Next Live Practice: The Inner Groove Challenge
Access the assets
89 videos, book reading tutor
Experience it
A complete system
Short Course
Core Principles
Our 20 Unit Theory Course
Learn the System with Ari
FAQs
About Ari’s Theory Books and Courses
Most bass players who’ve been playing for a while reach a point where they want to break through to the next level.
Maybe they’re self-taught, rely on TABs, and sense there’s more to music than memorizing songs.
If that sounds familiar – you’ll grow by leaps and bounds learning theory the Ari Way – breaking down Theory into easy shapes, combined with great technique from the start. Taught through improvisation, theory becomes fun and intuitive.
Ari’s approach connects theory to the fretboard so you feel the patterns, not just memorize notes.
You’ll build solid technique, musical freedom and fretboard confidence – and have fun doing it!
• Understand how scales, intervals, and chords actually sound and feel on your bass
• And what to do with them in your playing situations
• Gain freedom to improvise and play by ear
Most bass players who have been playing for a while reach a point where they want to break through to the next level. Maybe they are self-taught ear players, mostly focused on learning songs through TAB, and deep down they know that more is needed to become a true musician.
A player in this situation – but newbs take note, too! – will grow by leaps and bounds if they learn theory the Ari way – through shapes on the fretboard.
Most theory approaches:
This is a very frustrating experience for many players because it steers their minds away from the fretboard, overwhelm them, and take them on unnecessary tangents.
They also do not at all pay tribute to the fact that in order for theory to have meaning it must be practiced on the fretboard!
Theory the Ari Way:
This is a very empowering experience for those with song playing experience (and a great start for a novice). There is no need to forget all you know or start learning to read first.
Build on what you know and dive in!
Plus, Ari’s teaching style is one of understanding and discovery, one that uses improvisation and creativity rather than mindless copying or dry explanations.
Other Ways
The Ari Way
PORA method, practice guidance, fun drills
✅ Do you long to create your own bass lines and feel stuck trying to create great ones?
✅ Have you always wanted to learn music theory but felt it was too overwhelming a task?
✅ Have you given up on books that are geared toward pianists, advanced Jazz players, or classical musicians?
✅ Do you know lots of songs, but don’t know how the chords are put together or how they work with the melody?
👉 If so, this is the book for you!
Here’s why:
🎯 Starting with intervals as music’s basic building blocks, you will explore scales and their modes, chords and the basics of harmony.
🎯 Packed with fretboard diagrams, musical examples, and exercises, this resource features over 180 pages of essential information, along with mind-bending quizzes, effective mnemonics, and engaging learning approaches.
🎯 Extensive and detailed photo demonstrations show why relaxed posture and optimized fingering are vital for good tone, timing, and chops.
🎯 You can even work your way through the book without being able to read music which becomes easier once theory is mastered.*
👉 Music Theory for the Bass Player is a foundational and immediately applicable guide to making you a well-grounded groover, informed bandmate, and all-around more creative musician.
📺 This book comes with 89 online streaming videos.
✏️ This is a workbook, so have bass and pencil ready!
👉 Learning theory on the fretboard using diagrams is very accessible and immediately usable.
Buy this book new rather than used:
Get the 89 videos that come with it below
Smaller Stores we love who are carrying our book:
Spiral binding allows the book to conveniently lie flat on a music stand.
US buyers can get it on Amazon;
International buyers, please check out our store.
TIP: if you already bought the perfect bound version you can go to a print shop (FEDEX, Office Max, UPS) and ask for the spine to be cut off and coil binding put in. They often do this while you wait. It will look exactly like our version!
NOTE: this book is not available as a Kindle ebook on Amazon. Counterfeit versions sometimes circulate on Amazon/Kindle which are of low quality (scanned hard copies) and not approved by the author.
If you come across such a book please send us the link where you bought it and we can help you get a refund.
Nope! TAB and diagrams are included. Learn music theory first, it makes learning to read much easier – especially if you learn to read the Ari way!
They are included with your book purchase. What is also included is Our “Unlock Your Book” Video series – a tutor that guides you through the book with milestones.
The book gives you the complete theory framework. The course goes through the book with applications, drills, groove-and-fill exercises and
Most players see great results with about 30–45 minutes of focused practice, 4–5 times per week.
Absolutely. Many experienced players say this book helped them finally connect theory to the neck – and to their groove.
And if you take the course, players of all levels benefit:
Beginners build a strong foundation, while more experienced players discover new depth, creativity, and clarity – often filling gaps in their theory knowledge in the process.
Yes! The Pattern System for the Bass Player takes you from theory to total fretboard mastery.
For more common questions about Ari’s teaching, visit our full FAQ page:
🎶 Just getting curious?
Start with Make Theory Stick, a short, fun sample that shows you how theory connects directly to your playing.
🎸 Want to test-drive Ari’s approach before going all in?
Core Principles a focused three-hour course that gets your hands, ears, and mind working together before diving deeper.
🚀 Ready to go all in?
Step into the Music Theory for the Bass Player Course – Ari and Wolf’s guided program that takes you from theory to application.
For more common questions about Ari’s courses, cohorts, and live practice, visit our full FAQ page: