during a D7 jam.</p>","description":"<p>Imagine that you’re getting together with a bunch of other musicians or bass guitarists to play some music. The guy in charge says, “Let’s jam in D7.” (He’s talking about playing in D dominant.) Don’t panic. The following list gives you some guidelines for determining what notes to play during a D7 jam.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33733,"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":203750,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand on a Bass Guitar for Finger-Style Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-on-a-bass-guitar-for-finger-style-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203750"}},{"articleId":203748,"title":"How to Create a Minor Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-minor-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203748"}},{"articleId":203747,"title":"How to Create a Major Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-major-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203747"}},{"articleId":203746,"title":"10 Great Bassist and Drummer Grooves","slug":"10-great-bassist-and-drummer-grooves","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203746"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":208860,"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208860"}},{"articleId":206631,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-finger-style-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206631"}},{"articleId":206630,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-slap-style-bass-guitar-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206630"}},{"articleId":206628,"title":"How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner","slug":"how-to-tune-a-bass-guitar-with-an-electronic-tuner","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206628"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281983,"slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119695578","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119695570-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119695578-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9464\">Patrick Pfeiffer</b> is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9960f2ee\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b9960fc7e\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Determine the root of the chord.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420577.medium-199x300.jpg","width":169,"height":255},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420575.image0.jpg","width":265,"height":400},"content":"<p>In this case, the chord is D7, so the root of the chord is D.</p>\n"},{"title":"Decide what kind of groove skeleton you want to play.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>This groove example uses two eighth notes, but feel free to experiment with the other possibilities. In fact, let your ear decide which rhythm sounds best for the given situation.</p>\n"},{"title":"Choose the appropriate scale for the chord.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420578.medium.jpg","width":200,"height":151},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420576.image1.jpg","width":528,"height":400},"content":"<p>For the D7 chord groove in this example, the proper scale is D Mixolydian.</p>\n<p>To play the D Mixolydian scale, start the scale on the 5th fret of the A string and end on the 7th fret of the G string. Choose the notes for your groove from this scale. You can pick the choice notes from the interval.</p>\n"},{"title":"Position your left hand.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You want to play the groove with the least amount of effort, so you need to avoid any unnecessary shifting with your left hand. Start the D Mixolydian scale with the middle finger of your left hand on the root D (5th fret of the A string). You can reach all the notes of the scale from this position without moving your left hand.</p>\n"},{"title":"Determine how mobile your groove needs to be.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>If the tune has different chords (if the roots change), your groove has to be <i>mobile,</i> moveable from chord to chord. In this case, you need to make your groove simple. Choose only a few notes and make them easy to play.</p>\n<p>However, if you stay on one chord for a while (which is the likely scenario if someone wants to jam in D7), you can make your groove a bit more complex to keep it interesting.</p>\n"},{"title":"Enjoy playing your groove.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You read correctly. Have fun! Whatever groove you come up with, make it meaningful. Jamming isn&#8217;t work &#8212; it&#8217;s play!</p>\n<p>You can <a href=\"https://dummies-wp-content.dummies.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-820662.html\">listen to the steps necessary when creating a dominant groove</a>. And you can <a href=\"https://dummies-wp-content.dummies.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-820780.html\">see the grooves played</a>. First, you hear the D7 chord played on the keyboard, with the bass playing just the root. Then you hear the bass playing different groove skeletons on the root of the D7 chord. Next is the sound of the Mixolydian mode, the correct scale for D7.</p>\n<p>Finally, you hear a simple groove in D7, followed by a complex groove in D7. As you listen, follow the process.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":203749},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T10:03:50+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T10:03:50+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-24T17:00:06+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Bass Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"},"slug":"bass-guitar","categoryId":33733}],"title":"How to Create a Minor Groove for the Bass Guitar","strippedTitle":"how to create a minor groove for the bass guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-minor-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>You’re playing with the band as a bass guitarist, jamming on a dominant groove …but wait …what if the guy in charge yells, very enthusiastically, “Let’s jam in D <i>minor!</i>” Uh, oh…a minor adjustment is in order. Relax. Here’s the process:</p>","description":"<p>You’re playing with the band as a bass guitarist, jamming on a dominant groove …but wait …what if the guy in charge yells, very enthusiastically, “Let’s jam in D <i>minor!</i>” Uh, oh…a minor adjustment is in order. Relax. Here’s the process:</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33733,"title":"Bass Guitar","slug":"bass-guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33733"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":203750,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand on a Bass Guitar for Finger-Style Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-on-a-bass-guitar-for-finger-style-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203750"}},{"articleId":203749,"title":"How to Create a Dominant Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-dominant-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203749"}},{"articleId":203747,"title":"How to Create a Major Groove for the Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-create-a-major-groove-for-the-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203747"}},{"articleId":203746,"title":"10 Great Bassist and Drummer Grooves","slug":"10-great-bassist-and-drummer-grooves","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203746"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209263,"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209263"}},{"articleId":208860,"title":"Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bass-guitar-exercises-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208860"}},{"articleId":206631,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-finger-style-bass-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206631"}},{"articleId":206630,"title":"How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing","slug":"how-to-position-your-right-hand-for-slap-style-bass-guitar-playing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206630"}},{"articleId":206628,"title":"How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner","slug":"how-to-tune-a-bass-guitar-with-an-electronic-tuner","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206628"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281983,"slug":"bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119695578","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","bass-guitar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119695570-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119695570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bass-guitar-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119695578-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bass Guitar For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9464\">Patrick Pfeiffer</b> is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9464,"name":"Patrick Pfeiffer","slug":"patrick-pfeiffer","description":"Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, bass educator, and composer. His former clients include Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels, as well as Adam Clayton of U2. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman of the Coasters, Paul Griffin and Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan, and many other stars.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9464"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b99605265\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;bass-guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6217b99605c0d\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Determine the root of the chord.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420583.medium-199x300.jpg","width":169,"height":255},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420581.image0.jpg","width":265,"height":400},"content":"<p>In this case, the chord is D minor (Dm or Dm7), so the root of the chord is D.</p>\n"},{"title":"Decide what kind of groove skeleton you want to play.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Check above for the basic choices.</p>\n"},{"title":"Choose the appropriate scale for the chord.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420584.medium.jpg","width":200,"height":151},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/420582.image1.jpg","width":528,"height":400},"content":"<p>For the D minor chord in this example, the proper scale is D Dorian.</p>\n<p>To play the D Dorian scale, start the scale on the 5th fret of the A string and end it on the 7th fret of the G string. Choose the notes for your groove from this scale. You can pick the choice notes from the intervals.</p>\n"},{"title":"Position your left hand.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You want to avoid any unnecessary shifts with your left hand. The D Dorian scale requires one (itty, bitty) shift, however, so it&#8217;s best to begin the D Dorian scale with the index finger of your left hand on the root D (5th fret of the A string).</p>\n<p>You can reach all the notes of the scale from this position until you get to the G string. At that point, you need to shift your hand toward the nut by one fret to reach the remaining three notes.</p>\n"},{"title":"Determine how mobile your groove needs to be.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Your groove has to be mobile if the tune has different chords. Be sure to create a groove that&#8217;s simple. Choose only a few notes that are easy to play. Even though the D Dorian scale requires you to shift your hand, you don&#8217;t have to play every note in that scale. You may decide to choose only the notes of the scale that you can reach from one position.</p>\n<p>If you stay on one chord for a while (which is the likely scenario if someone wants to jam in D minor), you can make your groove a bit more complex to keep it interesting. Notice that neither of the two grooves requires any shifting with the left hand.</p>\n<p>On Track 40<a href=\"https://dummies-wp-content.dummies.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-820664.html\">, Check out the steps necessary when creating a minor groove</a>. First, the D minor chord is played on the keyboard, with the bass adding the root. Next, different groove skeletons are played on the root of the chord. Then you can hear the sound of the Dorian mode, the correct scale for D minor.</p>\n<p>Finally, you can listen to a simple groove in D minor, followed by a complex groove in D minor. 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Bass Guitar Articles

Get with the rhythm as a bass guitarist. We'll help you master the basics, learn advanced techniques, and care for your instrument.

Articles From Bass Guitar

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Bass Guitar Bass Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 01-18-2022

The real fun and challenge of playing a bass guitar is that the patterns of the chords and scales never change, no matter what musical key you’re in. Memorizing the order of your bass’s musical notes can prepare you to tackle those chords and scales. Once you know the notes, you can master basic chords, 7th chords, modes, and solo scales and become a truly versatile bassist. And while you’re working on those chords and scales, use playing exercises to strengthen your left hand and increase your versatility even more!

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Bass Guitar How to Play Swing Style Grooves on the Bass Guitar

Article / Updated 05-13-2021

Swing style grooves can be accomplished easily with the bass guitar. Swing style originated in the late 1920s and early ’30s. The style of the Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman bands typifies the music of the early swing era. Bands like The Brian Setzer Orchestra bring swing to today’s music scene. In swing style, the first note of the two eighth notes in each beat is slightly longer than the second — long, short, long, short — and it gives the feeling of…swinging. Each of the four beats in a measure still has the three parts of a triplet, but you tend to play on only the first and third of each — on the “tri-” and on the “-let” of the “tri-pe-let.” The bass line in swing style is predictable but cool (it makes you want to snap your fingers). The vast majority of swing tunes are based on a major or a dominant tonality. This swing groove is in a major tonality, using a major pentatonic scale. Start this groove with your middle finger to avoid shifting your left hand. This swing groove uses a mode — in this case, the common Mixolydian mode.

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Bass Guitar Bass Guitar Exercises For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-12-2021

Playing bass guitar well, much like playing any other musical instrument, requires practice. And how do you practice? You play exercises, often over and over, until you master them. Fun, no? You'll have an easier time mastering bass guitar exercises if you understand how to read music and tablature and have a basic understanding of common bass grooves.

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Bass Guitar How to Position Your Right Hand for Finger-Style Bass Guitar

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Although there are many popular right-hand bass guitar techniques, it is important to learn how to position your right hand for finger-style playing, which is the most flexible and widely used bass guitar technique, used in virtually all styles of music. This technique also allows you to work more efficiently with dynamics (accenting certain notes). The name finger-style refers to the use of the index and middle fingers. You can hear this style in country, rock, jazz, and funk—and just about any other type of music. Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, and Francis Rocco Prestia are only three of the multitude of bassists who use this technique.

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Bass Guitar How to Position Your Right Hand for Slap-style Bass Guitar Playing

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

If you know how to properly position your right hand for slap-style playing on the bass guitar, you'll be able to produce a wider variety of sounds. The idea behind slap style (or thumb style) bass guitar is to strike a low string with the side of your thumb, giving it a percussive sound (a sharp attack and decay of the note, like a drum), and then to snap (or pop) a high string with your index finger.

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Bass Guitar How to Tune a Bass Guitar with an Electronic Tuner

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

When you're going to play your bass guitar with a band or another instrument, you need to be sure that you're all tuned to the same reference pitch. Using an electronic tuner is by far the easiest way to tune your bass. Modern tuners have a display that lets you see exactly where your string is (pitchwise), whether it’s sharp (too high) or flat (too low), and what note you’re closest to.

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Bass Guitar How to Restring a Bass Guitar

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

After you've removed the old strings and cleaned the fingerboard, it's time to restring your bass guitar with brand-new strings. New strings are usually coiled in envelopes. The envelopes are numbered according to string size (the thickest string has the highest number). With most electric basses, the new string has to be pulled through a hole in the bridge. Make sure your wire cutters are nearby when you restring your bass. You’ll need to cut the new strings down to size.

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Bass Guitar How to Position Your Right Hand on a Bass Guitar for Finger-Style Playing

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

The name finger-style refers to your striking the strings on your bass guitar with the index and middle fingers of your right hand. You can hear this style in country, rock, jazz, and funk — and just about any other type of music. Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, and Francis Rocco Prestia are only three of the multitude of bassists who use this technique. Take the following steps to set up your hand properly.

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Bass Guitar How to Create a Dominant Groove for the Bass Guitar

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Imagine that you’re getting together with a bunch of other musicians or bass guitarists to play some music. The guy in charge says, “Let’s jam in D7.” (He’s talking about playing in D dominant.) Don’t panic. The following list gives you some guidelines for determining what notes to play during a D7 jam.

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Bass Guitar How to Create a Minor Groove for the Bass Guitar

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

You’re playing with the band as a bass guitarist, jamming on a dominant groove …but wait …what if the guy in charge yells, very enthusiastically, “Let’s jam in D minor!” Uh, oh…a minor adjustment is in order. Relax. Here’s the process:

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