Category: Practice Group Replay

You need your bass and an internet connection!

We also recommend to get this book:

Not required but highly useful is our Theory Wall Chart.

Ari's Theory wallchart Ariane Ari Cap arisbassblog

Low intermediate and up. Jazz novices welcome.

You can start at any time and go at your own pace. You have lifetime access to the material.

When do you offer more live masterclasses?

These sessions are pre-recorded, they are not live. It feels almost like you are there, though, as you learn alongside an awesome group of bassists just like you. Feel free to post your assignments into our Facebook Group!

At this time we do not offer any new live masterclasses. This is the only way to get this content. If you’d like to study with Ari, become a member. These Easy Jazz Masterclasses as well as Easy Jazz Masterclasses Level 2 (10 additional 1 hour classes!) are included with the Practice Membership.

We offer a no-questions-asked money back guarantee so your commitment is risk free for 30 days. Try it on for size and you’re not completely convinced that this course is right for you, I will promptly refund your money.

30 day money back guarantee

For our membership, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee.

We use secure checkout with Stripe.

Get Instant Access to the
Pre-recorded Jazz Masterclasses

$175

10 hours of video
Jamtracks
PDFs with TAB and notation

We use Stripe, a highly secure checkout system!

Learn a ton while having fun!

Beginner-friendly Masterclasses

Are you a beginner (or feel like one)?

Whether you're a complete beginner or a frustrated hobbyist yearning to break through a pesky plateau - you are in the right place

Is this you?

Imagine...

WELCOME TO

Beginner Masterclasses with Ari

Join a small group of students like yourself on a 20-session journey through the basics of playing the bass. Recorded live as interactive classes!

We start from zero and jump straight into the fun stuff while at the same time building a strong foundation;

Apply everything you learn directly through improvisation and bass line creation – even if you have never done this before.

Our students love learning this way because you get to be musically creative right from the start! Even technique can be learned like that and it’s incredibly fun!

If you have the book (recommended) you are directed to do some reading homework as the class moves along. However, we go far beyond the book by showing many fun and musical ways to apply the theory.

You learn at your own pace. We focus on understanding and consistent practice. Unlock how music is put together step-by-step, how the bass fretboard works and how you get your mind and fingers to groove!

Whether you’re a complete beginner picking up your first instrument or a frustrated hobbyist yearning to break through a pesky plateau, this series will equip you with the skills and knowledge to access your musicality through understanding.

Press play and practice along!

Here's What Masterclass Participants are Saying...

I found Ariane Cap after attending her session on SBL. Bought her book "Music Theory for the Bass Player".

In the surf band (they needed a bass player) my tabs were done for me and I had to memorize everything, not knowing the layout of the fretboard and always wondering why notes were a certain way.

After buying Aris book and taking her courses it really opened up a freedom for me.

I became more comfortable with the fretboard and the musical notes.

Ari’s courses are very well structured with a wealth of information.

On a personal note I have a medical background and Ari’s courses opened up a whole different way of thinking.

Realized you're never too old to learn and I have definitely enjoyed the journey. You absolutely get more than what you pay and its a great lifetime investment.

Thank you for finally providing quality bass instruction that gives students material to practice. There is so much information out about theory, but what really lacks is proper curriculum (which you have now provided).

Without guidance on WHAT to practice right now, students become overwhelmed with information and don’t know what to practice first, how long to practice, or when to move on.

Practice is EVERYTHiNG, but without knowing what to physically practice it is so easy to get lost, confused, and frustrated.

As a martial arts teacher for many years, it is much easier, because there is a specific curriculum geared toward a specific level. You learn this, then you move on to the next skill.

Thank you for providing that structure that is much needed for the student!

I just want to let you know, that I sat for 4 hours playing on the groove and fill and the exchange. Plus a few of you other finger exercises I found on the internet before I signed up. I love the pinky exercises. Anyway, if your course keeps going like it has so far. I’m going to really excited.[...]

I just love your approach!!!

Anyway glad I signed up!!!

What exactly is in these Masterclasses?

20 sessions jampacked with fun grooves, theory drills, technique exercises and groove creation. Ari practices along with you!

Understanding

Technique

Theory

Grooves & Fills

The Fretboard

Here's what you can expect from these masterclasses:

Develop solid and comfortable technique

The basics on technique and constant reminders to keep an eye on them. You will start feeling much more relaxed!

Start feeling like a bass player

In these sessions you will learn valuable musical building blocks. Immediately make cool lines with them!

Understand the foundations of theory

Theory made fun and applicable, right from the start! Improvise, even if you have never done it!

Understand how the fretboard works

Connect the dots - quite literally - with Ari's name-a-dot and notefinder drills. Step-by-step, the fretboard unlocks for you!

Hi. I’m Ari.

Bassist, author, educator. Groove enthusiast and learning nerd.

As a bass teacher, I have taught at London Bass Day, Gerald Veasley’s Bass Boot Camp, SBL, Truefire, notreble… I even ran my own music school for a few years before gigs took me back on the road.

One thing to know about me is that I teach because I am absolutely fascinated with the learning process. And I am obsessed with helping others realize their musical potential.

I also utilize the power of learning in groups: our first cohort with volunteer coaches ran in 2018, and Masterclasses started in 2020. Our practice memberships have been going strong since 2022.

Traditional Approaches vs. Ari's Approach

Other Ways

The Ari Way

Based on copying and rote learning

Based on helping you create your own grooves from day 1

Teach reading first, then explain theory on a staff

Theory shapes on the fretboard first, then reading

Start with scales as WWHWWWH

Start with intervals, then build scales from them

Technique and fingering often neglected or only via TAB

Technique training through relaxation and awareness drills

Top-down instruction of theory

Explore & discover theory and your own unique ways of playing

Get Instant Access to the pre-recorded Beginner Masterclasses

$115

20 hours of video
Jamtracks
PDFs with TAB and notation

We use Stripe, a highly secure checkout system!

Learn a ton while having fun!

As seen on

Featured by leading bass websites and publications

Questions & Answers About The Beginners Masterclasses

You need your bass and an internet connection!

We also recommend to get this book:

Not required but highly useful is our Theory Wall Chart.

Ari's Theory wallchart Ariane Ari Cap arisbassblog

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Beginners and low intermediate. This class starts from scratch.

Yes!

You can start at any time and go at your own pace. You have lifetime access to the material.

When do you offer more live masterclasses?

At this time we do not offer any new live masterclasses. This is the only way to get this content. If you’d like to study with Ari, become a member of our Live Practice Membership. These Beginner Masterclasses are included with the Practice Membership.

We offer a no-questions-asked money back guarantee so your commitment is risk free for 30 days. Try it on for size and you’re not completely convinced that these masterclasses are right for you, I will promptly refund your money.

30 day money back guarantee

We use secure checkout with Stripe.

Get Instant Access to the pre-recorded Beginner Masterclasses

$115

20 hours of video
Jamtracks
PDFs with TAB and notation

We use Stripe, a highly secure checkout system!

Learn a ton while having fun!

Pattern System Masterclasses Recordings Levels 2 and 3

Pattern System Masterclasses
Levels 2&3

Take it to the next levels!

Congratulations - You mean business:
You are a committed Pattern Practicer!

Have you enjoyed your Level 1 learnings? Happy to see you back for more!

The story of these classes
I first started teaching these Masterclass sessions during the pandemic. When we were done with a level, students always instantly requested a next one – each level bringing ever more tangible and measurable results and big improvements in their playing and musicality. One group went 6 levels deep, together! Over a span of two years, they thrived, expanding their musical voice, improving their soloing, and deepening their connection to the instrument and to music beyond their wildest expectations!

For a limited time only we are offering the 2023/2024 edition of Pattern System Masterclasses Levels 1, 2, 3. This fabulous group of bass players went three levels deep together. You can be part of that learning journey now!

I signed up for the next session less than 24 hours after the info was posted so that should tell you something.

Randy Fergus

WELCOME TO

The Pattern System for the Bass Player Masterclasses Level 2 & 3

More areas • More applications • Soloing strategies • Nimble fingers • Triads, four-note chords and chord progressions • Adding rhythm • Connection Exercises • Going vertical on the fretboard • “Donut Trick” for Solos

What's in Level 2:

Using your new triad shapes over common chords
The power of this system for diatonic chord progressions
Concepts for creating fills all over the neck using this system
More areas, more drills, up your fretboard fitness!
Superwild: practicing beyond the cycle
Video animations to help with Connection Drills
Adding rhythm to these drills makes them sound even cooler
More Mindblowing shortcuts this system provides you
Improvising over neighboring keys using Ari's "Donut" method
The Area Matrix, Area 3, and more

WEEK 1

Triads review
Mixed motion drills and how to use them in a musical context
More on why the patterns are such an amazing shortcut
New scalar drills (harder!)
Improv with a pop track

WEEK 2

Improv using triads
Rhythmizing scalar drills
Improvising over I IV V I using this system

WEEK 3

The five mighty shapes for minor triads!
Improvising over neighboring keys using Ari’s “donut” method
Tips for instantly sounding like your solo tells a story

WEEK 4

Cycle of whole steps!
Connection drills help you think ahead!
Diminished triads!
New scalar studies (sounds cool!)

WEEK 5

Improv with minor triads
Review of the diatonic cycle
Improv over the diatonic cycle
Connection exercises for musical skills

WEEK 6

Rhythmicizing connection exercises is a total trip! Helps your rhythmic creativity!
Improvising over new chord progressions
Diatonic cycle improv

WEEK 7

The Area Matrix – the ultimate cheat sheet for Area Practice
Area 3!
And of course Connection drills
Improv

WEEK 8

Area drills
Diatonic cycle drills
More on improvising using “the Donut” Concept

WEEK 9

Review
More drills with new tracks
Prepping for the final performance

WEEK 10

Enjoy the finals of our students! See how far they have come in just ten weeks!

What's in Level 3:

Practicing shapes for speed
Why triads are so cool for fills - virtuosic sounding ideas
How improvising shapes provides never ending musical ideas
Rhythmic templates for improv
Open Area shedding (it's also known as "the money spot")
Scalar runs for cool fills
7 creative strategies for improvising using the patterns
Ari's "Phrase Bender" - improvising using common tones
Four-note chords
Scalar studies in fourths for that cool angular fusion sound

WEEK 1

Triads through the cycle for speed
Improvising for speed
Walking bass ideas with triads

WEEK 2

Bass solo over a drone
The cycle in both directions
Shapes for speed
Fun new improv chord progressions
Rhythmic templates

WEEK 3

Area drills with rhythms!
Diatonic chord progressions: triad drills
Various improv
Scalar Studies for cool fills

WEEK 4

Scalar runs for cool fills
Connection practice
7 creative ideas for improvising shapes in grooves
Diatonic connection exercises
More new improv

WEEK 5

The major four Note Chords you must know
Improvise over A Section of “My Favorite Things”

WEEK 6

All diatonic four-note chords
Theory Chops builder over a I IV V chord progression
Creating diatonic four note chords as diagrams using a pattern template

Various diatonic strategies

WEEK 7

Rhythmicize the four-note chords
Finger Kung Fu for four-note chords
Knowledge Check: Dominant 7 Chords, minor 7 chords and major 7 chords in Area 1
Pattern Practice Rhythmicized Drills Cheat Sheet
Scalar studies in fourths: cool angular sound

WEEK 8

The “Phrase Bender” – using common notes between chords for improv
More rhythmicizing improv drills with new, ever hipper templates
Free improv using common notes
Scalar studies in Fourths

WEEK 9

Seven pattern practice strategies to drive it home
Practice chart cheat sheet
Phrase bender over a pop chord progression
Rhythmicized drills
More fun with triads, and scalar studies in fourths
Finals prep

WEEK 10

Awesome finals by our students!

Here's What Masterclass Participants are Saying...

I love the pattern system. I am an engineer and this approach is perfect for me.

I have done the 20-unit course and now level two of the pattern system so all I know is what you have taught me.

The written homework was like coloring-for-adults and at the same time learning the fretboard and chords and intervals and much more, I loved doing it.[...]

I loved it and I am bass-hooked for life. Thank you!

Pattern 1 is precisely what I needed at just the right time. This course is definitely challenging in the best sense.

Building a strong foundation and putting the bricks where they need to be, so to speak.

Setting this foundation to be able to grow as a musician and be an authentic skilled player.

I am thrilled to be in this course and will definitely enroll in Pattern 2.

I am grateful to be learning from Ari - musician and bass player and human extraordinaire.[...]

Just a note to thank you for the great classes in your Pattern System book.

This system really can open musical doors in the best way possible.

By structuring your playing around the 5 shapes our minds can grasp this information systematically, plus the way you drip feed the exercises I started to think more musically without feeling overwhelmed!

Thank you and the team for all you do!

I’m amazed how fast I progressed in the Level I fretboard class.

Ari is the real deal. My mother was a musician and teacher and those finger exercises and scaler notes sound so familiar.

What really scared me was that I found those simple exercises weren’t as easy as I thought, because I never practiced like this before.

The discipline and memorization knowledge is what I really needed, and I’m getting that from Ari’s Bass Lessons.

This was the second time I took the Pattern System Level 1 course and it was incredibly worthwhile.

I picked up on a number of aspects of the pattern system that I overlooked the first time through.

It has really helped to cement the pattern system in my brain and has improved my knowledge of the fretboard (including the 5-string).

I highly recommend this course to anyone that wants a thorough knowledge of the electric bass.

Well that was really fun! These patterns really work for my brain! Lol!

I wanted to thank you for all you have done for so many of us!

I always wanted to do music, but it seemed like life was always getting in the way!

Now that I’m officially retired (for now anyhow) I finally have the time to focus on what I love to do! [...]

When I look back I can’t believe how far I’ve come on this journey! I wouldn’t have been able to succeed like this without your guidance!

So thanks again Ari. Looking forward to the next adventure!

NOTE: Even if you are an advanced player I strongly recommended you start with Level 1! When we talk about Level 1 – we mean Level 1 of the method and it sets the critical foundation for the system.

Get Instant Access to Levels 2&3

$350

Access 10 weeks of Level 2 replays and
10 weeks of Level 3 replays

Unlock the Fretboard... Levels 2&3

As seen on

Featured by leading bass websites and publications

Questions & Answers About The Level 2 and 3 Masterclasses

You need the Level 1 Masterclasses.

Even if you are an advanced player, you want to start with Level 1 since it is Level 1 of the method.

You also need the Pattern System book, your bass, and an internet connection

Not required but highly useful is our Pattern System for the Bass Player Wallchart, a poster that features all the patterns and practice aides for this system.

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Intermediate level and up. These masterclasses are not suitable for beginners. Basic music theory knowledge is required and the ability to play scales and triads.

No. Beginners should start with our Beginner Path

I am an advanced player - is Level 1 right for me?

Yes. Intermediate up to pro level players will benefit hugely from practicing this method. You will be training your musical mind, improving skills such as “thinking ahead” and “thinking in time”.

What we are doing is training to think music and translate it to the fretboard in a systematic way.

And no matter how advanced you are, start at the beginning, because this method is unique and each chapter or masterclass level builds upon the previous one. Level 1 just refers to the start of the method.

How many levels of masterclasses are there?

Many. One group stayed together for two years and went six levels deep. We currently have Levels 1, 2, 3 for sale, recorded in 2023 and 2024.

Where do I post my homework assignments and finals video?

You can start at any time and go at your own pace. You have lifetime access to the material.

We love seeing your submissions on our private Facebook Group. You will get interaction and cheers from others who have taken this program. Go for it! Instructions to join are inside the class.

When do you offer more live masterclasses?

At this time we do not offer any new live ten week masterclasses.

30 day money back guarantee

We use secure checkout with Stripe.

Get Instant Access to Levels 2&3

$350

Access 10 weeks of Level 2 replays and
10 weeks of Level 3 replays

Unlock the Fretboard... Levels 2&3

Pattern System Masterclasses Recordings LEVEL 1

I never want to get lost on the fretboard again...

Systematic deep practice and training the musical mind gets you there

There are 12 mistakes I see players make when trying to learn the fretboard

Practicing scales or arpeggios from root to root only
Believing that if progress doesn't come instantly, it's because you are "not talented"
Relying on rote repetition and never training your own creativity
Not measuring your progress nor knowing how to measure it
Not studying note names and scale degrees systematically
Thinking that buying more basses will fix it
Jumping from shiny offer to shiny offer in the hope to find "the magic one" that will make you "great in 10 days" without ever having to put in any meaningful work
Only training your fingers, never your "musical mind" - or even believing the myth that if you have to think you can't feel it
Believing that what they heard worked for some famous player should also work for you
Thinking that simply "practicing a lot" will make you better
Thinking that CAGE or Simandl are good methods to learn the bass neck
Mostly focusing on learning songs by rote and thinking this is the best practice

Imagine...

Never having to poke around on the fretboard chasing notes again
Being able to "think music" in your mind and play it instantly, effortlessly
Playing in any key equally well
Being able to come up with your own grooves, fills, and solos on the fly
Knowing how to improvise over chord changes
Playing without looking at the fretboard
Freely and confidently playing up and down the entire fretboard
Telling compelling stories with your solos - letting creativity flow without ever fishing for the right notes
Confidently knowing where all the notes are and how they fit, no matter the key or context
Creating music rather than just copying it

YOU CAN NOW STUDY

The Pattern System for the Bass Player
with Ari

Join Ari and a group of your peers to learn the Pattern System!

This series of masterclasses – recorded live between 2023 and 2024 – will give you a solid foundation of the system.

It starts at the beginning of the system/book.
You will learn:

Build on the foundational chapters of the book and bring your playing to life via examples and applications!

Here's What Masterclass Participants are Saying...

What's in these Level 1 masterclasses?

10 weeks of one hour long classes that were recorded live
Recorded in front of an awesome live audience of bassists like you
This Series of masterclasses starts with the beginning of the method (Level 1!)
Each week builds on the one before, going step by step
9 weeks of content plus a big final performance
Weekly assignments, milestones and motivation
Access to our private Facebook Group to post assignments to
36 custom composed jamtracks for drills

WEEK 1

You will create your first diagrams of the Open Area scales!

You will also get your feet wet right away doing some improvising to drive home the idea of how deeply we need to know these notes and how to apply the deep practice musically!

You will do notename and scale degree drills to drive home the ever-important question: where is the root and how does it all relate?

WEEK 2

You will learn the first three of the five mighty shapes!

Get started with scalar studies – groups of 2!

More open area drills and fun improvisation practice with pop and funk tracks!

WEEK 3

Learn the “crabby” patterns – these have a shift but it’s very elegant and you can do it without looking at the fretboard.

Stylistically it is getting bluesy in the improvs!

WEEK 4

Review of all five shapes!

So far you have only learned the five shapes in one key – now we are learning them in all 15 keys of the cycle in the so-called “Area 1”.

Practice through the cycle and why that’s so powerful

3-note groupings and a groovy improv drill that takes you up the neck in fun ways!

WEEK 5

More ways to review and drill what you have learned so far! Always making slight changes to help you learn those vital “think ahead” drills.

This week we are adding the metronome and you learn to use “cheater beats”.

Improv: a light rock track!

WEEK 6

Scalar studies, scalar groupings – your fingers are getting faster and nimbler by the drill!

This week you are learning a very cool pedaling technique – sounds very virtuosic and really challenges your fingers while cementing the pattern knowledge!

More Area 1 practice strategies

WEEK 7

Learn your first interval scalar study – works your fingers, works the pattern and – sounds great!

Rootfinder pattern practice, cycle drills, more improv with a bluesy touch!

and an introduction to the amazing and famed Connection Exercises!

Also: Area 2!

WEEK 8

Connection Exercises tips and strategies.

The power of the pattern system when improvising diatonically, meaning using chords of one key!

Review of the chromatic cycle versus the diatonic cycle.

Lots of applications of the pattern drills.

Improv is bouncy pop

WEEK 9

You will be doing a very fun modes drill

More Pattern practice, scalar studies and of course improv twists!

Students in class had to commit to a pattern for the final…
Which Pattern, I II III V or VI?

Which pattern will you do your final in?

WEEK 10

Enjoy the finals of our students! It is a delight to see how far they have come in just ten weeks!

Hi. I’m Ari.

Bassist, author, educator. Groove enthusiast and learning nerd.

As a bass teacher, I have taught at London Bass Day, Gerald Veasley’s Bass Boot Camp, SBL, Truefire, notreble… I even ran my own music school for a few years before gigs took me back on the road.

One thing to know about me is that I teach because I am absolutely fascinated with the learning process. And I am obsessed with helping others realize their musical potential.

I also utilize the power of learning in groups: our first cohort with volunteer coaches ran in 2018, and Masterclasses started in 2020. Our practice memberships have been going strong since 2022.

How is The Pattern System different than the CAGE system?

The CAGE System

The Pattern System

Just shows shapes, expecting that
just moving them around is all it takes

Fretboard shapes are merely the starting point of this system

Naming in CAGE is confusing in keys other than "C"

Shapes are named by scale steps and hence work in any key

No connection between theory and patterns ,
missing many shortcuts

Patterns as shortcuts to understanding music

Limited guidance on what to do with it all

Improvisation Drills and other musical applications

Diagrams for passive consumption

Create your own diagrams with instructions - empowering!

Scalar studies written out as a reading exercises

Create scalar studies yourself with guidance, use creatively

Changing keys means moving shapes around

Systematic training enables you to change keys freely, anywhere

Presentation as diagrams without further discussion

Discussion of visual, kinesthetic, auditory & conceptual recall

No systematic practice of note names, scale degrees

Systematic note name and scale degree practice

Exclusion of modes

Modes integrated into the system

Practice = Repetition

Many effective practicing techniques (incl. mental practice)

Fretboard organization shifts with every key

Fretboard organized into areas; diagonal playing, combining of shapes

Understanding may or may not occur

Test Your Understanding Questions assure understanding

Often lack step-by-step practice plan

Blueprints for practice in every chapter

No explanation on how and when to use a metronome

Precise guidance on metronome usage

Video demos not always included

111 video demonstrations

Here's What Masterclass Participants are Saying...

I signed up for the next session less than 24 hours after the info was posted so that should tell you something.

I’ve taken in-person lessons from four local “teachers” here in the Columbus area and have learned bits and pieces from each of them.

What I didn’t learn was how to tie those bits and pieces up into a usable bundle.

I’ve learned more about that part of it in the last ten weeks than in the three or four years of combined instruction locally.

I plan on continuing with this course until I feel comfortable enough to walk into any situation, plug in, and hold my own and would recommend anybody spending some time in a class of their interest with Ari.

Randy Fergus

Masterclass Participant

Wow… I only played with C from Area 1 up to Area “Whatever we’ll call it”, but the pattern system just increments and moves up the neck? Very cool. Sorry, but it is so cool I had to ask/tell someone.

Kevin Gonyo

Masterclass Participant

I had always gotten a bit lost when it came to doing a “solo”. That method of using a common note through the changes was an eye opener for me.

Ben G

Masterclass Participant

Thanks Ari, it’s a great privilege to be part of your bass community.

Thanks so much for this. Let me share with you a little story.
The other day my brother-in-law and I decided to jam together.
First time ever; they live 500 km away and normally we spend just a day or two at their place. This time and thanks to Corona, we stayed for a week, so we had a lot of time.
He is a professional musician, guitarist, R&B forever. He knew I was playing bass but for some reason we never played together. Those guys are also on a different level … . However, I decided to use the pattern system.

After a while, he stopped playing, looked at me and said – quote ‘How long have you been playing for? I’m speechless. It took me ten years to learn the fretboard like this.’

Ha – seems to work. Thanks to you. 😊 Was super fun.

S. S.

Masterclass Participant

The other night, I was listening to a recording of a friend’s new composition. He had not told me anything about it, but I started picking out some of the melody on my bass, and almost immediately recognized the patterns lighting up on the fretboard as A Phrygian.

Having fallen in love with music later in life, I find this to be astounding. A year ago, the modes were a complete mystery to me. I got my first bass in 2016, and soon found Ari’s book, Music Theory for the Bass Player. I was learning to play bass within the context of a large ukulele group that played many different genres, and often songs I’d never heard before. I knew that if I wanted to create more interesting accompaniment beyond roots and fifths, I would need to learn some theory in order to create so many bass lines on the fly.

Over the past six years, I’ve tried many different teachers with their different teaching methods, and time after time, I return to Ari’s courses. I have come to realize that this is the only place I need to be to learn everything I need to continue growing in this journey. She has the most impressive process of instruction. She obviously loves to teach. All her courses are interconnected. No matter which piece of the puzzle you focus on, whether it be theory, rhythm, patterns of the fretboard, technique, etc., she manages to include insights into all the other aspects of what she has to offer. It’s a beautiful thing.

Laura B

Masterclass Participant

Get Instant Access

$175

Access to all 10 weeks of pre-recorded Level 1 Pattern System Masterclasses

Even though it is not a live class, you will feel like you are right there, learning along with a group of awesome students!

Unlock the Fretboard... Level 1

As seen on

Featured by leading bass websites and publications

Questions & Answers About These Masterclasses

You need the Pattern System book, your bass, and an internet connection

Not required but highly useful is our Pattern System for the Bass Player Wallchart, a poster that features all the patterns and practice aides for this system.

What are the prerequisites?

Fundamental music theory is required. You don’t need to be able to ace it yet in all keys, but you need to know things such as:
intervals, major and minor scales, key signatures.
You will be asked to name the note names of scales in various keys.

No need for perfection in all the above – as the method really practices it.

You also need the technical ability to play a scale and triads on the bass

The perfect prerequisite for the Pattern System is Music Theory for the Bass Player.

Music THeory for the bass player Ariane Ari Cap

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Intermediate level and up. This course is not suitable for beginners. Basic music theory knowledge is required and the ability to play scales and triads.

No. Beginners should start with our Beginner Path

I am an advanced player - is Level 1 right for me?

What we are doing is training to think music and translate it to the fretboard in a systematic way.

And no matter how advanced you are, start at the beginning, because this method is unique and each chapter or masterclass level builds upon the previous one. Level 1, here, just refers to the start of the method.

How many Levels of Masterclasses are there?

Many. One group stayed together for two years and went six levels deep, mastering the fretboard and exploring deeper and deeper levels of musicianship.

If you choose to become a member, Levels 1, 2, and 3 (recorded in 2023/2024) are included in the membership.

No matter your musical background, it’s vital to start with Level 1 because it is level 1 of the method. Each session builds on the previous one, and each Level builds on the previous one.

Where do I post my homework assignments and finals video?

You can start at any time and go at your own pace. You have lifetime access to the material.

We love seeing your submissions on our private Facebook Group. You will get interaction and cheers from others who have taken this program. Go for it! Instructions to join are inside the class.

When do you offer more Live Classes?

At this time we do not offer any new live ten week masterclasses. This is the only way to get this content.

If you’d like to study personally with Ari, become a member of our Live Practice Membership.
These Pattern System Masterclasses as well as Pattern System Masterclasses Levels 2 and 3 recorded in 2023/24 (20 additional 1 hour classes!) are included with the Practice Membership.