Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good bass player?

A good bass player works with the drummer to lay the foundation of a group. This involves listening to the notes being played and the rhythms they are played in. A good bass player also needs to be familiar with the concept of the music being played. This will service the music. A good bass player needs to speak the language of melody, harmony, and rhythm in order to best interpret the bass line in a song to fit well with all of these.

What do I need to start playing bass?

In order to take lessons, you will need the following:

• Bass guitar
• Tuner
• Music player
• Manuscript paper
• Desire to learn and time to practice

Also, if I will be conducting the lessons at your house, you will need an amplifier.

What styles do you teach?

I teach all styles of bass. Funk, fusion, rock, metal, jazz, reggae, country, and anything else you can think of. The foundations of bass playing for all of these styles are the same; it is through the application of these fundamentals that the concepts behind these styles live.

How long will it take me to learn?

That depends on your desire to learn and time you spend practicing. It has been said that the best bass students teach themselves, and use a teacher to guide them. Bass practicing should be split into three separate sessions: technique, transcription (playing along with your favorite songs), and improvisation. The right mix of these three elements will drastically improve your bass playing.

What is expected of me as a student?

Come prepared to learn. Ask questions when you don’t understand something. Tell me what you want to learn. Have a couple songs in mind that show what you want to learn. Practice. Have your bass tuned (first lesson excepted).

What is the curriculum?

I’ve yet to find a bass book that comprehensively meets my needs as a teacher. If there is a specific bass method book you would like to use, we can use that. My commitment to you as a student is each lesson and assignment is personalized to your needs, goals, and progress made.

About Matthew

Originally from Rochester, NY, I moved to Tucson in 1999. Since then, I have been a member of popular local bands How to Build a Rocketship and Citizen Saint.