Posted on

Rhythmic Relevations

Rhythmic Revelations

When a student of one of our Cohorts has a question and something is not clicking I cannot let it be.

For instance: Natalie from our Cohort posted this question into our FB group (at 6:00 AM no less, a very eager student. Also, she lives in New Zealand!):

Natalie rhtyhmic revelationsQuestion f

 

I realized why this rhythm was hard for her

1. it’s in 3, for one, a much less common feel than 4/4, and
2. it’s got a couple of upbeats in it that are worth a closer look.

It occurred to me that helping her get this crucial information under her belt would be a terrific learning opportunity. So, I took a break from packing my boxes (I was in the process of moving cross country!!) and sat down and made a quick video to help her with this. I knew if she just learned that one bar from someone else showing it to her, it would be a missed opportunity to go deeper and give her some powerful tools to tackle these two challenges- not only for this one groove, but for all similar musical situations

Here it is:

In case you were wondering, Natalie is in our 2021 New Year’s Cohort and is an exemplary student who always does more than expected, submits homework on time, self-analyzes, and is open to coaching and feedback. This particular question was from a homework assignment in Unit 7 of the Cohort.

If the idea of coach and peer support, homework and accountability, in a course that delivers real results sounds good to you, we have Theory Cohorts 2-3x/year.

Find out more and sign up here: arisbassblog.com/cohort

Seats will fill up quickly, so reserve your spot now…

Cohorts are 12-week programs, covering five Units of the Course. You’ll have success coaches, accountability, homework assignments to post, Cohort huddles, Community Forums and so much more! Join the fun!

Theory Cohort
Posted on

Two Marvelous Marleaux Details [Video]

marleaux Bridge

The Amazing Marleaux Bridge and the Zero Fret

It is no secret that I love my many beautiful Marleaux basses. I am blessed and truly lucky to have collected all these amazing instruments over the years. There are several reasons why I like them so much: Superior comfort and playability, absolutely amazing craftsmanship, the versatile sound they produce that works with all styles and they have never ever let me down!

I get asked about them a lot. You may be in a location where you cannot try them out and have to rely on hearsay. I am happy to share my opinion, but pardon my excitement when I do 🙂

Recently, I got a question about setting up a Marleaux. Even though Marleauxs have a zero fret (a fret right before the nut), setting them up is really standard. You can set up anything from a super low tapping action to a very high groovy-dig-in set up. Go for it! The basses come with tools in a pouch that make it all easy. It occurred to me that the Marleaux bridge (as well as the zero fret!) may be worth its own video, because the Marleaux bridge offers adjustable spacing. So, Bob (who asked me on Facebook messenger), this video is for you.

I am sure there are other basses that feature zero frets and adjustable bridges. If you have one or know of any, pop them in the chat.

Wherever you stand on basses –  from Fender purists to seven-string Fodera extravaganzas – Marleaux basses are worth checking out!

And for the record, I am an official endorser, but receive no  compensation for this plug. Just love the Marleauxs (the Marleaux Family as well as the basses! 🧡)

Check them out at marleaux-bass.de

More Marleaux Magic:

This bass you see in the video graces the cover of my new book, The Pattern System for the Bass Player – Sharpen Your Musical Mind through Fretboard Proficiency, Improvisation and Mental Practice.