Building Blocks of Bass

A back to basics on bass as Bob DeBoo presents a fun and detailed journey through the essential concepts for becoming a more complete upright bassist.

Start laying a solid foundation.

In the Building Blocks of Bass course you will get a carefully guided step-by-step collection of “building block” fundamentals to become a solid upright bassist, from a professional double bassist of many years.

Bob has a fun and easy way to build your bass skills that will have you sounding better in no time!

Using Guided Practice Sessions, play-along Practice Tracks, and a detailed PDF Workbook, Bob guides you through exactly what to practice and how.

  • LEVEL 2
  • 8 LESSONS
  • 3.5 hours
  • Guided Practice Sessions
  • Practice Tracks
  • PDF WorkBook
  • Subtitles: English

After completing this course…

You’ll be able to:

  • build your ‘sound’ on the bass with both hands
  • develop a solid rhythmic concept for triplets, walking, and playing in a two-feel
  • understand the basics of playing with the bow
  • train your ears to play in tune, hear bass lines, and identify chords
  • choose good notes for building great bass lines
  • learn and remember the chords and melody to a tune
  • play along with records

This course is right for you if…

  • the upright bass is new to you or you are crossing over from electric bass.
  • you are a ‘classical’ bassist looking to get into jazz.
  • you’ve been playing for a while but want to revisit the basics.
  • it’s a challenge to find a teacher.
  • you aren’t sure what to practice.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

“Bob is a super supportive teacher. From basic techniques to creative improvisation ideas, he helped me increase in skill and confidence on the upright bass.”

Janet E.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

“On top of being an incredible player, Bob’s teaching has been just as inspiring and I’ve always felt motivated while studying with him.”

Chano C.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

“Loving it. Especially Bob DeBoo. I’ve learned so much already as a 65 year old who is coming to jazz bass for the first time.

Chris S.

Meet Your Practice Guru

Bob DeBoo is an in-demand performer on both the double and electric bass. Some of the projects he’s been involved with the last couple years include playing with David Sanborn’s Acoustic Quartet, Peter Martin, Geoffrey Keezer, Alarm Will Sound, James Carter, Matt Wilson, Ron Miles, the 442s, leading his own quartet, and much more.

Bob has also been a part of numerous Open Studio live concert events and courses. He is also highly active in education, having worked with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz for Young People program, JazzSTL’s JazzU program and more

Course Contents

Course content

  • Introduction and Listening
  • Sound
  • Feel
  • Time
  • Triads
  • Strong Beats
  • Connection and Direction
  • Language Patterns
  • Slower & Faster Changes