Essential Techniques for Acoustic Bass

In this Homespun video series, Bass master Todd Phillips gives you the important foundation needed to begin to play the acoustic upright bass. If you’re new to this beautiful instrument, this series is a great place to start.

Videos

• Bass Setup & Mechanics (05:51) - After an intro song, we meet Todd Phillips who goes over picking the right bass for you as well as setting it up to play comfortably.

• Fingerboard, Bridge Angle, & Bracing System (04:27) - In this video, Todd continues to go over bass set-up with focus on the fingerboard, bridge, and bracing system.

• Stance & Hand Positions (04:02) - Now he moves into how to stand with the bass and approach playing it correctly.

• Right/Left Hand Techniques & Tuning (09:10) - Here he shows how to pluck the strings with your right hand, how to space your fingers with the left hand, and some discussion on tuning.

• Visualizing the Fingerboard & Whole Step Finger Spacing (08:17) - In this video, Todd describes how to visualize where the notes are and how to line your fingers up on the fretboard.

• Note Intonation/Pitch & Left Hand Stretch (04:30) - Todd goes over how to play in tune with other instruments as well as using your left hand correctly.

• Half Step Intervals & Tone (04:37) - In this video we go over left hand placement for half steps with an emphasis on tone.

• Scales & the Number System (12:16) - Here, Todd goes over scales.

• Examples of Playing in Context & Chord Progressions in C (09:17) - Now Todd puts everything we learn in the context of simple song forms.

• Chord Progressions in D & Final Thoughts (11:48) - In this final video, Todd shows more chord progressions and leaves us with his final thoughts.