If you're looking to take your bass guitar playing to the next level, mastering advanced techniques for playing riffs is a great place to start. In this lesson, we'll cover some of the most important techniques for adding complexity and variation to your playing.
Hammer-Ons
A hammer-on is a technique where you use your fretting hand to play a note without picking it. To do this, you start by playing a note with your picking hand, and then use your fretting hand to "hammer" down on the string at a higher fret. This creates a smooth, legato sound that can be used to add speed and fluidity to your playing.
Pull-Offs
A pull-off is the opposite of a hammer-on. Instead of using your fretting hand to play a higher note, you use it to "pull off" the string at a lower fret. This creates a similar legato sound, but with a slightly different feel. Pull-offs can be used to add variation to your playing, and can be combined with hammer-ons for even more complex riffs.
Slides
A slide is a technique where you use your fretting hand to slide up or down the neck of the bass guitar. This creates a smooth, gliding sound that can be used to add a sense of movement to your playing. Slides can be combined with hammer-ons and pull-offs to create even more complex riffs.
Combining Techniques
One of the most powerful things about these advanced techniques is that they can be combined in countless ways to create unique and complex riffs. For example, you might start with a hammer-on, then slide up to a higher note, and finish with a pull-off. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different combinations is a great way to develop your own style and sound.
Practice Tips
As with any new technique, it's important to practice these advanced techniques regularly in order to master them. Start by practicing each technique individually, and then gradually work on combining them. You can also try practicing with a metronome to improve your timing and accuracy.
Conclusion
By mastering these advanced techniques for playing riffs on bass guitar, you'll be able to add complexity and variation to your playing, and develop your own unique style and sound. Remember to practice regularly, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of techniques.
Now let's see if you've learned something...
⇦ 2 Basic techniques for playing riffs 4 Creating your own riffs ⇨