There are two bass approaches to Swing, “two-beat” which uses two notes per bar and “walking” which uses four notes per bar. In this class, we will explore ideas and studies for creating walking lines. We will focus on the two chord patterns that make up the majority of the library of swing: the 12-bar blues and “rhythm changes.” We will also look at the chord changes for “Take the A Train” as well as other songs you are interested in working on. Blues turnarounds, modes, the bebop major scale (major scale with a #5 added) will be addressed as well. Because keys change and we need a mental “capo,” we’ll be talking in numbers and spend some time practicing naming the tones using numbers and Solfegio (do re mi, etc.).
Other topics to be addressed during the week are: (1) the mechanics of playing (hand position, what muscles are and aren’t being used) to avoid injury and promote efficient articulation of the notes (make it look like when you play it’s relaxed and easy0, (2) the jobs that your two hands are playing (the right hand dealing with time issues i.e. pocket, feel, groove, etc. and the left hand the harmonic structure), (3) rhythmic tension (how the notes are spaced within a bar) and (4) the shape (bloom) of your notes.
Instructor Bio
A uniquely versatile musician, Ralph Gordon brings 45 years of musical experience to the bass and cello in the genres of Blues, Swing, Jazz, Klezmer, Folk, Bluegrass, Country, and many others. Classically trained in music studies at West Virginia University and the Manhattan School of Music, Ralph went on to do a stint with the New Jersey Symphony and tour with Fred Waring & The Pennsylvanians. When it comes to knowing and holding down the bottom, Ralph is on top!!! www.RalphGordonMusic.com
Check out Gordon and friends at Augusta in 2015 (bass picks up at 1:00)