Dirt Simple Upright Bass (+Online Audio)

Although designed for newcomers to the upright bass and bluegrass music in general, this unique approach to creating basslines has something for everyone! The first half focuses on bass-playing essentials, giving the reader a solid technical footing with the instrument. Then, using his own baritone voice and the classic bluegrass song, Going Down the Road Feeling Bad, author Nate Sabat reveals his creative process in crafting effective basslines from the songs melody and chord progression. The second half focuses on bass playing within the specific context of complementing bluegrass vocals. Well beyond what you might expect from an introductory method, Nate tastefully guides the reader by presenting multiple composed bassline options for each of five well-known bluegrass songs: Rabbit in the Log, Dont this Road Look Rough and Rocky?, Long Journey Home, I Am a Pilgrim, and Angel Band.Nates warm, pitch-perfect vocals can be heard on virtually every track, giving this method an undeniable musicality. A lightly accompanied vocal track with no bass is also provided, so you can be the sole upright or electric bassist in the band. Youll not only want to back Nate upbut sing harmony with him too! The impulse to sing cant help but influence your bass playing in a natural and positive way. Nate provides notated versions of the eight major scales most commonly used in bluegrass. Once you get them under your fingers, youll soon be able to play along with the books 50 companion online recordings.With its simple harmonic palette and repetitive nature, bluegrass music offers bassists the perfect opportunity to become musically literate. If youve hesitated to learn to read music, this is the time and place to eliminate that drawback. Working through these 46 pages will provide the tools and confidence needed to create your own engaging and musical basslines and hopefully, youll be inspired to continue your bluegrass bass journey for years to come. Includes access to online audio.