At the end of the day, the bass is a supportive instrument…
…but that doesn’t mean it always has to be in the background
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Welcome to The Essence of Groove. Here you’ll find a collection of free bass lessons filled with groove-focused insights, practical tips, and essential concepts every bass player should know. A lot of these lessons were inspired by the questions and challenges I hear most often from students and players around the world.
I hope you dig in, explore, and find something that helps you connect more deeply with the groove. Your comments and feedback are always welcome!
— Jon
What’s Your Real Reason for Playing Bass?
Did you do it because you wanted to, or because you had to?
Read MoreIs It Okay to Play Jazz on an Electric Bass?
Choice of instrument fuels debate on swing-ability By Jon Liebman Week of December 23, 2019 Should jazz bass be confined only to the upright bass? …
Read MoreDo You Get Ever Get Bored with the Bass?
Learning bass, with an eye toward having (even) more fun
Read MoreLearning to Play Bass with Strangers
When a new musical environment takes you out of your comfort zone
Read MoreHave We Been Learning Bass Wrong All This Time?
How far can we push the boundaries of the instrument while staying true to our role?
Read MoreWhat If You Have to Play Music You Don’t Like?
How learning bass sometimes means learning to be your best self
Read MoreHere’s What’s Most Important for Learning Bass
Trends and interests change, but foundational skills do not
Read MoreWhy Learning to Play Bass is A Whole New Ballgame
The new stuff is great, but don’t forget: You’re the anchor of the band
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