theory course
Master Music Theory
Built for Bass Players
Learn at your pace, or join an optional 10-week Cohort for structure and support
Understand what you play, why it works, and how to use it musically
22+
Hours of Video
130+
PDFs & Guides
127
Jam Tracks
Lifetime
Access
"Theory is so
complicated!"
Right? WRONG!
You don't understand it, despite all of your attempts, so it feels complicated and useless
You don't understand theory well enough to incorporate it into your playing without it being just "one more thing to remember"
You haven't been shown how to easily remember what you learned on the fretboard
They say "play what you feel" but you draw a blank and theory just seems to get in the way rather than help!
You haven't been shown step-by-step how to use theory for improvisation and for creating your own grooves
You have tried to learn theory away from the fretboard
You haven't had help with connecting the sounds and the shapes of theory with what you feel
Your bass playing will flourish if instead...
Theory becomes intuitive
Theory opens the doors to your creativity
Jamming, improvising and creating your own grooves becomes second nature
You understand how the fretboard is put together, and where the notes are
You can use shapes to express what you hear and feel
Your fingers become nimble and faster
You begin to love how you sound and you know how to fix it when you don't!
You play with confidence and freedom
The Course
WELCOME TO
Music Theory For The Bass Player
This online class is your comprehensive guide to mastering the bass, designed for aspiring players of all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner picking up your first instrument or a frustrated hobbyist yearning to break through a plateau, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to take your bass playing to the next level.
Making theory intuitive using improvisation is the key to
becoming a confident player
Cohort student Delilah improvising a creative note finder drill all over the fretboard with ease and understanding.
The first course of its kind that...
Teaches theory as shapes on the fretboard using diagrams and fingerings
Immediately gets you improvising so you can make it yours and remember it
Combines theory with proper fingering so you literally get theory under your fingers
Is designed in such a way that it will take you to your personal edge. Works for beginners to advanced
Is deep and multi-layered. We have many students who love it so much they take it over and over again
Asks you to commit to 40 weeks of learning
Has an optional support option called "The Cohort"
Tackles theory, technique, improvisation, groove creation, notefinding, styles, practicing tips etc.
Will reliably put theory under your fingertips and empower you to fly with chord changes
By the end of it you will be able to...
Create your own grooves over changes with confidence
Experience theory as a combination of understanding, shapes under your fingers
Easily find all your notes on the fretboard and understand how the fretboard works
Have an easier time remembering tunes
Have sharper ears
Talk music with other musicians
Play faster and with better tone because of all the finger kung fus you did in the course
Have a solid grasp of the music foundations of music theory
Use creatively: scales and modes, intervals and chords, extensions, alterations, sus and slash chords
Have a foundational knowledge of not only theory but also styles and several milestone songs
Play with much more creative confidence
Cohort Coach Helen from Australia getting beautiful tones on her fretless doing permutation drills that help fretless intonation!
Our student Durandus from the Netherlands, practicing Bass Line Lab. He has been playing for barely a year and he sounds awesome!
This is for you if...
You consider your skill level lower intermediate & up
You are a motivated beginner
You are a pro who wants to be inspired by new ideas
You are a course graduate and want to keep improving
You have purchased or will be purchasing the Music Theory for Bass Player book
Curriculum
What exactly is in this Course?
6 modules · 95 lessons · 29+ hours of content
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Beginner’s Crash Course
Note Name Drills with Visualization
Welcome Video
Note Name Drills on the Bass
Basic Set Up
String of the Week: E string
Permutation 5th fret
Groove and Fill Minor Pentatonic
Creative Notefinder E
Groove and Fill w Call and Response easier
Blindfolded Notefinder
Groove and Fill w Call and Response harder
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Unit title
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
1 hour 16 minutes of VIDEO • 8 PDFs • 5 Jamtracks
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Example of a text-based lesson
Blues with open strings
Sample of a video lesson
Technique foundations & “Finger Kung Fu”
Sample final quiz
Quick-change blues
Each Unit
contains
7 sections
Section 1: Intro (Text only)
Beginners and returning players who want a clear foundation without guessing what to practice. If you have a bass and 20 focused minutes, this will get you moving the right way.
Section 2 : Finger Kung Fu (Video Sample)
You will build solid technique, time feel, fretboard basics, groove and simple fills. You will also learn how to practice correctly so your progress compounds every week.
Section 3: Theory Practice (Video Sample)
Beginner Evolution is a step by step path. Each lesson feeds the next and everything connects on the fretboard. You are not collecting tips. You are building real skills.
Section 4: Bass Line Lab (Video Sample)
No. You will learn the basics through playing. If you choose to, you can add theory and reading later. The course is designed to work with zero prior knowledge.
Section 5: Combo Class (Video Sample)
Plan for 20 to 30 focused minutes a day, five days a week. Short and consistent wins. I show you exactly how to structure each session.
Section 6: Hip Bit (Video Sample)
The course itself is self paced.
If you want accountability, deadlines and community, you can add a 12 week Cohort Add-on. Cohorts keep you on track and help you finish strong. They are also a ton of fun. You get your own personal accountability coach.
Section 7: Outro (Text only)
The course itself is self paced. If you want accountability, deadlines and feedback, you can add a 12 week Cohort. Cohorts keep you on track and help you finish strong.
COHORT
What is this Shared-Experience
& Support Option AKA
“BASS THEORY COHORT”?
“Cohort”
ˈkō-ˌhȯrt
A group or team who works
together on a worthwhile goal.
“Bass Theory Cohort”
‘basˈthē-ə-rēˈkō-ˌhȯrt
A group of awesome bass students doing the 20-Unit Theory Course in 5-Unit increments together with the help of success coaches & each other!
How the Cohort Works
You’ll watch course videos on your own schedule, post weekly homework by a deadline, and move through the material together – step by step.
Get encouragement from your peers, personalized guidance from a success coach, feedback from Ari herself in 4 live feedback sessions, and connect with Ari and your peers during a kickoff and finals live Zoom meetings.
New material drops every other week, and you do five units of the course together. Let’s groove – together.
Why do this as a Cohort?
Accountability, deadlines, community
Time commitment: 5 times a week 45 minutes to practice in your own time
Four practice-packed live feedback sessions with Ari
All meetings archived should you miss one
Receive feedback on select submissions from Ari
10 weeks of course materials, plus kickoff and finals meetings
It's a ton of fun!
“The Cohort was an Amazing Experience!”
Alixe L., student and cohort coach
Ariane Cap Course Review
Doing a big online course on your own can get a little lonely, sometimes overwhelming. If you’d like some help, motivation, accountability and company, we got you! Twice a year we run what we call the “Theory Cohort”.
As a participant of our Course Cohort you do ten units of the course with your personally assigned success coach (who will help hold you accountable) and a group of peers, who will cheer you on and support you. You submit homework assignments and can ask Ari questions in meetings. It’s a lot of fun and will help you create a great practice habit for life!
Meet some of our 2024 New Year’s Cohort attendees. Hear them play below!
Group Learning
Join our New Year's Cohort!
Next Start: January 3rd!
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Would you like support, accountability, and community?
Ready to kickstart your bass skills? Join a group of dedicated bassists for 10 weeks of homework posting, working with a coach, and cheering each other on.
How does it work?
You’ll watch course videos on your own schedule, post weekly homework by a deadline, and move through the material together — step by step. Get encouragement from your peers, personalized guidance from a accountability coach, feedback from Ari herself in 4 LIVE feedback sessions, and ride the momentum to the finish line. New material drops every other week, and you do five units of the course together in lock step with your peers. Let’s groove — together.
Why do this as a Cohort?
Accountability, deadlines, community
Time commitment: 5 times a week 45 minutes to practice in your own time
Four power-packed LIVE feedback sessions with Ari
All meetings archived should you miss one
Receive feedback on select submissions from Ari
10 weeks of course assignments, plus kickoff and finals meetings
It's a ton of fun!
Our New Year's Cohort Starts
January 3rd — Join us!
Choose how you want to study
Music Theory for the Bass Player
COURSE
Self-paced Course Only
Music Theory for the Bass Player Course for self study
$650
Full 20-unit Music Theory for the Bass Player course, lifetime access
22+ hours of video
130 PDFs and Guides, plus 127 jamtracks
Study on your own schedule
Pay upfront and save $55.00
BUNDLE
Course + 10-Week Cohort
Choose this if you don't own the course yet
$1045
Full Music Theory for the Bass Player Course included
10 weeks of Cohort support for Units 1–5, 6–10, 11-15, or 16-20
Weekly assignments and coaching support
4 LIVE feedback sessions with Ari, plus Kickoff and Finals meetings
Motivation, momentum, feedback, and a clear finish line
Pay upfront and save $110.00
ADD-ON
Cohort Add-on only
Choose this ONLY if you already own the course
$395
For students who already own the Music Theory for the Bass Player course
10 weeks of Cohort support for Units 1–5, 6–10, 11-15, or 16-20
Weekly assignments and coaching support
4 LIVE feedback sessions with Ari, plus Kickoff and Finals meetings
Motivation, momentum, assignments & a real finish line
Pay upfront and save $40.00
How do I know what I need?
30-day money-back guarantee on the Course
Lifetime Access
Our checkout is secure with Stripe!
Videos
Videos from Cohort
4.9/5 Average Rating
Cohort reviews say:
the COHORT is powerful, fun and productive!
I've been playing bass on and off since I was 15, but it never clicked for me. Your course and book have totally changed that. Things I could never visualize or fully understand are really starting to come together.
This course is great! I’ll keep at it… I’m laughing to myself at how hard it is to keep up with you, I get a lot of value, going back over the bass Lab stuff… Livin The Dream, glad I signed up.
Just wanted to let everyone considering taking your 20-week bass course that it is one of the best educational investments I have ever made. The weekly classes are loads of fun with plenty of variety and obtainable challenges.
I look forward to practicing and am developing a more purposeful approach to practice. It seems like I am having breakthroughs every time I sit down with the instrument.
Bassist, author, educator.
Groove enthusiast and learning nerd.
Joined by 15,000+ Bassists
Your Instructor
Hi. I'm Ari.
As a bassist, I have toured/played/recorded with a variety of rock, Jazz, and funk bands, I have worked with some incredible producers (Keith Olsen) and musicians (Paul Hanson, Muriel Anderson) and I toured Brazil with Stu Hamm as a duo.
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.
When I started playing bass, I excelled very quickly because I had an amazing teacher who taught me using a powerful method. This method transformed my playing so quickly that I passed a bunch of high-level university auditions and even tested out of entire classes at university even though I had been playing for only a very short time.
That’s what, many years later turned into one of my books, co-written with Wolf Wein, called “The Pattern System for the Bass Player”. I created entire systems of learning based on some of these ideas and wrote books and created courses together with Wolf. Our bass books have sold over 30,000 copies and garnered rave reviews.
I started teaching online in 2009 and have embraced technology as a powerful learning tool since then, never losing sight of the importance of providing feedback and personalized guidance to learners.
FAQs
What do I need for this course?
- The book (get it on your country’s Amazon or order it in bookstores).
- Email and an internet connection! This is all online. Exclusive content will be streamed straight to you.
- Your bass
Does this Course teach me how to read music, or is reading a pre-requesite to taking the course?
No need to be able to read! It doesn’t hurt but if not, we got TAB and descriptions for everything!
Learn theory first (shapes! shapes! shapes!)
My course combines shapes with good technique. After this course, we do the Pattern System, Reading and Rhythm, and then some advanced theory, and you are truly unstoppable! When you know the material in this course, reading becomes a breeze! Boom! What a shortcut!
If you do it this way around (theory first!) you utilize your strengths rather than fight against your weaknesses.
How long do I have access to the material?
Once the course is paid in full, you have lifetime access to all lessons, videos, and resources. Learn and review at your own pace!
Do you offer a money back guarantee?
Yes, for the course we offer an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason, do not hesitate to email for a full refund for the course.
Buy completely risk-free and get lifetime access to the material once the tuition is paid in full.
The cohort Add-on portion of the course is not refundable because we have limited seats available and organize coaches who work with you.
Does this course go beyond the book?
Yes!! This course applies the theory! It refers to what is in the book, but it goes way beyond it.
You will do examples, drills, exercises that cannot easily be described in a book. And, the core of it: the step by step approach to making theory intuitive – with each unit building upon the next! You will use the material in the book in increasingly challenging contexts and applications.
I have not read Ariane Cap's Theory book yet. Is that a problem?
Not at all. The course includes reading assignments from the book, so it works perfectly even if you haven’t finished or started it yet.
Will I learn how to create my own bass lines and fills?
Absolutely. You’ll use theory to understand harmony, chord tones, and scales, then apply them creatively to your own grooves and bass lines.
Is this suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, if you are motivated and enthusiastic, go for it. We include a complete starter guide as well as tips for complete beginners.
We also offer Beginner Evolution, if you are looking for a slower pace and more foundational approach.
I am an advanced player and just want to fill gaps. Is this useful?
Definitely. Many advanced players discover missing fundamentals or new fretboard connections that improve their improvisation and overall musicianship.
Does this course teach me how to apply theory on the bass?
Yes. Every lesson connects theory to the fretboard using shapes, exercises, and practical grooves. You’ll play your way through theory.
Can I start anytime?
Yes, you can start the course at any time and complete it at your own pace and on your own terms. You have lifetime access. If you are looking to join a cohort, it’s only offered at certain times of the year.
What do I need for the cohort?
- An internet connection and a smartphone to film videos
- A free youtube or vimeo account to upload the videos to
- 5 times a week 45 minutes to practice and watch videos
- Every other week, another hour or so to film yourself and post!
- The book
I will be away for a couple of weeks
No problem! You can work ahead and you can catch up! And if you have a smart phone and a travel bass you can even record yourself on the road. We have had homework submissions from hotel rooms, cars and even planes. We are musicians, and we improvise!
Is the cohort very techie? I am not so fit with uploading technology...
- No worries, if you need help, we got support!
- A simple setup like an amp and a smartphone will do
- If you are into a more elaborate recording setup, go for it, but no need!
For more common questions about Ari’s courses, cohorts, and live practice, visit our full FAQ page.
Choose how you want to study
Music Theory for the Bass Player
COURSE
Self-paced Course Only
Music Theory for the Bass Player Course for self -study
$650
Full 20-unit Music Theory for the Bass Player course, lifetime access
22+ hours of videos
130 PDFs, and Guides, plus 127 jamtracks!
Study on your own schedule
Pay upfront and save $55.00
BUNDLE
Course + 10-Week Cohort
Choose this if you don't own the course yet
$1045
Full Music Theory Course included
10 weeks of Cohort support for Units 1–5, 6–10, 11-15, or 16-20
Weekly assignments and coaching support
4 LIVE feedback sessions with Ari, plus Kickoff and Finals meetings
Motivation, momentum, feedback, and a clear finish line
Pay upfront and save $110.00
ADD-ON
Cohort Add-on only
Choose this ONLY if you already own the course
$395
For students who already own the Music Theory for the Bass Player course
10 weeks of Cohort support for Units 1–5, 6–10, 11-15, or 16-20
Weekly assignments and coaching support
4 LIVE feedback sessions with Ari, plus Kickoff and Finals meetings
Motivation, momentum, assignments & a real finish line
Pay upfront and save $40.00
How do I know what I need?
30-day money-back guarantee on the Course
Lifetime Access
Our checkout is secure with Stripe!
