The Groove Mapping Concept - A "MUST" for all bass players! (L#180)

===

In this lesson Scott demonstrates some great exercises to help stop you loosing your place when playing over a static chord for an extended period of time. The key to using these techniques in a real world situation is to first work on each of them individually. Once you have a good level of control of each of them on their own you can start implementing them in a more interchangeable and organic way, as you would in a live situation.

Approaching creating lines like this can be a great way to keep track of the overall structure of the song, as you can start subdividing sections into 4 bar “chunks”. So rather than trying to count 16 bars you can think of that section as 4 groups of 4. But remember, ultimately we should be 'feeling' the groups of 4 - not counting them. And, grouping things together in this way can also really help with memorising songs more efficiently.

When using these techniques within a band it’s important to be aware of what is going on around you. If everyone in the band is playing a fill in the 4th bar it might be best to be more subtle with how you are marking the section changes. There also may be situations where it sounds best for the song overall if you leave marking the changes to one of the other instruments in a particular section. When using these ideas in context it’s essential that all the band members are listening and adapting to what the other members are playing.

Of course, even with these techniques in place we all still get lost from time to time. If you do find yourself a bit lost in the structure it’s important to use your ears and listen to what’s going on around you, and don't forgot that good eye contact can really help you out in these situations too. The drummer may well be playing a variation or fill to mark the 4 bar sections. Also if you have a keys player or guitarist they may be playing a fill or some of the chord substitutions Scott mentioned to mark the section changes.

As much as it’s great for your cue the band to section changes you have to remember that it’s a team effort and all the members of the band should be involved in that process to some degree.

Have you ever been totally lost your place in a jam situation? What helped you find your way back in again?

Do you have any techniques that have helped you keep your place when playing grooves over a static chord?

Let us know in the comments below!

- See you all next week, Travis Moore - Academy Community Manager.