tag:michaeldimin.com,2005:/blogs/art-of-the-bass?p=2Art of the Bass2021-05-12T16:50:18-04:00Michael Diminfalsetag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/63533002020-06-14T17:40:23-04:002021-05-12T12:00:29-04:00Art of Solo Bass is back in stock!<p>The wait is over! The Art of Solo Bass is back in stock. </p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/63461032020-06-08T09:16:17-04:002021-05-12T16:50:17-04:00The Art of Solo Bass<p>I am currently out of stock on The Art of Solo Bass. Many more copies will be in in a few days. If you just cannot wait or want an ebook copy, please order <a contents="from Mel Bay directly" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.melbay.com/Author/Default.aspx?AuthorId=37706">from Mel Bay directly</a></p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/63105462020-05-10T00:13:25-04:002020-05-10T00:13:25-04:00The Pajama Sessions: Silence of a Candle<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="WxIK9V1E8gs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/WxIK9V1E8gs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WxIK9V1E8gs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Although this video has no commentary, I want to take a minute to talk about the Art of Solo Bass. As someone who has been playing solo bass since 1979, I think I've seen and experienced a great deal. Often times people come to me for advice. So here is some unsolicited advice. I think we must remember that ultimately, solo bass is not about technique. The multitude of techniques that I've seen develop over the years are all very cool but those techniques, in and of themselves, are not musical. Music is what we do with those techniques. Music is when we are able to transcend the technique. Music is when the technique disappears. An audience member once said that my playing reminded him of Charlie Byrd. That was truly the best compliment I think I've ever received. I was not playing an instrument remotely related to what Mr. Byrd played. I wasn't using techniques that Mr. Byrd used. The music had transcended that. it was just music. This arrangement of Ralph Towner's beautiful composition, Silence of a Candle will be available at my store. This one is all about the music.</p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62917082020-04-23T07:51:45-04:002020-04-23T07:51:45-04:00The Pajama Sessions: Expansion by Limitation<p>One of the tenants of my book, The CORE Method<a contents="The CORE Method " data-link-label="The CORE Method" data-link-type="page" href="/the-core-method"> </a>is a concept I call Expansion by Limitation. It's derived from the basic idea that 'I'm basically lazy!" Although I am not really lazy, I do find that we tend to approach bass lines by what falls easily under the fingers. If we limit where we can play; where we develop lines, certain note choices will fall, more naturally, under the fingers. This leads to greater exploration of the fretboard and new sounds to discover. The CORE Method breaks the fretboard into 5 simple fingering patterns. By limiting ourselves to playing in only one of those positions at a time, we begin to hear new ideas, new directions, and new approaches. More information about The CORE Method video series, featuring SoundSlice technology can be found <a contents="here" data-link-label="The CORE Method" data-link-type="page" href="/the-core-method">here</a>. The book is also available, for <a contents="download" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">download</a>.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vMRLVJk5KWY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/vMRLVJk5KWY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vMRLVJk5KWY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62850172020-04-17T06:06:19-04:002020-04-17T06:06:19-04:00The Pajama Sessions: Saint James Infirmary<p>In this video, I take you step-by-step through the process and development of a Solo Bass Arrangement for the old blues standard, "Saint James Infirmary". This arrangement is written for 4 string bass in standard tuning. I chose my trusty Pavel Jazz strung with DR Pure Blues for this video. For a limited time, I am making this arrangement available for free and at a reduced cost for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. Please stay safe. Share with me any comments or questions you might have - Mike</p>
<p>#solobass<br>#saintjamesinfirmary<br>#drstrings<br>#pavelmi</p>
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<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="dXITbqB8cyQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/dXITbqB8cyQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dXITbqB8cyQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62721852020-04-14T07:02:54-04:002020-04-14T07:02:54-04:00The Pajama Sessions: Melodic Sequences in developing solos<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="6OJNtkOQ1uU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/6OJNtkOQ1uU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6OJNtkOQ1uU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Over the past few weeks, we've looked at three songs Europa, Fly Me to the Moon, and Autumn Leaves. These three songs have something very much in common. The melody is built on the concept of a melodic sequence. This video explores using melodic sequences in the creation of solos. If you would like more information on Functional Harmony, please take a moment to check out <a contents="The CORE Method" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">The CORE Method</a>.</p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62720422020-04-09T13:44:45-04:002020-04-09T13:44:45-04:00The Pajama Sessions: Chording through changes with efficiency<p>Well, I'm back from my little time getting fixed up. I can't pick up the bass for a few days, so I am glad that I recorded this a few days ago</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="tJhPYSdB5Rc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/tJhPYSdB5Rc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tJhPYSdB5Rc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>In this video, I explain how to efficiently play through changes of "Autumn Leaves". Using the middle finger to anchor the root of the chord, it allows players to get a multitude of chord qualities with minimal movement. The arrangement of "Autumn Leaves" is available at my store. During the coronavirus pandemic, the arrangement is only $1.00 and can be found at my <a contents="store" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">store</a>. A performance of my solo arrangement of "Autumn Leaves" can be viewed <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95E8i7wpt1k">here</a>.</p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62720232020-04-05T15:17:56-04:002020-04-05T15:17:56-04:00The Pajama Sessions V3: Slap Bass Muscle Memory Exercise<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="uKmW3bslJyg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/uKmW3bslJyg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uKmW3bslJyg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>A quick tutorial on an exercise to develop Slap and Pop technique. Taught to me some 30 years ago by the late, great Randy Coven. The excerpt I play in the video is from an original tune entitled "Shady". A bass and drum video performance, with the incomparable Brian Melick can be seen <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udBWUyFoOWc">here</a>. You can purchase a .pdf of the sheet music, with tab, at <a contents="my store" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">my store</a>. Until the coronavirus pandemic is over, the arrangement is only $1.00</p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62703092020-04-03T07:00:09-04:002020-04-03T07:03:20-04:00Pajama Sessions V.2: Triads and Psychoacoutics<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="e0cuh_uJoFE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/e0cuh_uJoFE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e0cuh_uJoFE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Voicing triads in solo bass tunes and the role psychoacoustics play in developing solo bass arrangements. When arranging for solo bass, we must be mindful of the range of the instrument and play chords that are clear, well defined, and, most importantly, retain the function within the harmony. The role of the brain in defining chords and their function is something we can take full advantage of in creating solo bass arrangements. I hope this Pajama Session video lends some insight and clarity into my thought process while developing arrangements for solo bass. Notation can be found, for free <a contents="here" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">here</a>.</p>
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<p>Mike</p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62693482020-04-02T08:47:18-04:002020-04-02T08:59:18-04:00New Arrangement Posted! "Fly Me to the Moon"<p>Thanks to Tim T. and Gary R. I have finally, written down my solo bass arrangement of "Fly Me to the Moon". Like all arrangements, on my site, it is currently only $1.00 US (until the end of the coronavirus crisis and we're all back to work). We are all struggling and I hope there is a little that I can do to help. You'll find this arrangement at my <a contents="store" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">store</a>. If you're into looping check out my Pajama Sessions lesson on looping over this tune, as well. You'll find that in a previous blog post. Here is a little <a contents="video" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/CqluRucHquA">video</a></p>
<p>Look for the Pajama Sessions V.2 tomorrow morning where I discuss triad voicings and psychoacoustics when creating solo bass arrangements</p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62666302020-03-30T17:41:08-04:002020-03-30T17:41:08-04:00The Pajama Sessions: Fly Me to the Moon: Bass Loop Tutorial<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="JpKDvOk_lHk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/JpKDvOk_lHk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JpKDvOk_lHk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Hey, everyone. I hope all finds you well in this new reality of self-isolation. Hopefully, this little lesson will give you something to work on over the coming weeks. This is the changes to Fly Me to the Moon with a bassline loop and a little lesson on how I go about creating the harmony to either loop and solo over or play while someone else solos. The .pdf is available at my store, for free, click <a contents="here" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">here</a></p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62637702020-03-27T12:16:04-04:002020-03-27T12:16:04-04:00Happy Birthday solo bass - spread some cheer<p>Perhaps it's not your birthday, but it's someone's birthday and wouldn't it be cool to offer them a little solo bass version. A version that is really cool, harmonically rich. Till the end of this crisis, I m making this arrangement free for any who wants it. This is the version that I've bee using to wish people a Happy Birthday since January of 2019. Here's the <a contents="video" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/28BJi5_mudM">video</a> Spread some cheer!</p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62580922020-03-22T08:31:43-04:002020-03-22T08:31:43-04:00Europa with Loop: FREE until 3/23 @ 9:00am EST<p>Here is an arrangement that I've been playing for a while but never wrote down. Tom Coster/Carlos Santana's "Europa" for Solo Bass. The first section is a freely played chord/melody arrangement. I also include the bass and harmony loops that I use to solo over. I played around with a little solo which I did not transcribe. I'd love to hear what you can do with it. It's available for free from my store for 24 hours (until 9:00 am 3/23/2020)</p>2:37Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62547502020-03-19T09:00:51-04:002020-03-19T09:00:51-04:00Saint James Infirmary - FREE<p>For the next 24 hours, I have made my solo bass arrangement of St. James Infirmary available for free. Please visit my site michaeldimin.com to get it (hint - you'll find it in the store). If you decide to record it, please share it with me, I'd love to hear your interpretation. </p>
<p>Mike</p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62537202020-03-18T12:35:46-04:002020-03-18T12:48:34-04:00C19 SALE!<p>In hopes of mutual cooperation and support - <br>For all the bass players stuck at home, not gigging, no day job, limited income (hey, that sounds a lot like me). I have reduced the price on all my downloadable, educational materials by 75%. This will give you an opportunity to spend time shedding WHILE providing me with a modicum of support. So from now until this crisis is over: </p>
<p>The CORE Method: $5.00US (Was 19.99) <br>The Chordal Approach: $1:00US (Was 5.00) <br>Any Solo Bass Arrangement: $1.00US (was 4.95) </p>
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<p>Additionally, I have reduced the price of the Complete CORE Method video series on Soundslice. Was $99.00, now $50.00. Please visit my store: <a contents="https://michaeldimin.com/store" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">https://michaeldimin.com/store</a> or SoundSlice page at: <a contents="https://www.soundslice.com/store/the-core-method-the-core-method-complete/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soundslice.com/store/the-core-method-the-core-method-complete/" target="_blank">https://www.soundslice.com/store/the-core-method-the-core-method-complete/</a></p>
<p>Hopefully, these materials will keep you occupied and inspired in this difficult time </p>
<p>Mike</p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62213782020-02-20T09:36:19-05:002020-02-20T09:36:19-05:00New Lessons Page<p>Added a page for those looking for in-person, on-line or Soundslice.com lessons. Please take a look and contact me for lesson prices and availability. Thanks </p>Michael Dimintag:michaeldimin.com,2005:Post/62036772020-02-04T19:15:56-05:002020-02-04T19:15:56-05:00Welcome!<p>I am excited to get this new website up and running. Please check back, often, for tons of bass specific content. </p>Michael Dimin