Latest
Lesson 3 – Double Thumbing with Alex Lofoco
A warm welcome to all Bass Musician Magazine readers. In this third lesson we will apply the ‘double thumbing’ technique to the pentatonic scale (please find also lesson 1 and 2) . We will also see several combinations and patterns of the scale involving different fingerings.
Being that the pentatonic scale is quite versatile, I find it very easy to include within grooves and solos. The majority of slap bass grooves and lines in funk music are mainly based around the pentatonic scale, so having a good vocabulary and few technique options certainly helps.
I developed the following patterns as a natural consequence of Thumb Down (T?), Thumb Up (T?) and Pluck (P) combination.
The following examples are based on a D minor pentatonic starting on the 5th fret of the A string. The fact that the pentatonic scale has a symmetrical shape, with one or one and ½ tones on each string (resulting in a two notes per string pattern), offers a number of available plucking combinations. For economy of motion, I would suggest using all available combinations to play any patterns and scales.
For instance, if I end up on a note with a T?, I will use a Pluck to play a note on the same string or next string, or a T? if I need to hit a lower string.
Fingering 1
In this line we have two notes per string, and an even Thumb Down, Thumb Up, Pluck, Pluck sequence is involved. While descending, only the Thumb Down-Up motion is involved from the last four notes which feature a T? T? on each string, as we need to skip strings every two notes.
-The movements involved are:
Ascending
- Thumb down, Thumb up on the A string.
- Pluck, Pluck on the D string.
- Thumb down, Thumb up on the G string.
Descending
- Pluck, Pluck on the G string.
- Thumb down, Thumb up on the D string.
- Thumb down, Thumb up on the A string.
Fingering 2
This second fingering features a variation on the note F, which is fretted at the 3rd fret of the D string, resulting in a more open position and a different picking combination.
-The movements involved are then:
Ascending
- Thumb down on the A string.
- Pluck, Thumb down, Thumb up on the D string.
- Pluck, Pluck on the G string.
Descending
- Thumb down, Thumb up on the G string.
- Thumb down, Thumb up, Pluck on the D string.
- Thumb down on the A string.
If we play each note of the pentatonic twice, we will have an even Thumb down, Thumb up, Pluck, Pluck sequence, as shown below.
Note: Get comfortable with the motion of the whole hand and keep the tips of your fingers in line with your thumb in order to have them ready to pluck right after the thumb has come up with a T?.
Note Groupings
Playing the pentatonic scale in groups of three notes offers another interesting and versatile pattern. To get used to a different rhythmic pattern which involves a new Thumb down, Thumb up, Pluck combination, here are two different fingering, Ascending and Descending of a one octave D minor pentatonic scale.
Ascending
This first line is with two note per string, while on the second line the F is shifted on the 3rd fret of the D string, resulting in a three note per string pattern.
I encourage you to work extensively on any combinations you may come up with. Do not stick to the patterns you already know, push it a bit further! Even just changing the left hand fingerings can suggest new combinations and licks. One way to practice could be the scale ascending with one fingering and descending with the other, or the other way around.
The line below shows the same three note groupings, but instead of a vertical shape, the triplets are spread horizontally on the fingerboard. This shape can be played with a consistent T? T? P sequence, and allows us to reach the upper register in case we want to develop our phrase in another direction.
For any questions, suggestions, or comments, you can contact me at lesson@alexlofoco.com. I will be happy to answer your questions as soon as possible.
Enjoy a good practice, and I look forward to seeing you in the next issue.
Stay tuned
Alex
Bass Videos
Interview With K3 Sisters Band
K3 Sisters Band Interview…
It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.
Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music, music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.
Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.
Here is the K3 Sisters Band!
Photo, Bruce Ray Productions
Featured Videos:
Follow Online:
k3sistersband.com/
TikTok
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Bass Player Health
What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz
What is a Pinched Nerve?
In this month’s video, we will cover how to tell if you have a pinched nerve and when to seek professional help.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
View More Bass Health Articles
Latest
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag
FEATURED @colibriguitars @adamovicbasses @brooksbassguitars @lecomptebass @mgbassguitars @mauriziouberbasses @jcrluthier @biarnel @officialibanezguitars @chris_seldon_guitars
Gear News
New Gear: Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Designed to accommodate global touring, the Original-EVO-C112T features auto-protect voltage support and an adaptive temperature-controlled fan for optimal performance in any environment.
In summary, the Original-EVO-C112T is a game-changing amplifier that combines power, portability, and precision. It’s a testament to innovation and quality in the world of bass amplification, deserving attention from musicians looking to take their music to the next level.
Product Specification-
Power Output: 300 Watts
Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Configuration: 1 x 12” + Horn
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, Input range 150mV – 20mV p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance -1M Ohms, Input range 150mV to 10V p-p
Line Input: Impedance 10k Ohms, Input range 300mV – 40V p-p
DI Output: 600 Ohm balance / Level -20dBu nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 Ohm
Headphone Output: Yes and safe for silent practice
EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15 dB @1.5kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Dimensions (H x W x D in mm): 470 x 606 x 381
Weight: 13.5kg
For more info please visit www.ashdownmusic.com
Gear News
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary…
The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.
This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.
The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually-tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.
It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmp Bass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.
Anticipated Availability: May/June 2024
For more information, visit online at tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/bass-driver-30/
-
Bass Player Health17 hours ago
What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz
-
Latest1 month ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest2 months ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest1 month ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest2 months ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest4 weeks ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest3 weeks ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest2 weeks ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram