Next Live Practice: The Inner Groove Challenge
Everything you need to know about learning bass online with Ari – how courses work, what cohorts are, and how to get the most from live practice.
Consistency and structure are key. Ari’s method focuses on efficient practice – focused sessions with clear goals, rhythm drills, and theory that directly applies to the bass. You’ll make more progress in 20 minutes a day than hours of unstructured noodling. Ariane Cap’s system works through focused practice, a step-by-step approach and training of the musical mind. It’s rewarding, fun and effective.
Most bass courses give random lessons or isolated licks. Ari’s programs are a complete learning path built on the fretboard. You’ll learn patterns, groove, ear training, and theory that connect together so you understand how it works and can actually create your own grooves.. Rather than just copy TAB you sound musical!
Here is a short course called “Make Theory Stick” that shows you how music theory clicks.
What is also unique about Ari’s teaching is that she offers unmatched support options.
Absolutely. You can make great music without reading notation – but learning to read will supercharge your playing. Ari’s method starts with groove, shapes, and patterns you can feel and hear first. Reading becomes a natural extension, not a chore. You’ll learn to connect what you see, hear, and play so reading feels musical and natural (not cumbersome and technical.)
We have several courses to get you ready (such as our Theory Course) and our dedicated Reading Course that teaches you five shapes that make reading a breeze.
It’s made for them. Self-taught players often hit walls because they don’t have structure or feedback. Ari’s system gives you both – clear progressions, fretboard logic, and practical exercises that fill in gaps without undoing your personal style. You’ll finally understand why what you play works – and you will take it further.
You could try. But most free resources are scattered, lack structure, and don’t give you personal support. Ariane Cap’s System gives you a guided path, a method that reinforces each other through all course and practice offerings, checks, feedback, and community so progress actually happens.
Even 20 focused minutes—done Ari’s way—can transform your playing.
Ari’s method connects everything through patterns: technique, theory, fretboard shapes, rhythm, even reading. When you practice by shape and sound, every minute builds real, usable skill.
No guesswork. No fluff. Just steady progress you can feel every time you pick up the bass.
If you’d like to practice along with Ari several times a month, check out our schedule. of live events
Sure, plenty of famous bassists never studied theory formally. They built their own intuitive way to connect sounds and shapes. But that’s the goal of theory: to become that intuitive — to hear it, feel it, and not have to think about it.
The fastest route there isn’t reinventing the wheel. It’s learning how intervals, chords, and scales really work — on your fretboard and in your ears.
Ari’s approach makes that happen. It’s bass theory explained on the fretboard. She puts theory under your fingers through patterns, shapes, and improvisation. Understanding theory this way means more confidence, better lines, and total creative freedom.
Check out Ari’s Music Theory for the Bass Player Course and Book
Our bass lessons are designed for adults, and we have students of all ages. Many older beginners progress quickly because they bring focus, patience, and self-awareness to their practice.
This is for bass players who want maximum results in minimum time.
If you don’t have hours a day to shed but want to get better fast, this is for you.
If you’d rather practice smart than just grind, this is for you.
If you value clear, intelligent teaching and don’t mind a little work to get a big payoff, this is for you.
And if deep down you want to become the best musician you can be — whether for the stage, the studio, or just your own joy and fulfillment – this is definitely for you.
Our approach works whether you’re a committed hobbyist or chasing professional goals. The difference is only how far you want to take it.
If you’re just looking for random licks, shortcuts, or entertainment without putting in a little work, this probably isn’t for you. Our method is built for players who want real progress – people willing to show up, practice smart, and enjoy the payoff of becoming the bassist others want to play with.
Most online bass education is a hodgepodge of topics and tricks – a cool lick here, a scale there, but no real path tying it all together. Ari’s approach is a system: it’s a step-by-step method built on patterns, structure, and creativity. Every concept connects back to the fretboard and reinforces the next, so you don’t just collect ideas — you actually improve.
👉 Explore Ari’s philosophy in the Pattern System overview for example.
👉 We list what’s different on every single course page. Check out how Ari’s approach to Rhythm is different, for example
Instead of memorizing endless rules or tackling abstract topics that don’t connect to the bass (or the music you actually want to play), you’ll learn through improvisation, groove and fill drills, ear training, and a step-by-step system that reinforces itself at every stage.
You’ll discover how to groove deeply, sound musical, and use theory — and even reading, if you choose — to become a stronger, more creative player. Ari teaches music as a holistic practice that trains both body and mind.
Everything is mapped directly onto the fretboard. Shapes and patterns bring theory, rhythm, and reading to life. It’s intuitive, fun, and effective.
👉 Want a deeper look?
A few of our Cohort students
A cohort is a 12-week guided experience tied to one of Ariane Cap’s core courses (Theory, Rhythm Matrix, Reading, Pattern System, Beginner Evolution).
You practice along with peers, follow weekly checkpoints, and join four live meetings (kickoff, two check-ins, and a final celebration) where Ari gives feedback and helps you finish strong.
It’s the surest way to go from “I’ll get to it” to “done.”
Cohorts only run at specific times of the year – learn more here: Cohort info and watchlist
Ari designs the path and weekly focus. You’ll also have accountability-trained community coaches to keep you on track. They’re not bass teachers; they’re there to help you finish.
You also get direct support from Ari in live Cohort Meetings.
Absolutely. In the live check-in meetings, Ari gives targeted feedback, highlights student performances, and helps troubleshoot challenges. Even if your work isn’t featured, you’ll gain insights from the coaching others receive.
Do cohorts fit all levels?
Yes. The same exercises are carefully designed to work at most levels – beginners keep it simple, while advanced players plug holes and push it further.
Cohorts are designed around weekly goals you can do on your schedule.
All live cohort meetings (typically four) are recorded and archived. If you miss one, you can still watch the replay and keep up with the curriculum.
Yes. Each Cohort covers five units of a course. Since most courses have 10 or 20 units, you can do two to four Cohorts to complete the whole program.
Many students also choose to repeat the same Cohort – because progress compounds. With each round, the same system delivers deeper results. It’s a bit like potato chips: one is never enough!
Hop on the Cohort Watchlist. It tells you what is coming up next and when. You’ll get first dibs when doors open.
Yes – a Bass Cohort is an add-on to one of Ariane Cap’s matching course. If you already own the course, you can simply purchase the cohort support component (we call it the “cohort add-on“).
If you don’t own the course yet, get the course-cohort combo.
Yes – meeting times don’t overlap, and many of the Ariane Cap’s courses reinforce each other.
If your schedule allows, doing two can accelerate your progress.
That said, we do recommend starting with one first to get comfortable with the format and estimate commitment.
Because cohort spots are limited and tied to live sessions, the cohort add-on is non-refundable.
If you bought a combined course + cohort bundle, the course portion is refundable under our standard policy – the cohort portion is not.
A cohort builds on that same course but adds accountability, weekly milestones, a supportive group, and live meetings with Ari to make sure you don’t just start, you finish strong. Cohorts only open a few times a year, so join the Watchlist to know when your next chance is coming.
Take the Starting Point Quiz. It shows you exactly which course will make the biggest impact on your playing right now.
Click the lock in the menu or go to your course dashboard. Login using the email address you used to sign up. All your courses will be right there.
Nope! You don’t have to come in having read anything. For courses like Theory or Pattern System, Ariane Cap’s Music Theory for the Bass Player book or her and Wolf’s Pattern System for the Bass Player book are part of the journey – you’ll go through them in small, bite-sized chunks as the course unfolds.
Cohorts
Cohorts are structured, time-bound runs of a course. You move through 5 units together with weekly deadlines, accountability, and live meetings with Ari. It’s about finishing strong, with focus and support. A cohort is 12 weeks and you can only join when it starts.
Live Practice
Live Practice with Ari sessions are ongoing Zoom practices with Ari. They’re casual but focused – no homework, no deadlines. Just log in, play along, and explore technique, grooves, ear training, and more.
Join live or watch the archived recordings.
You can start anytime.
Yes. Join anytime! As long as the links are up on this page you can!
Replays keep you current, live sessions keep you moving.
These sessions are great for intermediate players who want to stay consistent, plug into fresh ideas, and maintain momentum without the commitment of a full cohort.
Live Practice is available as stand-alone 3-part series, each with its own monthly topic. That means you can join any time, even mid-month, without needing a membership.
👉 See what’s happening now on the Schedule page.
No.
Courses for self study are available for life time access through The Path
Cohorts are stand-alone guided programs. They’re not part of the membership.
👉 Members do get a special discount if they decide to join a cohort, but you don’t need to be a member to take part.
💡 Many cohorters later become members to keep practicing and stay sharp once their cohort ends.
No – camera is optional. You can participate, ask questions, or simply listen and observe (“lurk”) based on your comfort level. If you have a question or want feedback on something, you are welcome to ask and play for Ari and the group.
All Live Practice with Ari recordings remain available for 1 year from the time of purchase. (Depending on membership status, access may be extended.)
We have courses and cohorts that guide you through the books if you’d like structure and company.
Please sign up for the additional resources by scanning the QR code on the cover or by manually signing up using the links below:
Everything is on your dashboard.
Make sure to login with the same email address you used to purchase.
Lifetime Access
In general:
If something’s off, reach out – we’ll make it right.
You retain lifetime access to course videos and materials.
All Live Practice with Ari recordings remain available for 1 year from the time of purchase. (Depending on membership status, access may be extended.)
Cohorts are time-limited experiences that run for 12 weeks. You retain lifetime access of all the course materials that go with a cohort after the cohort ended.
Use the password reset link on the /login page. If that doesn’t work, email us via /contact with your purchase email and we’ll help sort it out.
Your dashboard is your hub to all courses, zoom links and Cohort Communities.
Not at all. Everything we do is play-first, theory-as-you-go. You’ll pick up the essentials while applying them directly on the bass. The goal isn’t just head knowledge – it’s freedom on the fretboard.
👉 Curious how this works in practice?
Check out Ari’s Music Theory page.
Nope. The carefully designed exercises work at any level – beginners keep it simple, advanced players push it further. If you can hold your bass, you can start.
For complete beginners we recommend:
Absolutely! You’ll push tempo, complexity, articulation, and consistency within the thought-out drills. That’s where monsters are made, for stage and studio.
For advanced students, we highly recommend The Pattern System
It’s built into the course design.
If you’re a beginner: the drills give you exactly what to do, step by step, so you build solid habits from the start.
If you’re more experienced: the same drills open up space to stretch your skills – while the built-in restrictions challenge you in new ways. Those limits become launchpads, forcing creativity and helping you smash through plateaus.
Nope! You don’t have to come in having read anything. For courses like Theory or Pattern System, Ariane Cap’s Music Theory for the Bass Player book or her and Wolf’s Pattern System for the Bass Player book are part of the journey – you’ll go through them in small, bite-sized chunks as the course unfolds.
Beginner Evolution is for complete Beginners.
The Pattern System requires basic theory knowledge. Start with our Theory course first before tackling the Pattern System.
All the other courses of Ariane Cap’s work for lower intermediate levels and up, including advanced players who want to seriously level up.
It is built into the course design that various levels benefit.
All Live Practice and Cohort dates are always listed on the Schedule page.
The bar at the top of the site shows the next upcoming Live Practice at a glance. Best way to get your toes wet!
Want to get on the Cohort watchlist to get first dips?
Head to the Cohorts Page
We’ve got bassists joining from the US, UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia – so don’t worry, you won’t be alone in your time zone.
All events are listed in Pacific Time (PT).
Most devices will automatically convert to your local time, and we’ll also send reminder emails.
Want it even easier? Subscribe to our Google Calendar and your system will do the math for you.
Of course!
For Live Practice series, replays are available right on your dashboard.
For Cohorts, you’ll find them inside your Cohort Community.
Our calendar of events lists upcoming Live Practice series and cohorts you can join.
If you cannot login, reset your password. Check your spam folder for the reset link.
If you have lost access to the email you signed up with, we can fix it for you, just contact us.
We are always happy to help, so reach out.
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