Being able to make your own bass lines at a moment’s notice is one of the most useful skills you can learn as a bass player.
Think about it – if you can do this, then you’ll have no problem:
- Nailing songs you haven’t ever heard
- Landing gigs or studio work (there’s always demand for bass players who can pick things up fast)
- Playing with people you’ve never played with before
- Learning songs blisteringly fast
You only need to know 2 things to create solid, functional bass lines that will work with 80% of the songs that you’ll find ‘in the wild’.
To discover what they are and to learn the secret to making your own instant bass lines, check this out.
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FREE - Take Your Bass Lines To The Next Level
Learn the secrets of next-level bass lines and how you can use simple tricks to make your bass lines more fun and more interesting. today!
Most importantly, creating next-level bass lines will make you a better bass player.
As you can see, it’s not complicated at all! As long as you have the two elements, you can be the bridge between the drums and harmony player, whether that’s a guitar, a piano or something else. When you can do this, you’re set for 80% of songs.
Of course if the song has a specific bass line, then this method won’t work. For example, if you have to play the same riff as the guitar player and you use this formula instead, it won’t have the same effect.
There’s a bit of an art to know when to use this formula and when to do something else. If you’re in doubt though, the formula should serve you well most of the time.
I actually use this method tons when I’m doing gigs or session work and I don’t know the material. I can’t think of a single time where it hasn’t worked for me.
Be sure to sign up for the bonus video guide to the most common bass line rhythms you’ll find and how to deal
Good luck with the lesson and happy playing!
Cheers,
eddie says
just found out a while back, I have a tremor disorder, and not been able to play guitar, so decided to pick up bass( less tedious ) and want to learn to play bass. found your video here on u tube. most helpful I have found yet. Thank you sooo much Luke!
Luke McIntosh says
Hey Eddie – Thanks so much for the kind words! It’s great to hear the lesson is helpful – that’s fantastic! You’re welcome!
Courtney Thomas says
Hi Luke, you are doing an awesome and amazing job with absolute simplicity. I can’t say thank you enough. So I’ll jus tdd say thanks a mill.
The sound track u used in the vedio instant bass line, is it available for download? I’ll love to get a copy.
Thanks again
Courtney.
Luke McIntosh says
Thanks so much Courtney, but I don’t believe I have that track anymore. I’d encourage you to apply the formula to any of the thousands of other play along tracks you can find for free on the web. The more you do it, the easier and more natural it becomes.
Tony Everts says
Hi Luke:
A little off subject, but I did have a question.
In the past you had a “Bass Scale Workshop” where you started with the “F” scale.
Was there a likely for the other scales as well.
I just found that and it is really helpful.
Thank you, thank you.
Tony
Luke McIntosh says
Hey Tony – good to hear from you again! And yes, the Bass Scale Workshop covered multiple ways of playing all the major scales and major modes. I’ll email you with a link to the members site where you can download it.
David Lambourne says
Hi Luke,
I’m a 57 year old complete beginner who has decided to learn bass as a retirement project! Just wanted to say thanks for some excellent videos and very friendly approach which have given me hope!
Looking forward to getting started…..
Dave Lambourne
Luke McIntosh says
Hey Dave – that’s fantastic! Welcome to the wonderful world of bass! I’m glad to hear the videos and approach are working for you! If you have any questions along the way, feel free to let me know. I’m more than happy to help.
Washington Maphosa says
Hey Luke thanks so much your lessons are brilliant I’m only 18 from Zimbabwe started playing bass at 14 and your lessons helped me a lot now sometimes people who have played the instrument longer than i have are shocked and wonder what’s been happening?
Luke McIntosh says
Hey Washington – thanks for the comment. It’s awesome to hear how much the lessons have helped and even better to hear you’re getting noticed by the players with more experience! Keep it up!
John says
Hi Luke
This is a great concept and tutorial: would you consider developing it further by possibly taking a couple of real song examples and applying the techniques? In any case thank you for this and all your other lessons.
Luke McIntosh says
Glad you like the concept John. I do go into more depth in the Next Level Bass Lines bonus video, but you could also just look out for bass lines that fit this structure in the songs you’re already listening to. I’m sure you could find a ton. One that immediately comes to mind for me is Eagles ‘Take It Easy’. It uses the 2 elements pretty religiously throughout the whole song. Once you know what to look for, you’ll start seeing it everywhere.
Corey Dinkins says
Hey Luke, just found this video link about 20 minutes ago. I haven’t tried tried it yet, but me being a beginner I am very sure this will be extremely helpful. Thanks for the time, love, and effort you put into making sure “us” music lovers whether beginners, intermediate, or professional develop into better musicians. Thanks for sharing your gift. And yeah, keep ’em coming, and can’t wait to apply these tips to my lessons.
CHAD says
HEY LUKE, CHAD HERE IN LA, BEAT LESSONS ON LINE!!. MY A AVERAGE GUITAR PLAYER. JUST PICKED UP THE BASS. YOU HAVE ME OFF TO A GREAT START. JUST HAVING TROUBLE HITTING THAT SECOND NOTE TO THE MAJOR IN COUNTRY MUSIC AND BLUES….ANY QUICK TIPS….THANKS
Luke McIntosh says
Hey Chad – glad you’re getting something useful out of the lessons. That’s great! What exactly do you mean by ‘the second note to the major’. I’m not sure what you’re talking about here. Let me know and I’ll do my best to help.
Sahar says
Hi Luke, thank u for your kindness of sharing all this, havent touched a guitar for 20 odd years, you make it so approachable again. thank u for helping me achive an old dream.
all the best
Sahar
Kolen Nali says
Hi Luke,
I play bass but actually dont unerstand all those little key things.
Therefiore I believe it’d be very, very helpful.
Thank you appreciate your kind heart.
Numeriano Giron says
This is help me alot thank you!
Peter says
Hi Luke
i have received the next level bass lines and it has been such help and has made me a better bass player!!
thanks heaps!
Keep it up! 🙂
Luke McIntosh says
So cool to hear Peter – glad it’s helping!
Joy Banks says
Looking forward to it. Thanks.