Bass guitar tuition

In a band because no one else wanted to play the bass?

Just got a funky new bass as a present and not sure whether to pluck it, strum it, whack it or thwack it?

Just realised that the bass is the instrument that really makes people move, without them realising and want to cut in on the deal?

Been a self taught player for years, stuck in a rut and want to move forward?

If you answered 'yes' to any of the above or indeed if you have a reason all of your own, then it is time you sought out a good bass tutor. If you just so happen to live in the Ipswich / Suffolk region then do get in touch. The first session is free and gives us an opportunity to get to know each other before commiting to  further lessons.

There are a lot of guitar tutors out there that will also teach bass guitar. Some of them are very good at it and understand the difference between the two instruments. Some will teach you how to play the bass like a guitar player, this is not good! Apart from the fact that they both have strings, frets and look very similar there are some fundamental differences in the way you would play things and more importantly - what you would play. Even if you decide not to have lessons from me please, please, pretty please do get lessons from someone that IS a bass player.

I have played hundreds of gigs big and small, with many great musicians. I know what it takes and what it is like to have the responsibility for holding the bottom end!

...and in the time honoured tradition it is time for me to pass on the knowledge!

Good technique allows you to express yourself and your musical ideas in comfort and less risk of injury. Every musician, artist or sportsman develops good technique to perform at the highest level. It looks good too!

Scales, modes, intervals, chord structures, harmony, rhythm and recognising the notes on your bass and a musical stave. All important stuff if you want to communicate with other musicians and create your own basslines.

How to get the best from your practice sessions both on your own and when rehearsing with the band when you get to that stage.

Your bass, your amplifier and other associated equipment are your primary tools. Know how to use and look after them.

I won't be teaching you individual songs, though we might from time to time examine some great basslines to understand and learn from them. I will give tips and coaching on how to work them out for yourself. This is an important skill as it is the traditional way to learn and develop your own style.

I have been playing bass since the mid seventies though I did have a long break through most of the eighties and the early nineties. Since 1996 I have had a strong presence on the Suffolk music scene performing with bands such as 'Grandma's Bike' a popular covers band playing music from Bill Withers through to Alanis Morissette,'Armada' playing Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Rage against the Machine and 'The Debs Warren band' playing original music and recording five CD's. I am currently performing with The Outlines (www.the-outlines.co.uk) You can see a list of songs that we cover, our upcoming gigs and listen to our demo songs on the website.

After being 'self taught' for many years I studied with Jon Bower (The Real Thing, Dexy's Midnight Soul Runners, Martha Reeves, Boney M) who took me right back to square one and re-built my playing techniques and knowledge to help shape me into the player I am today.