Breaking Down PENTATONIC Bass Fills

In this bass guitar lesson, I break down a load of pentatonic fills so you can see exactly how to use them in your playing. Download the shapes and drum backing track here: onlinebasscour...
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[@OnlineBassCourses]

What lesson do you want next? Comment here!

[@JoelManrique]

Just wondering how do you record you bass videos? I tried recording just on the phone android for my own purposes and it just doesn't sound good.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@JoelManrique I go through either an Avalon U5 or Jules Monique, sometimes both, then into a UA Apollo then into Logic. Recording through your phone won't get you the greatest sound. You can get special cables to record into apps on your phone I think.

[@soulstart89]

Another great video. You are focusing me to grow. It’s makes my brain hurt but in a good way. I have two things I struggle with 1. Using my pinkie finger or my fourth finger in say the pentatonic scale. I naturally use my pinkie but I’m learning stevie wonder “I was made to love her” and I’m coming a tad I’m stuck with which to settle with. I notice I can’t link into different patterns if I am using the pinkie. 2. I just learnt to play the stevie wonder song “I was made to love her” (learnt by ear. Well chuffed of myself) I can play around 85bpm but when I try to play at normal speed 105bpm my fingers lock up with the 16th note sections. Have you any advice? It’s like my fingers get anxiety lol.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@soulstart89 Good that you're progressing! 1. It's not essential to use your pinkie all the time at all. Use whichever finger is comfortable as long as there's no strain. 2. There's a 20BPM gap between where you are now and where you want to be. You need to bridge that gap VERY gradually by working with a metronome in, say 5BPM increments till you get to the desired tempo. It takes a while to get there but it's the only way!

[@dannywazzabassministry9844]

Improvisation on pentatonic

[@bradhutchinson4779]

Dan is probably the best instructor on KZbin especially for average/intermediate players. He makes his demonstrations look simple which gives me the confidence of mastering whatever he is teaching. Thx Dan

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much for those words, Brad!

[@arneberg9072]

Share the same perception --

[@heirling25]

I'd have to agree this assessment.

[@igorheli998]

absolutely :)

[@paulhopkins686]

Same ❤

[@glennrocky7403]

A beginner here. I was about to dump my new bass guitar out of frustration of not finding a learning material on the Net. Until I found your channel!!! I really like the way you teach! Very simple, clear and easy to understand. Amazing! I am beginning to play some bass lines. Thanks to you!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Bass is amazing so don’t give up! Keep going with your hard work and you’ll make huge progress. Thanks for the comment; I really appreciate it.

[@markv6771]

You are an awesome bass guitar teacher! I appreciate what you are doing on your channel! Keep it up!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s very kind Mark - thanks!

[@peak_flow]

Hi Dan. It was me who posted the request, so thank you for taking the time to create this response. I can see now that I'm not 'breaking out of the box' enough, tending to stay locked into the starter shapes, and that results in the somewhat stilted lines that I mentioned. I need to really nail down the patterns across the whole fingerboard to give me the confidence to explore new ideas. As with all of your videos, this will repay repeat viewing, with lots of valuable tips. Thanks again.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for the suggestion Keith. This should give you some ideas but I'll do plenty more like this!

[@peak_flow]

I forgot to ask...is there a way to purchase your Creative Bass Technique Exercises book which benefits you the most? I can get it from Amazon of course, but I wondered if there was an alternative source which gives you a bit more revenue!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@peak_flow That's very decent and kind of you - thanks! I think Amazon is the best actually. I'll have some (hopefully!) very useful courses and books coming in the next few months direct from my site.

[@soulstart89]

I have this exact same problem regarding being locked in a pattern or section of the bass. My mind and voice move around. But my fingers don’t follow. We need to practice and practice and practice lol

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@soulstart89 Yes, but also be aware in the first place that there are other ways to play the same thing. Force yourself to break out of the one pattern, gradually acquire a few, then you'll have far more options and your creativity will blossom.

[@flash001USA]

I really like the way you relay the practical mechanics of the shapes with the slides and pull-offs. That's the trick to playing funky and soulful catchy grooves.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks very much. Yes, articulations are KEY!

[@dickeyblues3011]

Great lesson Dan thanks😊

[@ermanvar6300]

best bass course videos ever. I've been playing idiot notes for years before you . Thankss

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks. Much appreciated. I should do a video on idiot notes! 🤣

[@jasoncherry3404]

This is one of my weak spots that I’m working on tightening up. I want to really master my scales, I’ve been using your pentatonic lessons to build my knowledge and skill to properly play without stumbling. I feel your lessons have really helped take me to the next level , now I just need to work on tightening up and tie in my timing training.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Keep going, Jason. Timing takes…time to develop! Stick with it though and you’ll really hear the benefits before long.

[@wmkennard]

I kinda choked sitting in playing a couple of bluesy song's n Fleetwood Mac song I didn't know n should of easily played better. So back to the drawing board on your videos n listen with more focus. Thank you Dan

[@aminnematikhotbesara4253]

Thanks Dan you're amazing

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏🙏🙏

[@frankie7826]

Pure gold information thanks

[@ianjohnson4987]

Probably the best tutorial on KZbin. Thanks.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Ian! I’ve got a few more Pentatonic lessons if you’re into that…

[@ianjohnson4987]

@@OnlineBassCourses Thanks Dan - very much interested. I'll sign up for your course. Cheers

[@PushSueAside]

Thank you Dan. Your videos are always appreciated, helpful and fun. Cheers

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks Tommy!

[@zimmvurwilatest8648]

Good teacher Dan nce work

[@bocobocoboco]

really nice ideas. thanks Dan I will practice those shapes every day !!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Great stuff. Those shapes (and the shapes within them) will give you SO much mileage!

[@jonathancrisostomo3461]

Very helping to the beginner sir . Same like me . Thanks 🙏

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for watching, Jonathan.

[@willster7272]

Man I gotta say you are a master of ghost notes.. 😂

[@OnlineBassCourses]

One day!

[@kevmac1230]

This is a very fun lesson! I put a pattern on the drum machine and can get lost for ages. I especially enjoy trying to copy your lick right after you play it, sometimes l actually nail it.lol

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Good ear training!

[@kevmac1230]

I will randomly come back to older tutorials from time to time and it was a pleasure redoing this.Great flowing lines that can really take you places.

[@paddyeire96]

Brilliant as usual Dan

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks Pat.

[@Enjoy-life1forever]

Very useful lessons Thank you very much sir

[@OnlineBassCourses]

You're welcome - thanks for watching!

[@bremerhaven67]

I would like to live in your town so you could be my bass teacher! I start the first exercises of your book and i find them very beneficial

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Giuseppe! Keep up the playing. 👍🙏

[@jasoncherry5849]

I’ve stared learning to play Manic Depression by Jimi Hendrix, it’s a great song because it’s not overly challenging but has a lot little tricky parts that force you pay attention. It feels like the kind of song that good for practicing on to develop good technique with. Also need to work on muting, I haven’t quite gotten a handle on how to properly mute the strings while transitioning.

[@jasondeduna2810]

Perfect man

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏

[@tyronewilliams4779]

Great lesson thank you

[@OnlineBassCourses]

You're welcome!

[@palomusic79]

Thank you.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for watching.

[@JoelManrique]

nice awesome!! love the sound...

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks Joel!

[@wmkennard]

Thanks wish me luck n hope I find some cats to jam with. And If they say I like that Bass line. I'll say Dandy Dan taught me that.

[@frozenskies1718]

There's some great points in this vid. So much more potential for interesting fills when you start exploring other pentatonic shapes outside of that first one. On a separate note, I've heard people talking about using counterpoint in basslines (citing bassists like Geezer Butler). I can't quite figure out exactly what counterpoint means or how to apply it. Might be an interesting topic for upcoming vids :)

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks very much! Counterpoint is a compositional technique. I think people just mean melodic bass lines that move around (in different ways) against other melodies in the music.

[@MsMusicman56]

Hey Dan what about some fills, out of the box ... please

[@OnlineBassCourses]

What do you mean by out of the box? 🙏

[@MsRouder]

Всё отлично, не хватает табов этой темы, я просто не знаю нот! 😄🎸👍

[@stephenleslie9282]

Hey dan I was wondering I'm learning the fretboard from scales of different types, so my question is, is best learn the notes, in a cromatic way up and down the fretboard or would it be better, to learn the patterns and call out the notes as you learn each pattern cheers dan Steve 👍

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Stephen. To be honest, both those ways work well. Whatever method you use, there’ll be a point where you just know where certain notes are. Then other notes around those familiar notes will light up. It gets much easier so keep going.

[@hotzeplotz2345]

When playing fills like these I'm sometimes getting stuck in this situation: I have to fret the root note (E-String) on the next 16th, but my index finger is still gripping the D-String, and I can't get back up there fast enough. What do you recommend? Should I train to move the finger faster, or to "Barré" all 4 strings on the fret, fretting with the knuckles?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Yeah that's a common issue. I usually barré if it's to quick to get the same finger back again. It really does take practice to get that together but it's worth it. Sometimes I'll use a different finger if that feels right to do.

[@phille05]

how bout variations on existing songs, extending root notes with your inspiration of the moment ?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Hi Philippe. Thanks for the suggestion. I actually do that all the time on gigs so that's a good idea!

[@bennryan2]

Hi Dan, fantastic! How do you deal with open string buzz? I see in forums or other vids where folks swear by using thumb of right hand. It seems awkward, and you rarely do this and yet i don't hear any open string feedback. Thanks for your great videos! 🙏

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks! Open string buzz is a big no no for me. That points to something wrong in the setup - the nut or action too low or not enough relief in the neck. Sort out the setup and open string buzz won’t occur.

[@bennryan2]

@@OnlineBassCourses thanks! What about muting lower strings so notes don't clash? Like, your vids use A minor, so if the low E is ringing, it's okay since it's in the key, but F minor, will you use the thumb of your right hand as you go up to higher notes of the scale? Like if you're playing notes on the D string, would you then rest your thumb so the E or A string doesn't vibrate and clash with the key center notes? I'm wondering if there's a way to avoid the awkward rest of thumb to mute. I think Jaco had a method that seems too complicated, but then I heard Victor Wooten does something else, maybe he's able to mute with his fingers of left hand? Sorry for such a long worded question 🙏

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@bennryan2 don’t worry. I think you’ll find the way (s) that make sense and work for you. This video should help: onlinebasscourses.com/lessons/technique/muting-unwanted-noise/

[@bennryan2]

@@OnlineBassCourses Hi Dan, thank you! Excellent lesson on this topic, and explains everything very well. Also, nice webpage, and I will give a further look soon. I signed up for your email list, and made a donation to the website. Thanks again! Ryan

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@bennryan2 that’s very kind - thanks, Ryan!

[@onzkicg]

Tone so good! Has that nice but before distorting a bit.. what FX are u using? Or was that coming from bass pickup type/ natural tone?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Just the bass - No effects, EQ, or compression. 🙏👍

[@zoo-wee-mamafilm4413]

Can you also explain sir the fills where you do it 2 frets away from the root note??

[@OnlineBassCourses]

The 9th - the one two up from the octave? I’m not sure where I just heard it but that’s just a sound I really like. So, I do that a lot! Try it…

[@zoo-wee-mamafilm4413]

@@OnlineBassCourses I'm trying to use it but, I'm not sure if I'm doing it right sir. 😅 I hope you could also have a video tutorial about it sir. Thanks for responding.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

​@@zoo-wee-mamafilm4413 no problem. I have a few bass fills videos where I probably talk about it a bit more. Here they are! onlinebasscourses.com/?s=fills&tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page

[@Enjoy-life1forever]

Dr sir I need to know how to apply chromatic scale when we play song on bass guter

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Depends which song! You can use it to connect up chord tones (major third to fifth sounds great) or in solo lines - again, largely landing on chord tones.

[@baileydennisw]

im new to bass playing but i do play guitar...my question is on te a minor pentatonic for guitar from top string down the scale is 5-8 5-6-7 5-7 5-7-8 is the scale different for bass? according to you diagram there are 2 notes missing fret 6 on b string and fret 8 on g string please advise thanks

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Are you sure you got your shape right? Looks a bit strange to me... the notes of any scales on the guitar will be the same on the bass. Don’t forget we have EADG strings and the guitar adds BE on top. So it will look a bit different.

[@baileydennisw]

@@OnlineBassCourses i meant frets 567 on a string not b..my bad but you did clear it up thanks

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@baileydennisw I thought you probably meant something like that. Do let me know if you come across any other questions!

[@onzkicg]

Awesome as usual. Thanks 🙏 How not to be overwhelmed with so many notes to memorize bec this example is for C and Am alone but moving to other keys- What’s your technique or how to see it in such a way that is more wholistic rather than I see many points / dots to memorize? Thanks

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks. It’s all literally the same patterns, the same shapes, the same sounds, and the same intervals. Use the highly geometric nature of the bass to your advantage! You can learn the circle of fifths to understand the key signatures of different scales so you can easily learn the notes too.

[@wolfmaxem2583]

👍👍

[@christyjohn5149]

What about soloing basics.....or I think you've started with licks so you should do some more on licks and fills ....there are many on instagram like one account named bass licks they usually put these but I don't get them properly as they are really fast

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Very good idea. I used to do something like that then stopped so maybe I'll start again. Search my channel - I did a couple of videos on soloing that should help you.

[@christyjohn5149]

@@OnlineBassCourses sure

[@frankie7826]

PS can you do a demo of your Ibanez ?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Good spot! Just got it and it's amazing. '82 Roadster. It needs a little work then I'll demo it.

[@iansoares3404]

how do you get that Stingray bass growl? My stingray does not have that same growl and I don't know why.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

What year/model StingRay do you have?

[@iansoares3404]

@@OnlineBassCourses Sterling ray4

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@iansoares3404 mine’s a 1978 original StingRay. I think that’s the answer - it’s all the bass…

[@iansoares3404]

What strings are you using with that bass?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Elites Stadiums. From The Bass Centre UK (they ship worldwide).

[@JahKnoxTV]

What video editor used to edit your video, sir?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Very simple - Camtasia. I have no skills beyond that!

[@JahKnoxTV]

Thanks you, sir.

[@TheFriendlyPsychopath]

76 stingray?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

‘78

[@TheFriendlyPsychopath]

@@OnlineBassCourses I could tell by not only the sound but by the volume,treble, bass, pots and the bullet trus rod on those awesome necks back then. The weight of the bass was way lighter back then compared to now.