This Jaco Bass Line was HIDDEN for almost 40 YEARS
Anyone reading this who’s watched Jaco’s infamous Modern Electric Bass video will have reveled in the hidden bass riff that Jaco digs into as the opening credits roll, but it’s hard to figure out exactly how to play it. So in today’s lesson we’re going to show you.
Jaco Pastorius burst onto the music scene in 1976, stunning the world with the ingenuity and chops of his debut album, the Pat Metheny trio album Bright Size Life and his work with Weather Report. As the only official instructional book or video released by Jaco himself, Modern Electric Bass is a treasured document of one of the true legends of bass guitar!
Example 8 of the instructional tape is titled Jam in E, which showcases Jaco’s impeccable skills as an improviser. There are many different themes and variations within this jam, as well as examples of signature Jaco grooves from his many live and studio recordings. Early on Jaco recalls the B section of his tune Come On Come Over. You might also recognise another of his signature lines from the track No Slack from Jazz Street with Brian Melvin.
Example 01
Our first example centres on the repeated riff that starts in bar 18 of Jaco’s Jam in E. Keep in mind when you’re practising these exercises that it’s the feeling and energy you put into them that really brings the bassline to life. Aim to create a staccato effect with your picking hand when playing combinations of two notes per string. Using ghost notes will also help to make the groove bounce.
Example 02
The second example sees Jaco experiment with a B melodic minor (E lydian dominant) idea. Thinking ahead with specific ideas like this is the only way to achieve this level of improvisational clarity and direction. Your goal should be to think fast, as opposed to just playing fast!
