A common perception among many listeners and aficionados of music is that a musician’s virtuosity is defined by their ability to play highly technical, complex melodies and harmonies at fast tempos with precision. While many virtuosic players are able to do this, often the most prolific musicians are masters of exercising restraint, of leaving space between the notes and chords to create musical passages that not only sound wonderful but are deeply moving and emotive. This is often most true among the world’s best bass players.

In this online bass lesson, Grammy Award-winning bassist and ArtistWorks instructor, Nathan East, discusses the importance of utilizing space and simplifying your playing to create bass lines that not only sound great but also feel amazing. Nathan personally employs this philosophy when writing bass lines in the studio and supporting legendary artists like Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and more.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play the bass guitar from a master musician like Nathan East? Try some free online bass lessons now!

“The primary function of us as bass players is to make the listener feel good,” Nathan explains. “It’s not always about showing off your virtuosity as a bass player or playing fast. My favorite bass players, the ones that inspire me most, just feel good to listen to. It’s not all about the number of notes they play or their technical abilities. It’s their feel that’s just incredible.”

When first learning how to play the bass or any instrument for that matter, players often focus most heavily on improving their speed and technical abilities. While that’s understandable to an extent, as new players are still developing their dexterity and prioritizing physical comfort on their instrument, it’s very important for first-time players to also consider groove and feel. The earlier aspiring bass players begin thinking about this as they begin their musical journey, the easier crafting more complex grooves and feels will be down the line.

“When I’m writing bass lines, I often think about my favorite players and the musicians that inspire me,” Nathan explains. “What is often most notable about their playing is their special combination of simplicity, taste, and feel. The lesson I’m often left with is that less is usually more.”

To learn more about the importance of using space and simplicity to craft bass lines that not only sound but feel good, dive into this online bass lesson from Nathan East:

Using Space & Simplicity with Nathan East:

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Have you always wanted to learn how to play the electric bass guitar? Through our comprehensive bass lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Nathan East, and get personal feedback on your playing.

Nathan’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner bass guitar to advanced performance techniques, tunes, and grooves. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as bassists and musicians!

Try out some free sample music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

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