The Building Blocks of Bass

A Clear Pathway for Developing Your Bass Playing

A structured programme covering technique, theory, timing, feel, harmony, improvisation and the practical skills needed to become a more complete musician.

How the Programme Is Structured

Three Focused Course Blocks

The programme is divided into three 12-week blocks. Each block contains three focused four-week courses, creating a clear progression from core foundations through to practical musical application.

01

Fundamentals

Technique, fretboard knowledge, theory and essential harmony.

02

Timing, Feel & Technique

Pulse, phrasing, dynamics, subdivisions and slap bass.

03

Basics of Blues

Walking bass, chord tones, riffs, fills and improvisation.

Block One

Fundamentals

Build the technical, theoretical and harmonic foundations needed for confident bass playing.

Best for: Beginners, developing players and self-taught musicians who want to strengthen gaps in their knowledge.

Weeks 1–4

Getting Started

Setting up strong physical and technical foundations
  • Basics Checklist
  • Hand Positions
  • Subtleties of Touch
  • Tone Control
Weeks 5–8

Theory for Bass

The essential theory every bass player should understand
  • Theory Basics
  • Learning the Fretboard
  • Ionian Major Scale Construction
  • Reading Rhythm and Notation
Weeks 9–12

Essential Harmony

Learning the musical vocabulary
  • Essential Modes
  • Essential Scales
  • How to Practise
  • Intervallic Patterns
Block Two

Timing, Feel & Technique

Develop control of pulse, articulation, dynamics, phrasing and physical technique.

Best for: Players who understand the fundamentals but want stronger timing, expression and technical confidence.

Weeks 1–4

Rhythm & Timing

Internalising the pulse
  • Rhythm Pyramid
  • The Upbeat and Downbeat
  • Understanding Subdivisions
  • Quarter-note and Eighth-note Triplets
Weeks 5–8

Feel

Articulation and dynamics
  • Loud, Soft, Long and Short
  • Articulation
  • Playing Riffs with Feel
  • Doubles
Weeks 9–12

Slap Bass

Slap fundamentals
  • Slap Basics
  • Slap Dead Notes
  • Building Riffs
  • Slap Riffs and the Drum Groove
Block Three

Basics of Blues

Apply harmony, fretboard knowledge, rhythm and phrasing to blues bass lines, riffs and improvisation.

Best for: Intermediate players who are comfortable with the fundamental material covered in Block One.

Weeks 1–4

Basics of Blues 1

Introduction to the harmony
  • The Dominant Seventh Chord
  • Combining Pentatonic and Blues Scales
  • Developing Riffs and Fills
  • Harmonic Development
Weeks 5–8

Basics of Blues 2

Playing the right notes
  • Walking the Blues
  • Chord-Tone Navigation
  • Target-Note Practice
  • Approach Notes and Voice Leading
Weeks 9–12

Basics of Blues 3

Improvising over I–IV–V
  • Applying Diatonic Modes
  • Developing Ideas
  • Creating Melodic Cells and Phrasing
  • Taking a Solo
Course Support

What You’ll Receive

Live Online Lessons

Join structured group sessions online.

90-Minute Sessions

Time to learn, practise and ask questions.

Small Groups

A supportive environment with focused guidance.

Course Materials

Notes and supporting learning resources.

Practice Guidance

Clear direction between each lesson.

Video Resources

Exclusive supporting video content.

Group Course Fees

Each course runs for 12 weeks, with one 90-minute group session each week.

Block One & Block Two

£35 per session

12 × 90-minute group sessions

Total course fee: £420

Block Three

£40 per session

12 × 90-minute group sessions

Total course fee: £480

Group courses offer the same structured curriculum as one-to-one lessons at roughly half the cost. Class sizes are kept small, so students still receive individual attention and personalised guidance.

Prefer Private Tuition?

One-to-one lessons are also available for students who would prefer a fully personalised learning experience.

From £70 per hour

Coming Soon

Future Courses in Development

Basics of Improvisation

Eight-week course

  • Navigating chord charts
  • Writing bass lines and soloing
  • Harmonic approaches
  • Advanced rhythmic phrasing
  • Technique development
  • Creating your musical identity

One to One Mentoring for all musicians

Basics of Composition
Songwriting, composition, arranging and finding inspiration.

Basics of a Music Career
Finding the right fit, choosing a path and developing a sustainable direction.

Not Sure Where to Start?

You do not need to choose alone. Book a free introductory call with Yolanda to discuss your experience, current challenges and the most suitable course block.

Ready to Begin?

Start Building Your Sound

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re ready to join the Building Blocks of Bass course or would prefer personalised one-to-one tuition, take the next step towards becoming a more confident, expressive and complete bass player.