Gregori Hofmann

Here I look at ways to improve your time feel when playing swing and ways to practice arpeggios while working on common rhythmic subdivisions. I then let you into how I practice these ideas as well as all the ideas I have spoken about in my videos by playing through the A Section of the [...]

Here is an introduction to the Pentatonic Scale. Once you have these shapes under your fingers check out lesson 2 for ways to use Pentatonics to create Bass lines and Solos

Here I look at ways to add percussion and bounce to your lines by using ghost notes and raking. Both these techniques were used extensively by Jaco Pastorious so I suggest you check out the tunes ‘Come on Come Over’ off his album Jaco Pastorius and check out the track ‘Havona’ by Weather Report.

Here I discuss applying chords to grooves as well as some thoughts on a chordal approach when soloing.

We continue Expanding our knowledge and voicings of Diatonic chords found in the key of G Major.As well as that we look at ways to play 7th chords using 3 note voicings on the bass.

Here we look at 3 note chords found diatonically in the major scale. These chords are called triads and the chord formula for all Major Scales is the same 1 Major 2 Minor 3 Minor 4 Major 5 Major 6 Minor 7 Diminished Therefore in C Major we have: C Major D Minor E Minor [...]

When I first started transcribing and getting into playing Standards I bought the Omnibook. Its a reccomendation that so many teachers/musicians tell you to check out. The book is a collection of solos and melodies from Charlie Parker’s compositions. The book is quite a piece of work. To have transcribed all those amazing solos is [...]

The following video shows variations on a simple chromatic exercise. These ideas are meant for building dexterity in both hands.

The first question in the Ask Greg Anything Section comes from Vian. Hey Greg I’m trying to train my ears to recognize root movements because it’s often hard for me to know where I am in a tune if I’m not counting all the time. I know bassists are especially good at this so please [...]

Aural: Recognizing Major Scale Intervals     In our first aural lesson, we will focus on recognizing intervals. I cannot stress enough how important it is to be able to not only play well, but also ‘hear well’.   Our ears are our greatest asset as musicians and we should all spend a portion of [...]