Basic Rhythms for Bass Guitar

RHYTHMS FOR BASS GUITAR

Why is rhythm important? For starters, bassists are a part of the rhythm section which consists of bassist, drummer, and other instruments playing a rhythmic role . Rhythm section is the most important thing in the band. It's called it's backbone. Knowing how to keep rhythm and playing with drums is an essential skill for any bass player.


As a Bass player, you have to work on your rhythm. Without it, or with a bad one, you're a bad player. Don't get depressed now, we all have rhythm inside! But, yo'll also have to practice a little bit...different styles, practice over chords, scales, arpeggios.. Also mix styles. That could be fun.

Remember, an effective bass part can be played using just two or three notes, but they have to be played with a good rhythmic feeling.

Now, here are some basic rhythm patterns to jam with:

- FUNK
- SOUL AND MOTOWN
- ROCK
- WALKING BASS LINE
- SIMPLE DOTTED QUARTER PATTERN
- COUNTRY PATTERN

I'm not starting to be theoretical and all, but I think you should spend some time with Rhythm music theory. May that be from the books, videos, people, friends - doesn't matter. Just do it.

Here's the example of famous rock rhythm pattern:






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