Free Online Bass Lessons
How To Build A Reliable Catalog Of Bass Fills Pt2 (Relative Keys)
18 thoughts on “How To Build A Reliable Catalog Of Bass Fills Pt2 (Relative Keys)”
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Grabbing my iPad to actually write this down. It’s so simple but I have over thought this many times.
Hey man idk if youll see this, but im very greatful to have access to this but im getting a bit overwhelmed. ive been played bass for a few years but never took the time to actually study theory such as chords, etc. i know all the scales but applying them musically is my problem. i feel like im at a plateau in terms of playing im not sure what concept i should focus on. Even in terms of mastering the fretboard i know the notes but still feel like i havent mastered it. if you could help me and guide me in the right direction.
Dude, of course I see this! Totally understand your situation. Trust me I’ve gone through that stage myself in the beginning. It’s all about connecting the dots. It’s almost like you have the tools. You just need to know how to use them. You said something super important in that you never took the time to study theory fully. That’s where the disconnect happens. I can definitely help point you in the right direction. It would be great if I could see your playing style right now. Do you have any videos of yourself playing or would you mind uploading some if you don’t? If not, I can direct you to some lessons we have here on the site to better help you connect those dots and apply the theory in the knowledge to practical applications. Sidenote, it would be great if you can join a live stream class because we talk directly about this subject a ton in those live sessions. Hope to hear from you soon. That’s what I’m here for. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Hey man thank you so much for the reply! Yh heres a video of me playing over this is the day by fred hammond https://youtube.com/shorts/l87pGf8pQiA?feature=share
I know it looks like i know what im doing but prior to me making that i didnt know where all the notes on the bass were (i do now) i didnt know modes or chords, for me i play either what i hear others play and try change it abit or from the root note of the progression id move randomly without intention and whatever sounds good i stick with.
The problem is that i picked up the bass over 5 years ago bc my church bassist left but was only playing for the sake of playing and never to be good at it but now i want to learn bass so i can be a professional. Im just looking for a mentor which i believe ive found who can steer me in the right direction.I definitely will be tuning in for the next live stream!
Hey man, totally understood. Shout out to you for filling in the gap where it was needed! A lot of people just go without having the bass at all so good for you!. Can you do me a favor and send that link again or check and see if it’s a private link it’s not showing up for me for some reason, would love to see you throwing down!
Hey sorry about that this link should be working. Let me know if you have any problems again!
https://vimeo.com/1152516954?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
https://player.vimeo.com/video/1152977816
Hey man thank you so much for the feedback! You dont know how much this means to me hearing this from you. I do hear what your saying about the ghost notes and i guess with that particular song theres alot of ’empty space’ so i tried filling that space with the ghost notes but ended up over doing it.
Yh one thing i struggle with is playing certain lines and licks fast but still being on time which is why i try to cover it with hammer ons and pull offs. Thank you for the exercises will definitely start applying everything you said. in regards to playing the song stripped down idk how well i can do that be will try my best, im away for the next few days but will try get thay to you as fast as possible!
Absolutely man! My pleasure. And no Problem, take your time with it, no pressure and hit me whenever! Excited for your journey man 🤟🏾
Hey man, hope you had a great week! Sorry for the late reply i just got back from my holiday. Heres the vid of my attempting to strip everything down. Sounds very empty tho. Looking forward to hearing from you & learning from you!
https://vimeo.com/1155551034?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Hey man happy Sunday just a quick question you mentioned I have a bit of string ringing while I play and also sent a vid in where u use your ring and pinky to help you mute. I have a quick question I’ve been coming across a few bassists in which don’t use their ring or pinky at all to mute but you don’t seem to hear any string ringing. Here are just two and they don’t use fret wraps too
https://youtu.be/lqH90udr9lI?si=dyaExiZSsThMKnAV
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKNB7cQsVT0/?igsh=NWd5bDBuYWw1eWUy
As you can see when they’re playing the G or D string no finger is on the E or A string muting them so then does eliminating string noise just come from the pressure in which you pluck the strings? Would love for you to clear this up to me thank you. Can throw in another clip if needed 🙏🏾
https://player.vimeo.com/video/1156088875
Yo! I love this this! I already see the improvement with the clarity of the bass line line. It just feels more solid overall especially when you establish the bass notes first then eventually venturing out and expanding on some of the fills. This is a great starting point man. Continue to make sure you focus on the initial bass line before stretching out. Good work man🤟🏾
string ringing
https://daricbennett.com/free-bass-lessons/how-to-get-rid-of-the-dreaded-string-ring
exercise
https://daricbennett.com/lessons/#the-spider-exercise-dexterity-focused
Ghost notes
https://daricbennett.com/lessons/#ghost-note-tips-for-a-starting-out
Ghost notes
http://daricbennett.com/lessons/#timing-control-exercise-for-ghost-notes
Great Lesson, I have a show on the 31 of Jan 2026. And two songs I will be doing a Solo on.
One is in F minor and the other is in the key of A minor. This Lesson gave me more Solo Ideals to add to and Enhance my Playing. Thanks Daric, I will be Posting Videos soon as I get my YouTube channel. Great to be back in the BASS NATION
Hey for some reason it wont let me reply tp your vid, but thank you so much for the feedback! thanks for the clarification i guess i never used the ring or pinky finger to mute so it feels uncomfortable but ill just have to practice with it more, but ill definitely try focus more on the feel and the groove first
Also just back to my very first comment and after youve heard me play what would you say is the next step for me to be able to apply the scales/music theory that i know into actually making real music or creating licks/fills myself what should i focus on?
No problem, man my pleasure. Sorry for getting back so late. I’m currently in California at the Namm show so I’ll be tied up for a couple of days. But as far as muting goes, it’s not necessary that you have to mute with your third and fourth finger. That’s just one method that you can go about it. I would focus more on your left hand technique on the fretboard getting your fingers closer to the strings and to the frets so you don’t have too much ringing in between your notes.
And to answer your question about what would be next for you,… I was strongly focus on basic theory so going through the beginners course inside of the academy will be a great idea even if it feels like you’re working backwards trust me in the long run is going to help you so much more. When you’re applying licks inside of a song, it’s very important that you understand what chords are being used so you can match the chords with the scale. This is where you form your licks . They need to match with the chords and the music that’s going on in the moment so understanding chord structure and basic theory is very important. There’s also a chords course that you can go through that will help you as well for now.
I know this may sound like a lot, but I’ll do a video demonstration as soon as I possibly can to help you understand further. I’ll even use the same exact song so you get a good idea of what I’m referring to. I’m excited for your progress and you’re asking the right questions. Talk soon. 🤟🏾
I really appreciate the advice and guide will definitely go back over the beginners course and the chords course. Take care and enjoy the Namm show, looking forward to working with you man