3 Pentatonic Workouts Every Bass Player Needs (Crazy Simple)

Get your copy of Bass Player's Guide to Pentatonics including all the play alongs TAB, standard notation and exercises in this video: janekgwizdala.com/store
Remember, it's the consistency and intent with which you practice that will open doors to places you didn't even know you could go!
With just 5 minutes a day working on any of the exercises in this video, you can make huge gains right away in your confidence, enjoyment, and motivation with the time you spend with your instrument.
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#basslesson #pentatonicscale #bassguitar

[@laurenceblackadder3103]

Your phrasing is what always stands out about your playing for me. Always deep, emotional, so fluid and beautifully executed

[@freemangumede]

Couldn’t have said it better!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@venusspacey9685]

Hes been buying black musicians patreons and putting out new "soulful" content 😅

[@laurenceblackadder3103]

@janekgwizdala IMHO Janek has taken all the history and language of my favourite players and made it his own and is open and giving with his time and knowledge. My favourite soloist on bass of all time out of so many great players are Janek, Evan Marien, Jimmy Johnson, John Patitucci and perhaps my favourite favourite Skuli Sverrisson, also the amazing jazz guitarist John Stowell, his use of melodic and harmonic minor harmony and phrasing are phenomenal. Skuli is so unique in language and his playing blow my mind. I’ve transcribed every solo I can find on record and it’s amazing. Obviously I sound nothing like him but his language, time, tone and other worldly technique are a massive influence. Janek’s use of effects and layer multiple loops and creating soundscapes are huge I love this so much but also his compositions and new trio kills. I transcribed that amazing intro in to 13 Fathoms what a fabulous piece.

[@williamrobinson1973]

I'm 48 and have been playing bass forever. But I live to learn and live the journey. Im.always yearning to find more and more knowledge.

[@JonathanBetke]

I bought the book after watching, wanting to expand on my playing. I’m self taught and can’t read music. Learned everything I know by ear and watching my favorite artists live performances. My heart sunk when I saw the charts. I can’t read this!! So, I rewatched the video hoping to tab it myself and learn to read charts… then I saw something I didn’t catch the first view thru… the whole book repeats in tab form. Hallelujah! This book will be my practice for months to come thank you!!! 2:44

[@ianjenkins6250]

Great content and approach , nice one Janek

[@MrDaneBrammage]

Perhaps the unspoken trick of the first workout is that the changing harmony of the backing track makes it easier to keep practicing a single phrase without getting bored.

[@sounakbhattacharya5317]

So informative. Loved this video. Thanks Janek.

[@Oliasn8]

Great stuff here! Thank you🙏🏻

[@ggates5859]

Great lighting. Perfect sound quality. Love the backing track.

[@mayhemresurrection]

Thank you for sharing 😊. Neat piece

[@Earth_to_Kensho...ComeInKensho]

Sounds cool. I'm going to check out the book. Thanks!

[@gysiu1]

Great lesson!

[@theduppykillah]

Love love your channel I’m gonna practice this

[@tomdbass1]

Been working out of this book for a few months. I absolutely love it. This video is a tremendous bonus to the book. Thanks so much for posting this!

[@R_o_m_u]

A real good exercise combining technic and ear training. Thanks !

[@charleskleesattel6477]

Excellent video as usual. I'm getting that book. Thanks. (keep up the good work Janek)

[@RadityoPramAdi]

Thank you so much Janek ! This is gonna my homework for this week...

[@ethanlocke3604]

Good stuff!

[@wallace_nelson]

Love the Pentatonic... Looking forward to getting the Book.

[@danprice9501]

I think I’ll buy this book because I like the content. And I like the way Janek defended his work against some of the comments. Hard work and a good product. Well done Janek, looking forward to it.

[@albertyap7369]

Simply among the best bass instructional video that I've seen. So easy to understand, and of coz very inspiring and mentor like tutorial 👍👍

[@georgeguevara6233]

Loving it… thank you🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@rachidluildha2676]

I've tried to incorporate the first bassline on a four-chord song and it works! Also on a twelve bar blues/rock standard. Thanks for the advice!

[@bluejaytactical]

Just bought the signed copy. Thanks for sharing. So melodic. Anything at 80-90bpms with bass lead is my secret place🔥

[@ajdoesbass]

It worked! Got the book & shedded the first few pages this AM. Great vid!

[@AlexandarShmex]

Incredibly useful lesson, thank you. I'm currently working through another book that's demands my full attention, but this book is definitely on my list, along with several more. There's so much great content out there it gets overwhelming. The book I'm working through now is teaching me all the main scales, their arpeggios and inversions and how it ties together in jazz progression and it's kicking my ass. Thank you for the lesson. And for the consistency, it's key. I've been doing your major Hanon based exercise for months now almost every day, along with a minor one I made and it really, really opened the fretboard and improved my technique A LOT.

[@jamesscullion3034]

Which book is that? Sounds interesting.

[@AlexandarShmex]

@@jamesscullion3034 Joe Hubbard's "Functional Harmonic Concepts", it's incredibly good. I have two of his other books as well, "Chord Tone Mastery" and "Fingers of Fury", which are also great. He runs sales during the year, so you can get 30 to 50% off at times.

[@AlexandarShmex]

@@jamesscullion3034 I just saw this, the book is "Functional harmonic concepts" by Joe Hubbard. It's a bit 'dry', but there's no filler, I've learned so much from it and I'm not ever 30% through it.

[@Phaidrus]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm! Pbass sounds sweet and compliments your playing, if I may so say.

[@alessandrosilveira9009]

I just bought the book, excited to start next week!

[@mikemarkowski7609]

Fantastic and Groot approved!

[@bongosock]

Not trolling - Could you play bass with Primus? I know you're not much into slap, but you are into crazy effects :) As a challenge, do you think you could find a way to make it work?

[@hoot7588]

Would be interested in a fingerstyle interpretation of a Primus song!

[@rachidluildha2676]

Great!

[@1234drums]

Pure gold ❤❤❤❤

[@murtazdubaev6546]

Finally with subtitles 👍

[@ctodd122]

I saw your podcast from today (2024-01-16) and you said this was a popular video. I also thought this video was super useful and saved it to my pentatonics play list. For me this is super useful because you show a number of different ways to dig into the exercise. It goes just a bit deeper than the book showing useful ways to dig in. I always find these kinds of videos extremely useful.

[@alexfeatherstone8854]

I own this book and it's great. I need to improve on know where else (for ex) where this c minor pent phrase would work besides c minor and eb maj, but i'm getting there. Cheers to you and your family, janek

[@brettverrender3167]

Thanks Janek, it's a real good book. So is Iconic Lines, could you do a similar video taking one of the iconic lines and showing how to integrate it into your playing. Thanks

[@user-kw4iu8ge2w]

Great😊

[@joannalewis5279]

Ok I'll get your book 😊

[@strzempa]

Bought!

[@karlb8069]

Wow!

[@johnwilliams2420]

After years of playing a lightbulb may have just turned on. I’ll order the book and let you know. Thank you.

[@richarddyer1787]

Hi Janek, great lesson! What are the fret/string positions you are using in the video for the first example? Thank you.

[@keenanjacobs9949]

Am I the only one that like the video before the video really start?lol Content is always brilliant Thank You Janek🙏💯

[@rkshores]

I have your book and you're right.

[@MarbewRecords]

great

[@aaronreece5617]

What kind of strings are those?! Love the phrasing. Love the breakdown of how the specific scale harmonizes through chord changes!! Gettin this book!

[@janekgwizdala]

Nylon Tape Wound flats. An old set of D'Addario's I've had on this bass for about 15 years.

[@elsargento9543]

That’s great!

[@russellzauner]

Wait. A positive video about pentatonic lol when does that even happen anymore. Thanks for sharing your insights; you're a good person.

[@user-ph1mt2zj9r]

Always enjoy your playing and lesson. slowly going through the book. but, could you explain the finger in first bar 2nd and 3rd note. is it better to bar the note with the forth finger instead of moving the forth finger to the B flat to E flat. plus could you explain that technique on when to use it or not too?

[@janekgwizdala]

The best thing I've found with anything related to fingering and technique, is to try as many versions as possible. We're all so different that there really isn't a "right" way to do it. You need to discover as many versions as you can come up with, and then pick the one that feels the most natural to you. I've never been a fan of including fingerings, or of people learning things with a visual aid like KZbin. As amazing as it is to have access to all this material, it does your ear and your creativity a great disservice. When you could only hear something on a record, you had no idea what the player was doing, and had to come up with a solution that fit your own playing. That caused you to assimilate the vocabulary, but to immediately have an original take on the technical approach. Of course, sometimes you would end up doing the same thing as the original just because there might be very few ways to play something. But often, I would figure something out, then go see that player live, and they would be doing it nothing like I was. Sometimes I would see a new option and give it a try, but for the most part I ended up sticking with what I'd originally come up with just from listening to the records, because that's what worked best for me.

[@hillblocksview]

While these "bass lessons" may seem practical and impressive, they're not nearly as practical and impressive as making that _quintessential_ *Bass Face* 🤩 Please give us a lesson in *Bass Face* perhaps a tutorial on proper technique, or perhaps the history and mystery behind the "bass face" or even some practical examples on how *bass face* can help improve our feel and groove. When *Bass Face* is done correctly, the synergy behind the _bass face_ and the hands seem to be intrinsically connected by an obligatory societal snafu. The *Bass Face* is indeed a marvel to behold! 😎

[@Antonio-qf3ez]

great video again!! I've been following you for years and I need to ask you for some simple advice for my practice routine: what can I use for the rhythm part? for example, the drums you use in this video come from a DAW, do you make them yourself, do you use a specific pedal, a drum machine? simply this, I hope you can help me once again. Thanks in advance and congratulations on your work

[@janekgwizdala]

The backing tracks you hear in this video are included with the book. I created them using drum samples and playing the harmony on piano/keyboard.

[@Antonio-qf3ez]

@@janekgwizdala thank you always

[@dansom1975]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing! I would like to know what pedals do you use to get that sound (I love it)... Greetings from Barcelona!

[@janekgwizdala]

Everything you hear in this video was recorded totally clean. I used a tiny bit of compression in the box when I was mixing it, but that was only for context with the play alongs. It really doesn't affect the natural sound of the bass at all.

[@dansom1975]

@@janekgwizdala Thanks for the reply! I'm thinking the key factor would be flat/round strings... I've never used flat ones but I'm going to give it a try

[@MisterQueue67]

Janek, you are an inspiring teacher. I've learned so much in a short time and really think my playing will improve a lot following along with your technique tutelage. The "intent" that mention really resonates and does seem to work for me. I don't read staff notation, I can read tablature well. I'm a little confused at the 2:45 mark as the tabs do not match what you are are playing. Your fingers are in a box between 10th and 13th fret and the tab is notated between 12th and 15th. Just wanted to point that out, following the tab I can play it somewhat clean. Is that the translation between standard and tab by some software you are using is doing? You seem to be playing the initial C on the D sting 10th fret instead of the A string 15th fret. Anyway, so glad I found your channel, keep up the amazing lessons!

[@janekgwizdala]

This is one of the big issues with TAB in my opinion. There are lots of places to play the same notes on the bass, and for the most part, there’s no wrong way to do it. What I highly recommend is for people to listen more than they look. KZbin can be an amazing resource, but when you have a close-up 4K picture of exactly what the hands are doing, your ear can get lazy. When I was learning all of this information for myself it came 99.9999% from recordings. The only visual I ever saw was at live shows. So my advice is to ignore the TAB. Literally forever. The sooner you put it behind you the faster you’ll become 10x’s the player just by improving your ear 20%.

[@MisterQueue67]

@janekgwizdala I agree with that perspective 100 percent... with the exception of new players that find your content. They won't be 'there' yet. It takes time to develop your ear and it's not easy for some people. Myself included. I've still managed to glean more from you Channel than several others I follow....mainly around your intent and attitude. Thanks for that

[@BTbass68]

Do you use Tape wound strings?

[@Sk-ww7no]

I really really like your 5 mins. Work notes.I am a new be at playing a bass. I'm a bit lost here. How can I get your book. Thanks

[@janekgwizdala]

Links are in the video description

[@estebanbouba8582]

Hi, thanks ! Can you tell us the strings you use on this bas please ?

[@janekgwizdala]

Nylon tape wound flats. I think these are an old set of D’Addarios

[@estebanbouba8582]

@@janekgwizdala 🙏

[@edgardomarrero8694]

I wonder if the backing track comes with it.I like the content

[@janekgwizdala]

Yes, the book comes with an entire suite of play alongs and videos.

[@rkshores]

Will you have any more slight reading books available?

[@janekgwizdala]

I think there are two left in stock for shipping in the US right now: janekgwizdala.com/store/p/bass-players-guide-to-sigh-reading-author-signed-limited-print-run

[@PabloSerranophotography]

quick question, on first note C, you write 3rd finger but you clearly start with index finder, I bought your book but you write something on the book and play it differently. It would be nice if you play it as it is on the book, unless I'm reading it incorrectly, I'm a beginner and learning to ready too. great video and thanks for sharing!

[@janekgwizdala]

It all depends on what you want out of the time you spend with the instrument. But if you want to maximize your potential, the most important thing is that you learn with your ears and not your eyes. Everyone is different of course, and to a hobby player who plays once a week and does this purely for entertainment, the parameters are completely different. I cater to every level and need by having notation, TAB, and of course the videos. But my most valuable piece of advice is stop learning with your eyes. That's the KZbin era. When I was learning the bass, the only time I got to SEE something was the rare occasion when music I liked was on TV, or when I went to a show to see the player live. Only you can know what your commitment level to the process truly is. But if you have the time, I highly recommend not learning fingerings, positions, and shapes from a video, and doing as much work with your ear as possible.

[@PabloSerranophotography]

Thank you for your advice and you are absolutely right. I will focus on learning with my ears, thanks for posting these videos. They make me want to practice. @@janekgwizdala

[@musahenderson]

Aww I missed out on the physical book 😢

[@janekgwizdala]

They will be back in stock in about 6 days...

[@patrickdaia6099]

Hi Janek,I bought this book a couple of years ago and i recently tried to acces the video stuff and everything but when I log in to the link in the book I get a message that ''this school is offline'' , please help

[@janekgwizdala]

Send an email through my website at janekgwizdala.com and someone will take care of you right away with a link to the material.

[@lucmichel7588]

👍👌

[@Genson50]

Wanting online book

[@munkombwestanley5692]

There is no link.

[@joannalewis5279]

How do I know what chords to use to do this more widely?

[@janekgwizdala]

The deeper explanation of the harmony, like I mentioned in the video, is in the book.

[@joannalewis5279]

@@janekgwizdala I'll look for your books prefer ebook

[@joannalewis5279]

Brought your book@@janekgwizdala

[@HarryHachet666]

I cant read music.. is it also tabs in the book?

[@janekgwizdala]

Yes, all the exercises are also in TAB.

[@Vortigan07]

Wait, you mean you want me to go south of the 5th fret?! 😁

[@frjoeltshitenge3818]

How can I get the backing track ?

[@janekgwizdala]

All the backing tracks come with the book. Links are in the description.

[@isaacmondesir1814]

What strings are you using here?

[@janekgwizdala]

Tape wound flats that haven’t been changed for about 15 years.

[@isaacmondesir1814]

Thanks for the reply! I’m putting flats on one of my p-basses. I just need to pick a set and try them out 🤷🏾‍♂️ I’m going to grab a physical book. I was a guitar player who converted to bass. Your videos have really helped my technique and progress. We appreciate you 🙏🏾 If you’re ever close to Greenville, SC, I’m coming to ya 👍🏾

[@OlandoMcCall]

Even though this is helpful to me it's phrasing, can only be learned by listening to others, that would be interesting examining phrases which probably are scales but how it applies to what your playing granted we're probably saying the same thing ..

[@janekgwizdala]

1,000,000%. You only learn phrasing from being immersed in the music. Not from theory.

[@HarryHachet666]

Made a comment a couple of days ago asking if there were also tabs in the book.... you said it was.. I bought it, and it is absolotly NO TABS IN THE BOOK!!

[@janekgwizdala]

Did you read the book? They're there. As they are in every book we make. Please consult the table of contents before writing a public comment on youtube in ALL CAPS.

[@niclem03]

Where's all the pedals on the shelf ? New pedal studio stop motion ? 😅

[@janekgwizdala]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppWZh5SHqLmNeLMsi=aCA9fRiZo_nQ7dbe had some issues last week… 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@niclem03]

@@janekgwizdala Missed this one, sorry to hear that 😔

[@MikaelBerglundBass]

Not that it’s that important but it’s sounds like you’re shifting place on the first two notes of the exercise in the video compared to the notation. Maybe it’s just me hearing it wrong?

[@josephdrach2276]

Make a drone out of a pentatonic scale and use it. Listsen hard. If it sounds good ig us good. Simple..

[@akanetetsu5179]

the hardest partof this is the book is not free

[@Timbucktoo32]

"Crazy Simple" 🤣

[@bassdaze]

can you say boring?

[@janekgwizdala]

Boring. Does that make you feel better?

[@vilohdi7189]

Can we the audience hear your true voice? This is a tad ridiculous.

[@janekgwizdala]

No idea what you mean.

[@davidrobertson5881]

You talk too much. How about explaining what you are doing ?

[@janekgwizdala]

How about either watching the video and taking it for what it is? or, simply not watching? If you watched you would have found a balance of explanation and performance. I explained it to where an almost complete beginning could have understood it. That was the point of the video, to be inclusive to anyone that might happen across it. There is another way though: You could get in front of the camera and make the video you want to see. I've always found it strange when people are upset that the thing they clicked on, watched for free, and had no say in the production of, isn't to their liking. It's as absurd as me watching a Led Zeppelin video and commenting that it wasn't more like Genesis.

[@BassHitter]

@@janekgwizdala I didn’t realize people actually troll a “free” instructional lesson. Blessings to you ,man keep going 💪🏿

[@sexyeur]

Where's the study material for this lesson? Are you expecting us to buy your book on the suggestion to follow-and look for it, twenty dollars shorter? C'mon.

[@janekgwizdala]

I'm not expecting you to do anything. And you will certainly be disappointed a lot when you expect more from something that you had no hand in producing. The material is right there in the video, with even the sheet music and TAB being displayed on-screen. You can adapt all of the concepts I talk about to your own practice routine without spending a penny. Also, welcome to the internet. Yes, if you want the full value of 53 play alongs, and hours of video footage, you will have to part with $24.99. 30 years of experience, 6 months of work dedicated exclusively to writing and arranging the learning arc of the book, and then a week long recording and filming session to produce all the supplemental material? and on top of that spending several thousand dollars on a designer to create the book as you see it... I think that's worth slightly more than $24.99 if I'm honest. But you want it for free. Or should I say more of it for free? because I'm giving away some of it right here in the video. "c'mon" now...

[@daveshep]

@sexyeur Really? You expect to have everything handed to you for free? Watch the video, transcribe what he is doing (transcription being one of the most important skills in learning an instrument) and practice it! And when that’s not enough, yes, buy his book.

[@JOSHUA-mt7fd]

@sexyeur has left the chat 😂

[@janekgwizdala]

@@JOSHUA-mt7fd that’s funny 😂

[@richarddyer1787]

Thank God, what an idiot!@@JOSHUA-mt7fd