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Chromatic Approaches Part VIII with Andrea Fascetti
HI MY “BASS FRIENDS”!
IT IS REALLY FANTASTIC TO BE HERE AGAIN. VERY COOL WORKING WITH THIS TEAM!
I’M VERY HAPPY TO CONTINUE WITH THESE LESSONS DEDICATED TO THIS NEW TECNIQUE CALLED CHROMATIC APPROACHES, THAT I LEARNED FROM MY MENTOR CHARLIE BANACOS. AS I HAVE SAID IN THE PAST, I HAVE TAKEN THE IDEA AND MODIFIED IT ON MY OWN AND TRIED IT FOR MYSELF, AND THEN SHARED IT WITH MY STUDENTS… AND IT WORKS! NO ONE WAS REALLY ABLE TO PLAY IT VERY FAST
DURING PAST LESSONS WE HAVE STUDIED SOME NEW EXERCISES ABOUT CHROMATIC APPROACHES AND WE USED IT OVER MAJOR SEVENTH CHORDS, MINOR SEVENTH CHORDS, DOMINANT CHORDS, HALF DIMINISHED CHORDS AND MINOR WITH MAJOR SEVENTH CHORD. AS YOU KNOW… I REPEAT OVER AND OVER THAT IF YOU LISTEN TO THE GREAT JAZZ PLAYERS YOU WILL NOTICE THAT CHROMATICS ARE THE CORE OF BEBOP.
BEBOP IS THE FIRST “MUSICAL LANGUAGE,” AND WE HAVE TO KNOW IT IF WE WANT TO DO A GREAT JOB WITH IMPROVISATION. I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO LISTEN TO MODERN PLAYERS AND THE WAY THEY USE BEBOP LANGUAGE IN THEIR LINES AND SOLOS (JACO, GARY WILLIS OR JEFF BERLIN FOR EXAMPLE).
THIS LESSON I PROPOSE TO YOU IS THE EIGHTH EXERCISE IN A LONG SERIES DEDICATED TO BEBOP STYLE. I HOPE YOU STUDIED ALL OF MY PAST LESSONS ABOUT THIS ARGUMENT. IF NOT, I RECOMMEND YOU STUDY THEM (CLICK TO VIEW).
IN THIS LESSON I WILL SHOW YOU A NEW LINE USING THE DOMINANT SUS 4 CHORD! (PLEASE CHECK MY OLD LESSON ABOUT THIS CHORD). HOWEVER, REMEMBER THAT THIS CHORD IS MADE WITH A TONIC, FOURTH, FIFTH AND MINOR SEVENTH (IN THE KEY OF C THE CHORD IS C F G Bb) AND OBVIOULSY IT HAS A FLOATING QUALITY DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE DON’T USE A THIRD IN THE VOICING. IF YOU HAVE TIME AND YOU PLAY PIANO FOR PRACTICING TUNES, PLEASE CHECK THE GREAT BOOK FROM MARK LEVINE CALLED “THE JAZZ PIANO BOOK”.
OK, NOW IT’S TIME FOR THE USUAL HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:
EXERCISES:
1) AS USUAL, TAKE THE EXERCISE. WHAT HAPPENS HERE? I USE A C7 sus 4 ARPEGGIO.YOU HAVE TO APPROACH CHROMATICALLY EVERY NOTE IN THE ARPEGGIO FROM THE LOWEST NOTE TO THE HIGHEST NOTE THAT YOU FIND ON YOUR INSTRUMENT (THIS IS WRITTEN FOR A 24 FRETS 4-STRING BASS… BUT YOU CAN ADAPT IT TO EVERY BASS!)
REMEMBER: DO NOT USE A METRONOME. ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE THE EXERCISE “UNDER YOUR FINGERS”, CAN YOU USE A METRONOME. AS USUAL PLAY THE EXERCISE AS FAST AS YOU CAN!
2) TRANPOSE THE EXERCISE IN ALL KEYS. OK?
HAVE A GREAT PRACTICE TIME
CIAO
ANDREA
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
