20/06/2021
The first duty of the bass guitar is to keep the
rhythm. Keeping the pulse of a song is central
to your role as a bassist. Whether it’s a simple
country two-step or a complicated jazz-fusion
riff, the bass guitar always makes sure the
rhythm and tempo are clearly defined.
Most times, you’ll be playing along with the
kick drum of a drum set; however, you could
also be working together with the player of
a different rhythm instrument or just holding
the rhythm all by yourself. In any of these
cases, it’s vital that you keep the rhythm
and tempo of the song moving and clearly
defined. Check out Chapter 10 for more
information on common rhythms.
Rhythm
Everybody has rhythm. It’s in the way that you walk or the way that you talk. All you’re doing here is translating your natural
rhythm to the bass guitar. Relax and let it come to you as you practice.