Bass Beginners Guide by Greg Hagger

31/05/2026

I’ve just released a new YouTube lesson: ‘4 Essential Blues Jam Grooves Every Bass Player Must Know'

In it, I break down four feels you’ll be asked for again and again at jam nights:
• Straight blues
• Classic shuffle
• Funky Minor Blues
• Slow 12/8 blues

For each groove I:
✅ Analyse the basic rhythm behind each style
✅ Break down a simple bass pattern you can use at jams
✅ Play it with a track so you can hear it in context

If you can get these four grooves comfortable in a few keys, you’re a long way towards feeling jam‑ready.

There’s a free PDF download to support the lesson - link in the video description.

Enjoy!

• Download the FREE pdf: https://www.gbshed.com/Blues-bass-grooves...

15/03/2026

Sometimes when I'm teaching a one-to-one or group lesson, I get a flash of inspiration for a YouTube lesson. The idea for this latest video lesson came about whilst I was holding a recent session for my Pure Pentatonics course.

The fact that many iconic riffs and fills are formed from just the five notes of the pentatonic scale always astounds me. Sure, you have to know how to use these five notes creatively, but having this pentatonic framework on the fretboard gives you target notes that will always sound great.

In this week's YouTube video, you can check out a great little pentatonic lick that I've used to illustrate how to get creative with the five notes of the pentatonic scale.

You can drop this lick into your bass grooves and get ideas of how to create your own pentatonic licks.

Enjoy!

• Download the FREE pdf: https://www.gbshed.com/5-note-funk• Check out the 'Pure Pentatonics course: https://www.gbshed.com/ppLearn how to turn just 5 notes ...

01/03/2026

A couple of weeks ago I featured a YouTube video with Melvin Taylor's version of a Blues classic called 'Cadillac Assembly Line.' This was originally released by Albert King in 1976. There's also a fantastic live version of this tune by Joe Bonamassa that features 'Michael Rhodes' on bass.

In my latest Youtube video I compare both bass lines and show you the main riff from the Bonamassa version. This is a really great bass line that uses the classic box shape that you'll find in so many Blues bass lines, and it's worth learning because of this.

You’ll find a link to transcriptions of both of the main riffs, under the video, in the description.

Watch out for my play-through video of the Bonamassa version next week.

Enjoy!

• Download the FREE pdf: https://www.gbshed.com/fCadillacIn this lesson I break down Michael Rhodes’ bass line from Joe Bonamassa’s live “Cadillac Assembly L...

15/02/2026

There's a really cool bass groove on Melvin Taylor's version of a Blues classic called 'Cadillac Assembly Line.' The bass is muted, which produces a really distinctive tone, and a punchy, short attack.

It's worth spending time learning how to use the thumb to produce this muted tone as it can be very effective in certain situations.

In my latest YouTube video I talk through this technique and show you the main groove and some variations from this version of Cadillac Assembly Line.

Enjoy!

• Download the FREE pdf: https://www.gbshed.com/funky-blues-grooveLock in a funky blues bass groove with this 10‑minute lesson. You will learn a simple main ...

01/02/2026

Playing fourths on the bass mean that you are generally moving strings, while staying on the same fret number.

But this interval can present problems as you try to barre the notes with one finger, or hop between the notes. If you don't have full control over playing fourths, you can get unwanted note ringing, or notes that are too short and out of time. So, it's important that you think about alternative fi*****ng patterns that will enable you to play fourths cleanly.

I've made a short YouTube lesson to give you the best fi*****ng patterns to help you master this.

You can download the PDF with exercises from the lesson by clicking the link below the video in the description.

Enjoy!

• Download the FREE pdf: https://www.gbshed.com/perfect-fourthsLearn how to play perfect 4ths on bass guitar without unwanted ringing or choppy notes! In thi...

06/12/2025

Hey, I’ve just released a video lesson on the bass line to Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses, and this is one funky bass line, recorded by bassist, 'Tracy Wormworth'.

In the video, I break the tune down section by section and show you a simplified version of the main bass riff that still works perfectly with the original track. You’ll get a core riff you can reuse throughout the song, plus all the key variations you need to sound convincing.

To make it easy to follow, there’s a free PDF with notation and TAB so you can learn it note for note at your own pace. Just hit play, grab the PDF, and you’re good to go for any festive jam, gig, or recording.

Also look out on the channel for my play-through video of this simplified bass line with the original track which is coming out next week.

Enjoy!

• Download the FREE pdf: https://www.gbshed.com/xmas-wrappingLearn the funky bass line from Christmas Wrapping' by The Waitresses in this easy-to-follow bass...

22/11/2025

Recently one of my GBS Bass Masters members shared a live version of Tina Turner's, 'River Deep Mountain High,' and we worked through the bass line in a lesson so he could prepare it for a gig.

I was reminded just how great this Tina Turner classic is. I used to play this song frequently at gigs and it's really high energy and fun to play. Warren McRae's bass line on this live version is grooving and also very easy to hear in the mix.

My latest YouTube lesson features this bass line, so check it out if you want to learn a classic and have something fun to play.

You can also grab a free copy of my bass line transcription in Tab and notation in the video description.

Enjoy!

• Download the FREE pdf:Unlock the magic behind the driving bass line from Tina Turner’s legendary 'River Deep Mountain High' – Live in Holland 2009! In this...

08/11/2025

08/11/2025

I reckon that my favourite Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons bass line has to be the one from 'The Night'. The bassist, Joe Long, is really is at his finest in this song.

I spent quite a few years playing in the original London production of 'Jersey Boys' a while back, but bizarrely this song wasn't in the show. Although we discussed it in the band, I don't remember us ever finding out why! Maybe it was something to do with the writer’s credits.

The Night was recorded during the Four Seasons 'Motown phase' in the early 70's, and you can clearly hear Jamerson's influence in Joe Long's bass line.

I made a YouTube lesson on this bass line a few years ago, but I've now made a play-through video with the original track. This was quite a challenge, particularly in the pre-choruses, because of the fast tempo. I could have done with a few days to practice it, but I managed to get something half-decent down for this week's YouTube video.

You’ll find a link to my full transcription in the video description.

I hope you find the transcription useful and enjoy my play-through.

• Download the FREE pdf: https://www.gbshed.com/the-nightWatch my full bass line play-through of 'The Night' by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, synced with...

06/11/2025

Joe Long’s bass line from ‘The Night’ by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is a fantastic bass line, which reminds me of Jamerson’s style. But this is hardly surprising as this song was recorded when the Four Seasons were in their ‘Motown phase’.

I made a lesson a while ago on Joe Long’s bass line so check that out if you want to play this Northern Soul classic.

There’s a link in the description if you want a free copy of my note-for-note bass line transcription in notation and Tab.

Also watch out for my play-through video coming out this Saturday on the Greg’s Bass Shed YouTube channel. This was a beast to record at this fast tempo! 😤

• Click for the FREE pdf:https://www.gbshed.com/four-seasons-the-night-bass-coverLearn how to play the iconic bass line from 'The Night' by Frankie Valli & T...