Instead of getting lost in endless theory and random exercises, I focus my teaching on five elements that every good jazz bassist has under control. I call it the Five Elements Method.

The five elements

• Sound: a strong, full tone that carries in the band.
• Time: a steady, swinging pulse the band can rely on.
• Melodic repertoire: lines and phrases you can use in your basslines and solos.
• Harmonic repertoire: knowing the chord changes and how to outline them.
• Musical context: listening to the masters and assimilating this to your own playing, while making everything you know sound like music, rather than some technical licks or exercises.

Why these five?

When you master these, you get a wide musical vocabulary, strong technique and the intuition to react tastefully in any situation. They also depend on each other: a great note choice does not help if the time is shaky, and perfect time is not enough without a good sound.

How it works in lessons

We start by finding which element is holding you back most right now, then build a practice plan around it while keeping the others moving. You can see more in the webinar about the method.

Not sure where to start? Book a strategy session and we’ll work out the next step for your playing together.