Don’t play what you know — play what you DON’T know!
Learn bass by getting out of your comfort zone
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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
4 notes that’ll make your bass playing come to life!
The power – and versatility – of the dominant 7th chord
Read MoreThe easiest, fastest way to learn songs on the bass
The more you do this, the easier it gets!
Read MoreWhen playing bass, is it possible to be TOO prepared?
Here’s what I did once… and what happened next
Read MoreJust how good are you at playing bass?
Here’s why you’re probably better than you think you are
Read MorePlaying bass without playing the roots?
Warning: This is an advanced concept, which could get you into trouble if you’re not careful
Read MoreHow to use minor 7th arpeggios in your bass lines
Play good bass lines, build technique, and learn theory — all at the same time!
Read MoreUsing 4-note arpeggios to play great bass lines
How the dominant 7th chord will take your bass playing a long way
Read MoreThe fastest, easiest way to learn how to play a good bass line
It’s amazing how creative you can be playing these simple patterns on the bass
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