The Ultimate Online Bass Course from Udemy

Hello, and welcome to The Ultimate Online Bass Course. My goal is simple: to transform you—yes, you. —from a confused bass player into a confident, skilled bass god through a straightforward and logical learning process.

I’ve designed this course with a focus on mastering the fundamentals because, in my own learning journey, I often felt overwhelmed by the complexity of music. Diving into advanced techniques without a solid foundation left me confused and frustrated. I want to save you from making those same mistakes.

Drawing on my 15 years of experience as a bassist and the insights gained from a degree course worth over £20,000, I’ve distilled everything I’ve learned into this comprehensive programme. By following this process, you’ll not only save time and money but also shave years off your learning journey, allowing you to progress faster and with greater confidence.

This course is for anyone passionate about improving their bass playing:

Complete beginners who want a clear and structured starting point.
Intermediate players looking to strengthen their foundational skills and break through plateaus.
Self-taught musicians who may feel they've missed some essential knowledge along the way.
Experienced bassists seeking to refine their technique and revisit the fundamentals with a fresh perspective.

No matter where you are on your bass journey, this course offers valuable insights, practical exercises, and proven methods to help you reach the next level.

Let’s get started on your path to bass mastery.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop a solid foundation in bass playing, including proper finger placement, plucking techniques, and hand coordination.
Be able to play any rhythm straight or swung using rhythmic alphabets.
Understand music theory for bass through learning intervals, scales and chord tones.

Master every note on the fretboard!
To start creating your own original ideas through improvisation.

Develop a solid foundation in bass playing, including proper finger placement, plucking techniques, and hand coordination.
Be able to play any rhythm straight or swung using rhythmic alphabets.
Understand music theory for bass through learning intervals, scales and chord tones.
Master every note on the fretboard!
To start creating your own original ideas through improvisation.

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome!

Become inspired by listening some of the best music ever made!

Get Inspired!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Offers a comprehensive program that distills 15 years of bass playing experience and insights from formal music education, potentially saving learners time and money

Focuses on mastering fundamental techniques, which is helpful for beginners and intermediate players looking to solidify their skills and break through plateaus

Includes instruction on setting up a bass guitar, which is useful for optimizing comfort, playability, and sound quality, and is a skill often overlooked in beginner courses

Covers improvisation and bassline composition, enabling learners to create original ideas and confidently play in jam sessions and live performances

Explores techniques such as slapping, raking, and playing behind, ahead, and on the beat, which are essential for developing a versatile and dynamic playing style

Requires learners to have access to a bass guitar and related accessories, which may be an additional cost for complete beginners who do not already own an instrument

Reviews summary

Comprehensive bass fundamentals

According to students, this course provides a largely positive experience, particularly for those building a solid foundation. Learners highlight the clear instruction and well-structured curriculum that makes complex topics approachable. Many found it highly effective in mastering bass fundamentals, including rhythm, music theory, and fretboard knowledge, describing it as a key factor in gaining confidence and breaking through learning plateaus. While the pacing is widely praised as ideal for beginners, some more experienced players mentioned it might feel slow at times, suggesting its primary value lies in reinforcing or establishing core skills.

Ideal pace for beginners, possibly slow for others.

"As a complete beginner, the pace was perfect for me to keep up."

"If you're starting out, this course is gold, but if you're past intermediate, parts might be slow."

"Great for revisiting fundamentals, though some sections felt basic for me."

"The depth is right for learning essentials, but maybe not for very advanced players."

Covers a wide range of essential bass topics.

"It covers everything from basic plucking to theory and even gigging advice."

"I was surprised by how much was covered, including instrument setup."

"Getting rhythm, theory, technique, and even improvisation all in one place is great."

"Learned about intervals, scales, chord tones, and much more."

Helped students feel more capable on the bass.

"I feel so much more confident playing with others now."

"This course helped me overcome the frustration I had felt for years."

"My playing has improved dramatically, and I feel much more comfortable."

"It's boosted my confidence to try improvising and writing my own lines."

Excellent for building core bass playing skills.

"This course gave me the solid foundation I was missing."

"Mastering the fretboard and understanding rhythm finally clicked for me."

"The exercises for technique and theory are incredibly helpful."

"It really helped fill in the gaps in my self-taught knowledge."

Lessons are easy to follow and well-organized.

"The way everything is laid out makes perfect sense, building step-by-step."

"I really appreciate the logical flow and clear explanations."

"Finally, a course that explains things in a way I can actually understand."

"The structure of the course is fantastic, making it easy to progress."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Ultimate Online Bass Course with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental music theory concepts like scales, intervals, and chords, which are essential for mastering the bass guitar.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review definitions of scales, intervals, and chords.
Practice identifying intervals by ear.
Transcribe simple melodies and analyze their harmonic structure.

Explore 'The Bass Book' by Tony Bacon

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Expand your knowledge of bass guitar history, different models, and playing styles.

View The Bass Book: A Complete Illustrated History... on Amazon

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Read chapters on different bass models and their characteristics.
Research influential bassists mentioned in the book.
Listen to music featuring the bass models and playing styles discussed.

Read 'Standing in the Shadows of Motown'

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Gain inspiration and learn about the history of bass playing by reading about one of the most influential bassists of all time.

View Bobby Rydell: Teen Idol On The Rocks: A Tale of... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Listen to Motown songs and analyze Jamerson's basslines.
Try to replicate some of Jamerson's basslines.

Four other activities

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Practice Scale and Arpeggio Exercises

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Improve your finger dexterity and fretboard knowledge by practicing scales and arpeggios in different keys and positions.

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Choose a scale or arpeggio to practice.
Play the scale or arpeggio slowly and accurately.
Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
Practice the scale or arpeggio in different positions on the fretboard.

Compose a Simple Bass Line

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Apply your knowledge of scales, chords, and rhythm to create your own original bass line for a simple chord progression.

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Choose a chord progression to work with.
Identify the root notes and chord tones of each chord.
Create a bass line that complements the chord progression.
Record your bass line and share it with others for feedback.

Transcribe a Bass Line from a Song

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Develop your ear training and transcription skills by transcribing a bass line from a song you enjoy.

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Choose a song with a clear and distinct bass line.
Listen to the song repeatedly and try to identify the notes and rhythms of the bass line.
Write down the bass line in standard notation or tablature.
Compare your transcription to the original recording and make corrections as needed.

Jam with Other Musicians

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Improve your improvisation and ensemble playing skills by jamming with other musicians in a live setting.

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Find other musicians to jam with.
Choose a key and tempo to play in.
Take turns improvising over the chord progression.
Listen to each other and try to create a cohesive musical performance.

Career center

Learners who complete The Ultimate Online Bass Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Band Member

The role of a band member involves working with a group to create and perform music. This course provides a solid foundation for aspiring band members, focusing on rhythm, timing, and bassline creation. The course covers various playing techniques, including the floating thumb and mastering every note on the fretboard. Sections on playing in the pocket, composing basslines, and understanding the role of a bassist, specifically, are invaluable for band members. Aspiring band members should take this course because it covers topics such as how to play in a band and reasons to take on a gig.

See salaries and explore the career path for Band Member

Session Musician

A session musician is a versatile instrumentalist who performs in recording sessions or live performances with various artists. This course helps those aiming to become a session musician by building a strong foundation in bass playing, rhythm, and timing. The syllabus covers essential techniques, including plucking, the floating thumb technique, and playing in the pocket. Additionally, the course delves into mastering the fretboard, understanding intervals, scales, and chord tones, which are crucial for quickly learning and performing diverse musical styles. Aspiring session musicians should take this course to gain a solid understanding of the instrument and music theory to excel in collaborative musical environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Session Musician

Music Retail Salesperson

A music retail salesperson assists customers in selecting and purchasing musical instruments and equipment. This course's comprehensive overview of bass playing provides salespeople with valuable product knowledge. Understanding the anatomy of a bass guitar, plucking techniques, and setup considerations allows salespeople to offer informed recommendations to customers. The course also covers different types of bass strings and their impact on sound. Aspiring music retail salespeople should take this course to enhance their expertise and provide excellent customer service.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Retail Salesperson

Music Educator

A music educator teaches students how to play musical instruments or understand music theory. This course's comprehensive approach to bass playing makes it a valuable resource for educators. The curriculum covers foundational techniques, fretboard mastery, and music theory, providing educators with the knowledge to teach these concepts effectively. The course's structured approach and practical exercises equip educators with the tools to guide students through a logical learning process and develop a strong understanding of rhythm, scales, and improvisation. Those who are or aspire to become a music educator should take this course to enhance their understanding of bass instruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

Online Music Content Creator

An online music content creator produces and shares music-related content on platforms like YouTube, blogs, or social media. This course helps content creators by providing a structured approach to mastering the bass. The syllabus covers essential techniques, music theory, and improvisation, offering a wealth of material for creating engaging videos, tutorials, or reviews. The course’s detailed exploration of bass playing and the emphasis on creativity provide unique insights to share with an audience. Aspiring content creators should take this course to learn valuable skills and produce high-quality music-related content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Online Music Content Creator

Songwriter

Songwriters create original musical compositions, including melodies, harmonies, and lyrics. This course may be useful because it aims to impart knowledge about music theory and fretboard mastery skills. The course covers understanding intervals, scales, and improvisation techniques, all of which are essential for crafting compelling songs. The course also covers how to compose a bass line. Aspiring songwriters should take this course to develop their musical intuition and bassline skills, which add depth and rhythm to their compositions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Songwriter

Music Producer

Music producers oversee the recording, mixing, and mastering of musical tracks, ensuring a high-quality final product. This course may be useful because it provides insights into the instrument and music theory. The course covers topics such as instrument setup, the role of a bassist, and playing in the pocket. Knowing the elements of bass guitar can help producers make informed decisions during recording and mixing, ensuring the bassline complements the overall sound. Aspiring music producers should take this course to better understand the nuances of bass playing, which can enhance their production skills and creative output.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Music Therapist

Music therapists use musical interventions to address patients' emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. This course can be beneficial for music therapists who want to incorporate bass guitar into their practice. The course provides a solid foundation in the instrument and music theory, enabling therapists to use bass in various therapeutic activities. The syllabus covers rhythm, scales, and improvisation, equipping therapists with the skills to engage patients in meaningful musical experiences. Aspiring music therapists should take this course to expand their musical toolkit and enhance their therapeutic interventions.

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Live Sound Engineer

A live sound engineer manages audio during live performances, ensuring clear sound for both the audience and performers. This course may be useful because it offers foundational knowledge about bass guitars. Understanding the technical aspects of the instrument, such as pickup height and intonation, can aid engineers in optimizing sound during live events. This course also covers setting up a bass guitar. Aspiring sound engineers should take this course to expand their understanding of bass guitar nuances, allowing them to fine-tune sound quality during live performances.

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Music Journalist

Music journalists write about music-related topics, including album reviews, artist interviews, and industry trends. This course may be useful for music journalists seeking to deepen their understanding of bass playing. Learning about techniques like plucking and understanding the floating thumb technique can enrich their writing. The syllabus covers the role of a bassist, offering valuable insights for journalists covering bass players or bass-driven music. Aspiring music journalists should take this course to enhance their expertise and provide more informed commentary on the instrument.

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Guitar Technician

A guitar technician maintains and repairs guitars and other stringed instruments. This course may be useful since it includes topics such as how to string a bass guitar and adjusting the truss rod. The course provides practical knowledge about instrument components and setup, equipping technicians with valuable skills for their work. Aspiring guitar technicians should take this course to enhance their understanding of bass guitar maintenance and repair, expanding their expertise in stringed instruments.

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Musical Instrument Designer

A musical instrument designer creates new instruments or improves existing designs. This course may be useful, as the profession concerns itself with the anatomy of the bass guitar, which this course covers. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the instrument and related theory. Aspiring musical instrument designers should take this course to enhance their skill and knowledge.

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Music Librarian

A music librarian organizes and manages music collections, ensuring resources are accessible to musicians and researchers. This course may be useful because the librarian may be arranging sheet music. Such scores often have bass accompaniment. Aspiring music librarians should take this course to enhance their knowledge of music arrangement, thus assisting with their job.

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Talent Scout

Talent scouts discover and recruit new musical talent for record labels or management companies. This course helps talent scouts by providing a foundational understanding of bass playing and musicality. Recognizing a musician's technical skills and understanding their potential requires knowledge of the instrument and its nuances. The syllabus covers the role of a bassist and bassline creation techniques. Aspiring talent scouts should take this course to refine their ear for musical talent and make informed decisions when recruiting bass players.

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Booking Agent

A booking agent secures performance gigs for musicians and bands. This course may be useful since it gives insight into music arrangement. Knowing about the lowest possible note that can be played may assist in making informed decisions about event logistics. Aspiring booking agents should take this course to enhance their knowledge of music arrangement, thus assisting with their job.

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The Ultimate Online Bass Course

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive bass fundamentals

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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