This section focuses on learning the most common patterns used when playing bass guitar. Learning these patterns will help you understand the foundation and fundamentals of bass line construction. We provide an overview of common patterns, how they are played on the bass, and how they are used to construct bass lines. The lessons build on each other. So start with the introduction and progress through each lesson in order:
- Introduction and Overview of Bass Patterns
- Root Notes
- Octaves
- Root and 5th Pattern
- Root, 5th and flat 7th Pattern
- Root, 5th and 6th Pattern
More Lessons – Free on Bass Player Center:
- Warmup Exercises for Bass Guitar
- How to Play Slap Bass Guitar
- Bass Guitar Rock Grooves for Beginners
- Bass Guitar Tip : Fakin’ It
- Bass Guitar Tip: Shuffle Funk
- Learning the Major Scale by Brent-Anthony Johnson
- The Major Pentatonic by David Keif
- How to Hold the Bass by Billy Sheehan
- Bass Guitar Tip – The Pivot
- Chromatic Practice Exercises
- Bass Guitar Tip: How the Bass Works
- Bass Guitar Tip – How to Play Double Stops
- Beginner Bass Lesson – How To Play Harmonics
- Tuning Your Bass With Harmonics
Supplementary Materials:

Bass Guitar Lessons – Common Bass Patterns new